You’re involved in many more relationships than only your marriage.

One significant relationship you and your family have is the one with your utility provider. It appears as a healthy relationship. After all, you pay them to give you the energy you need to go about your daily business.

But is this relationship healthy? Does your utility provider really care about your interests and your future? Probably not.

Have you considered building a relationship with solar power? Solar panel patio covers are a great way to reduce, if not eliminate, your energy bill.

Investing in solar power is an investment in yourself and your future. Rather than spending your hard-earned money on finite resources and greedy investors, you can save that money for you and your family. Not to mention, you’ll be helping the environment by saving energy.

Are you ready to improve your relationships and start investing in your future? Check out these 7 tips on saving money and your marriage with solar panel patio covers.

1. Plan or Add to a Home Project

Are you planning to add or renovate a patio in your home? A finished patio is a great way to boost your home’s value while also making extra space to relax and entertain.

But your patio can do more than provide you with shade in your favorite outdoor space. Adding solar panel patio covers to your outdoor features will provide you with shelter as well as energy savings.

Patio solar panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles to fit any patio. They’re an alternative to ground-level or rooftop solar panels which some find to be a costly endeavor or an eyesore. If you’re already planning a patio project, now is the best time to add a solar panel patio cover.

2. Understand What Solar Panel Patio Covers Are

What exactly are solar panel patio covers? Small structures, such as a patio or gazebo, don’t take up much yard space. The solar panels can attach directly to the structure as is, or you can replace the current covering with solar panel patio covers.

This form of the solar panel is emerging in popularity as a small-scale solar installation. It’s less expensive than adding a fleet of solar panels to your yard or adding them to your home’s roof.

Adding solar panels to your patio is a cost-efficient way to add solar panels to your home. They also make a great start for anyone thinking about trying solar panels for the first time.

3. Review Your Electric Bill and Your Budget

Before you hop online and start shopping for the coolest looking solar panel patio covers, review your current electric bill. Solar panels will provide you with energy that will reduce your bill or eliminate it completely, depending on your energy use.

The greater your current energy bill, the more you’ll benefit from adding solar power.

You’ll also need to consider your budget. While solar panel patio covers may be more affordable than large rooftop solar panels, they’re still an investment.

4. Calculate the Cost of Solar Panel Patio Covers

With your budget in mind, you can start exploring the different solar panel patio covers available. The upfront costs can be a little daunting, but there are many financing options available. Today’s solar panels are more durable and long-lasting than older models, with most having a lifespan of over 20 years.

The two major costs are the purchase and the installation. The average cost of a solar panel patio cover is about $3 per watt, including installation. Costs can range from an affordable $1,000 to over $10,000, depending on the size.

After that, they require little maintenance or replacement.

5. Learn the Benefits of Solar Power

Solar power is an incredibly efficient, converting around 22% of available energy into usable electric power. Each solar panel contains small round disks known as solar cells. Sunlight strikes the cells and converts the light into energy.

Adding solar power means you’re adding and using a renewable energy source. The sun isn’t burning out anytime soon, meaning you’ll have an endless reliable form of energy. Even on cloudy days, your solar patio covers will continue to absorb light and convert into energy.

Adding solar panels to your patio or your home is a great way to boost the value of your home. If you and your spouse decide to move, you can earn back your investment in solar.

6. Do You Get A Lot of Sun?

It doesn’t make sense to invest in solar panels for your outdoor patio covers if your patio area is completely hidden from the sun. The more sun you have, the more potential you have to save with solar energy.

Fortunately, there is plenty of bright, powerful sunshine covering most of New Mexico. Solar panel patio covers will continue to absorb energy when it’s cloudy or shady. Therefore, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of solar power year-round in all kinds of weather.

7. Determine the Cost Savings

Besides saving you money on your energy bill, solar power offers many more amazing benefits. The government offers many tax incentives for homeowners who install solar panels to use as an alternative source of energy.

In 2021, taxpayers can claim up to 22% in tax credit for the installation of their solar panels. Individual states also offer incentives and tax reductions for those using reusable power. Other incentives include property tax exemptions and selling excess solar power back to the utility company.

Solar power is also becoming a more affordable commodity. You and your spouse don’t have to worry about spending outside of your budget to find the perfect panels for your patio covers.

Add Solar Panel Patio Covers Today

Do you want to form a healthy relationship with your energy provider? Adding solar panel patio covers will allow you and your family to save money on your energy bills. Use those savings to enjoy a date, a new home project, or another investment for your future.

Are you ready to add solar panels to your patio? Let’s get in touch and start investing in solar today!