Adding solar to your second home or cabin can be a great way to offset your energy bills.
Solar-confident or solar-curious?
If you already have solar on your primary home, then you’re likely already a big fan of solar, having seen the benefits it provides and the impact on your monthly utility bills. Getting solar installed on your second property can have all the same benefits and likely bring a similar return on your investment.
If you don’t have solar on your current primary residence, getting solar installed on your secondary—presumably smaller—residence can be a great way to dip your toes into the world of solar and begin seeing the benefits of having your own power plant on your roof (or elsewhere on your property).
Timing may play a big part in this. For instance, if the asphalt shingle roof on your primary residence is 18 years old, it may not be the best time to install solar, as your roof will likely need to be replaced in the next 5-10 years. If the roof on your second home is in immediate need of replacing, it’s the perfect time to consider solar.
Cost savings and increased resale values
While the initial investment for solar panels can be significant, they often pay for themselves over time through reduced or eliminated energy bills. In locations where grid electricity is expensive or difficult to access, solar power can be a cost-effective alternative in the long run.
Combining solar panels with energy storage solutions, such as batteries, allows you to store excess energy generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or at night. This ensures a continuous power supply, even in locations with intermittent sunlight. For locations such as a cabin, where you may only use it on weekends or have an overall lower demand for electricity, this can be an ideal scenario. Maybe you’re out hiking or on the beach all day while your batteries are getting charged up by the sun. You’ll have plenty of power stored up to run any household needs you have for the evening.
In addition, installing solar panels can increase the resale value of your second home. Potential buyers may be attracted to the prospect of lower energy bills and a property that aligns with sustainable living practices.
A 30% discount
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct up to 30 percent of the cost of their solar panel systems from their federal taxes, is a gigantic upfront savings incentive for anyone looking to switch to solar on their second home. And, while you’ll have to be careful if you rent out your secondary home, as this credit doesn’t apply to rental units, it does apply to installations on both principal residences and second homes. There may be additional credits or incentives available in your area.
