There are many benefits to going solar, but one homeowner took to Reddit to share their biggest regret.
In a post shared on r/solar , the original poster talked about how their decision left them wanting to install additional panels or use larger panels when switching to solar.
“Hindsight is 20/20, but after adding the battery, I regret not installing 2-3 more panels when setting up the system,” the OP wrote.
Other Reddit users were quick to share some of their own solar experiences. “Honestly, get as much power as you can. Things will change and you may need more power in the future than you do now. I needed 20 panels for usage so I got 65,” one user chimed in.
Reddit users may have a point. A new study published in the journal Nature Energy found that 60 percent of U.S. households could save an average of 15 percent on their electricity bills by using solar battery systems, Stanford Energy reported.
Tools like TCD’s Solar Explorer can help homeowners quickly understand which solar setups make the most sense for their homes and maximize potential savings. Solar Explorer will ask for your zip code and then help you get a quote from a vetted partner who will perform installations in your area.
Solar energy can also help 63% of households access alternative energy during local or regional power outages, which are exacerbated by extreme weather events and are likely to become more frequent.
Installing solar panels can significantly reduce home energy costs—in some cases, to nearly $0. It can also help households become more resilient in the face of grid instability and rising electricity bills.
This is particularly important given widespread concerns about the reliability of the national grid. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as load is projected to grow, retiring 104 gigawatts of stationary generation capacity by 2030 without appropriate replacements could increase the risk of blackouts, leading to more frequent and longer outages that could affect millions of homes and businesses.
One Reddit user commented: “No one has ever said ‘I regret installing too much solar’.”
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What’s the biggest thing stopping you from going solar? cost my roof my management fee I have no home Click on your selection to see the results and speak your mind. |
“Yeah. In my 10 years in the industry, not adding a few panels to ‘grow’ is the #1 regret. Especially given the soft costs of later expansion, so it’s better to just do it once,” another person shared their insight.
Smart upgrades can slash your monthly energy bills
These upgrades can help you save on utility bills and increase your energy resiliency:
• Going solar can cut your bills, protect you from utility rate increases, and keep your home powered—even during power outages
• Solar Explorer by TCD can save you up to $10,000 by comparing competitive installation quotes from vetted partners
• Not ready to spend upfront? Palmetto’s $0 Down LightReach Plan Can Reduce Your Utilization Rates Up to 20%
TCD’s Solar Explorer can guide you through available solar options by reviewing bids from local installers. It also offers solar subscription options with $0 down, such as Palmetto’s LightReach leasing plan. LightReach enables you to take advantage of federal tax credits that would otherwise be unavailable to individual homeowners purchasing solar panels.
Then, platforms like EnergySage provide additional resources, including solar panel buying guides and bonus tools.
Combining solar power with high-efficiency heat pumps and HVAC systems can further reduce energy costs, and TCD’s HVAC Explorer highlights systems and programs that support these savings. The Palmetto Home app adds another layer of value by giving you an easy way to earn rewards (up to $5,000) toward home upgrades.
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.