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Is solar for you?

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So you decided to get off the grid but wonder if it's cost effective. 

Every house differs on how much electricity it uses. Location also plays a major factor in whether it's a good idea to install solar panels. Obviously, it's not a great idea if house is surrounded by shade. 

If you have ever wondered if installing solar panels on your property is worth the investment, there's software for that. Meet SAM, or System Advisor Model. SAM is a software that calculates how cost effective it would be using simulations and models. 

If you don't want to go the technical route, no worries. There's a calculator for that. Solar-estimate.org gives a good break-down of your location and whether it's an ok, good, great, or excellent idea. 

If the cost still scares you, there are federal and state incentives that bring down the cost. Energy Star offers discounts up to $5,000 per project for single-family homes.