Retirement costs have skyrocketed over the past several years, as life expectancy increases and the economy remains questionable. Today’s retirees are living eight years longer than they were in the 1970s. That gives you eight more years to enjoy your retirement traveling or enjoying your grandkids. Of course it also means eight more years of savings you’ll have to put away. In today’s economy, there are many factors that are threatening a comfortable retirement such as higher costs for basic living expenses- like gas, groceries, healthcare and of course, electricity. A well-planned retirement strategy is critical, especially as employer contributions are shrinking, interest rates are climbing and the cost of living is climbing.
Solar energy can help. New financing programs including solar leases, can immediately lower your electric bill and keep it low for years to come- with no out of pocket investment. More people are discovering that leasing solar panels and harnessing the sun’s energy to produce their own power gives them savings, predictability and peace of mind.
It’s kind of like refinancing your electric bill at a lower fixed rate, without any fees.
Assess Your Energy Needs
Take a second to assess your energy costs. If you are spending more than $125 a month on electricity, then a solar lease can save you anywhere from 10-30% in the first year. The savings grow each year as the cost of electricity rises on average of five percent each year.
Home improvements that help save energy costs are often perceived to be pricey undertakings, but small adjustments can make significant differences. Consider integrating passive-cooling techniques with strategically placed landscaping, awnings or even covering window seals at little to no cost. Homeowners can also begin to save on utility costs by purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances, which usually prove to be more energy- and cost-efficient than older models. Most utility companies also offer significant rebates for these purchases.
Save with Solar Energy
Over the life of a solar lease, residential solar energy systems serve as stable investments that not only add value to the home, but also improve the carbon footprint for future generations. Companies like ours, offer flexible and affordable solar leasingoptions that remove high up-front investments typically associated with a solar energy system. Instead, OneRoof Energy offers customers varying solutions to fit their personal financial situations, including little to no money down programs. Homeowners can immediately start saving money and avoid increasing electricity costs. After the solar energy system is installed, the new lease payment combined with the lower electricity bill can be significantly lower than the original bill.
In addition to these savings, you can also expect a long-term investment as the system increases the overall value of the home. With fewer pensions, shrinking 401(k) accounts and questionable social security benefits these days, the outlook for future generations is dubious. Residential solar energy systems are proven to increase the value of an existing home, which sell at a faster pace than homes without them, according to research conducted by the California Association of Realtors.
Consolidate Your Home Repairs
Last year, Rancho Penasquitos residents Diane and Tom Berghage knew it was time to replace their aging roof. When they consulted with a roofing company, the contractor recommended that now would be a good time to also consider adding solar power as part of the project.
After reviewing the potential cost savings, the couple decided to install a OneRoof Energy solar energy system. Adding solar panels at the same time as their reroof resulted in a smooth transition because the solar company worked directly with roofers from beginning to end. After four months of using their new solar electricity system, the Berghages saved an estimated $700 in electricity costs in a year-over-year comparison.
“With the options that are available these days and the savings that [the solar energy] will generate, we knew it wasn’t a bad decision,” said Tom Berghage. “We participated in the OneRoof solar program to save some money, but it was nice to know that we are also helping our country, in some small way, to achieve energy independence.”
Celebrate Your Golden Years
While retirement is a time to celebrate all of your hard work, it can also be stressful, as penny pinching and long term planning becomes a stark reality. But there’s no reason you can’t enjoy your golden years by traveling, spending time with loved ones or starting a new hobby. Careful planning and research can go a long way to help you stretch your nest egg. Assessing your energy use, consolidating home repair and exploring solar energy can help you make retirement the best time of your life.