One of the most powerful motivators for people considering solar energy is knowing someone who has already made the switch. People tend to trust the opinions and experiences of those they know, especially when making significant decisions like adopting solar power. In fact, research shows that the likelihood of someone installing solar panels increases by 89% if they know someone else who has already done so.
By sharing your own solar journey, you can influence others to follow suit. Whether it’s talking about your energy savings, the satisfaction of reducing your carbon footprint, or simply the positive impact solar has had on your life, your story could be the inspiration someone else needs to consider going solar. Here are five key points to help you communicate the benefits of solar energy when talking with friends, family, or neighbors.
1. Share Your Solar Journey
Many people find the idea of going solar overwhelming. By sharing your own experience, you can help demystify the process. Talk about how you got started—what inspired you to consider solar? Who did you consult? Was the experience smooth and hassle-free? People are often hesitant because they fear a high-pressure sales pitch, so if your journey was straightforward and positive, let them know that making the switch is easier than they might think.
2. Highlight the Financial Benefits
One of the first questions people ask about solar is, "Does it really save money?" Share your actual savings and the impact on your utility bills. For example, if your average utility bill was over $90 per month before going solar, investing in solar typically makes good financial sense in New Mexico. Due to PNM's rate structures, the more energy your household uses, the greater the financial benefits you can expect from solar.
3. Promote Local Incentives
New Mexico offers some of the best incentives for going solar. Spread the word about the New Mexico Solar Market Development Tax Credit, which offers a 10% tax credit, with savings up to $6,000, for both homeowners and businesses. This credit is on a first-come, first-served basis, so encourage your friends to act quickly. Also, mention the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently provides a 30% tax credit through 2032, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Additionally, New Mexico's net metering policies allow you to earn credits for excess electricity your system produces, which you can use when your solar panels aren’t generating enough power.
4. Discuss the Environmental Impact
If the conversation turns to climate change or environmental concerns, solar energy is a natural topic. Explain how your solar system helps reduce CO2 emissions—an average 6kW system can save nearly 6 metric tons of CO2 annually. This is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by almost 7 acres of U.S. forests or the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by recycling 2 tons of waste instead of sending it to a landfill. Mention how solar energy doesn’t require water for operation, unlike fossil fuel plants, making it an environmentally friendly choice that conserves natural resources.
5. Make it Relevant to Current Events
With extreme weather events and power outages becoming more common, solar energy offers a solution by providing energy security. For example, during the recent record-breaking heat in Texas, the state’s electric grid faced unprecedented demand, yet solar energy helped maintain stability without asking residents to conserve electricity. Connect solar energy to these pressing issues, and highlight how it shields consumers from rising utility rates by providing fixed energy costs.
One Last Thing
Don’t forget to mention the referral rewards! When you refer a friend to Positive Energy Solar, you earn a $500 reward if they make the switch. And they can do the same by spreading the word to others. At Positive Energy Solar, we’re here to help answer any lingering questions your friends may have about going solar. Just contact us!