Up until ten years ago, adding solar panels to a house was uncommon. Nowadays, it pays to switch to solar power. Adding solar panels to your house can not only lower your electric bill – it could give your house a higher resale value.

Solar panels provide a home with the electricity it needs, all for free, from the sun’s energy. Solar panels use batteries that transform sunlight into energy and convert that energy it into electricity that powers the home. Various studies show that homes with solar panels have property values that are 3-4% higher compared to similar homes in similar areas. They also help put the house ahead of the market competition by selling twice as fast.

Areas where electricity is expensive and states that offer solar incentive programs are seeing a huge increase in homes switching over to solar power. Home sellers with solar panels not only recover the cost of the panels when their home is up for sale, but they also receive a premium that will increase the return on their investment.

With environmental and financial benefits, homeowners are quickly starting to realize the value of solar panels. If you are interested in adding solar panels to your house, here are some tips for choosing a solar panel installation company:

• Take a look at any warranties offered by the company. It is important for the panels to be covered for up to 20-25 years.
• Make sure the panels are manufactured in the U.S. This way your warranty is guaranteed to protect you.
• Check to see if the company is licensed, and that they don’t have major complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau.
• Ask if they can provide you with customer references.