CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — As power rates rise across Washington County, some homeowners may be wondering what it would take to become self-reliant. HedgeHog Electric and Solar is excited to help residents find a solution that works best for them.
“All the power rates are going up in St. George right now,” sales manager Kaelan Bird said. “Everyone is feeling it.”
Both residential solar and home backup generators provide an alternate source of power. When deciding which one is better for an individual’s home, HedgeHog Electric and Solar explained that it varies depending on each home along with the homeowner’s goals and desires.
The company provided the following example: Neighbors Jared and Tom live in the same cul-de-sac in St. George. They’ve both researched solar and home backup generators. Ultimately, Jared chose to install solar panels, while Tom decided to install a home backup generator.
Why would two neighbors make two different decisions? Each homeowner has a different story.
Jared is 38 years old and relatively new to the neighborhood with a competitive mortgage rate he obtained during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans to own this home forever and likes the idea of becoming more self-reliant.
Jared would rather sell electricity to himself than be at the mercy of his power company’s rate hikes and policies. He chose to install an eight-panel solar system and reduce the amount of power he buys from Dixie Power.
Tom is semi-retired and has been in his home for over 20 years. His biggest concern is the hot summer days and nights. His goal is to maintain a comfortable 72-degree temperature indoors during a power outage. It’s important for him to have heating, ventilation and air condition plus all electrical appliances working during a power grid outage.
Residential solar pros
- Provides a clean and renewable source of energy with a reduced carbon footprint and environmental impact.
- Reduces monthly electricity bills.
- Can increase the value of a home.
- Incentives and rebates are often available to reduce installation costs.
- Long-term cost savings over the life of the system.
Bird said that currently, the federal income tax credit for solar, which can be used for up to 22 years, is 30%, and the Utah state tax credit is $400. Get a free solar quote in four minutes by clicking here.
Residential solar cons
- Higher upfront costs for installation and equipment.
- Dependent on sunlight, backup batteries are expensive.
- Initial permitting and installation may take longer than a backup generator.
Home backup generator pros
- Can provide immediate whole-home backup power.
- Can be powered by the home’s existing natural gas connection.
- Can be less expensive than residential solar, especially for smaller homes or those with low power needs.
Home backup generator cons
- Will produce emissions, contributing to air and water pollution.
- Ongoing fuel costs can add up over time.
- Does not provide long-term cost savings like solar power.
- May be noisy when running.
- Annual maintenance and tune-ups required.
Overall, both residential solar and home backup generators have their advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which one to choose, it’s important to consider individual needs and budgets. Such was the case with Jared and Tom, who both said they were happy with their decisions.
For those desiring a clean and renewable source of energy with long-term cost savings, residential solar may be the best choice. And for immediate whole-home power during an outage, a Generac home backup generator could be a great solution.
About HedgeHog Electric
HedgeHog Electric and Solar has served Southern Utah for 15 years and is a certified Generac and Enphase Energy partner. Last year, the company installed over 2 megawatts of residential solar. They pride themselves in helping customers make the right decision for their families.
When it comes to the pros and cons of residential solar or a backup generator solution, nobody understands the decision better than HedgeHog Electric and Solar.
Bird said what sets the company apart is that all sales, including solar sales, are not commission based. That means there are no high-pressure sales tactics, and customers always come first.
“We do what’s best for the customer, not what’s best for the salesman,” he added.
HedgeHog Electric and Solar offers a free, no-obligation solar quote within four minutes by simply filling out an online form. Powered by data from Google’s SunRoof program and Demand IQ, the process is quick and easy. Get started here.
From now until April 17, HedgeHog Electric and Solar is offering $100 off each solar panel purchased. Visit their website or call 866-303-2259 for more information.
Written by JESSI BANG for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- HedgeHog Electric & Solar | Telephone: 866-605-2113 | Website.
- Locations:
- St. George: 230 N. 1680 East, Building T2, Suite 206.
- Hurricane: 5526 W. 240 North, Suite 4.
- Cedar City: 888 Sage Drive, Suite 2C.
- Kanab: 217 E. 300 South, Suite 203.
- Mesquite, Nevada: 450 Hillside Drive, Suite A203.
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