{"id":23357,"date":"2025-12-15T16:05:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:05:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/solar-energy-pros-and-cons\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T15:04:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T15:04:06","slug":"solar-energy-pros-and-cons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/solar-energy-pros-and-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Pros and Cons of Solar Energy to Consider in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.chariot-article {\n  max-width: 800px;\n  margin: 0 auto;\n  padding: 40px;\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, sans-serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  line-height: 1.8;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h1 {\n  font-size: 2.5em;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  margin: 0 0 30px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article h2 {\n  font-size: 1.8em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n  margin: 50px 0 20px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n  border-bottom: 2px solid #f7931e;\n  padding-bottom: 10px;\n}\n.chariot-article h3 {\n  font-size: 1.4em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.4;\n  margin: 40px 0 15px 0;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h4 {\n  font-size: 1.2em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  margin: 30px 0 10px 0;\n  color: #444;\n}\n.chariot-article p {\n  margin: 0 0 20px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article img {\n  max-width: 100%;\n  height: auto;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  display: block;\n}\n.chariot-article figure {\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article figcaption {\n  font-size: 0.9em;\n  color: #666;\n  text-align: center;\n  margin-top: 10px;\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article ul, .chariot-article ol {\n  margin: 20px 0 20px 30px;\n  padding: 0;\n}\n.chariot-article li {\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n}\n.chariot-article a {\n  color: #f7931e;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;\n  transition: border-color 0.2s;\n}\n.chariot-article a:hover {\n  border-bottom-color: #f7931e;\n}\n.chariot-article blockquote {\n  border-left: 4px solid #f7931e;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  padding: 20px 30px;\n  background: #f9f9f9;\n  font-style: italic;\n  color: #555;\n}\n.chariot-article strong {\n  font-weight: 600;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article em {\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article hr {\n  border: none;\n  border-top: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n  margin: 40px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article th, .chariot-article td {\n  padding: 12px 15px;\n  text-align: left;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n}\n.chariot-article th {\n  background: #f5f5f5;\n  font-weight: 600;\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .chariot-article {\n    padding: 20px;\n    font-size: 16px;\n  }\n  .chariot-article h1 { font-size: 2em; }\n  .chariot-article h2 { font-size: 1.5em; }\n  .chariot-article h3 { font-size: 1.25em; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"chariot-article\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" alt=\"Solar panels at sunrise\" class=\"wp-image-1406\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" height=\"1279\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/solar-pros-cons-1-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">After a good sleep, these solar panels are ready to generate electricity!<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>As a solar-powered electricity provider, Chariot Energy often hears all sorts of claims and questions about <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/what-is-solar-energy\/\">solar energy<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cSolar energy is great for the environment!\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201c\u2026wait, now people are saying solar energy is bad for the environment?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWell, the news told me you don\u2019t actually save money with solar energy\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201c\u2026or do you?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cAh, what you\u2019re actually saving is the planet\u2026 right?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With this article, we want to settle this squabble and finally clear the air about solar energy. Yes, there are many advantages to solar power, such as its ability to lower your <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/carbon-footprint\/\">carbon footprint<\/a> and lessen the strain on the <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/how-power-grids-work\/\">electrical grid<\/a>. But, admittedly, solar also has its limitations, such as the inability to generate electricity at night and the difficulty of relocating solar panels once they\u2019re installed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s explain the principal pros and cons of this <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/clean-energy\/\">clean energy<\/a> resource. We can help you decipher whether it\u2019s worth the investment or simply educate you about this awesome power source!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Top 11 Pros and Cons of Solar Energy<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3>Benefits of Solar Energy<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<th>\n<h3>Disadvantages of Solar Energy<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Reduces your carbon footprint<\/td>\n<td>Solar installations can be expensive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Saves money on your electricity bills<\/td>\n<td>Doesn\u2019t generate electricity at night<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>You receive federal assistance for solar panels<\/td>\n<td>Difficult to move once installed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Generates electricity anywhere on Earth<\/td>\n<td>Solar energy storage is costly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lessens the strain on the electric grid<\/td>\n<td>Requires rare earth metals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>You can sell back your excess solar energy<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Top 6 Advantages of Solar Energy<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18155\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/here-comes-the-sun-gif.gif\" style=\"width:306px;height:306px\" width=\"600\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Solar Energy Reduces Your Carbon Footprint<\/h3>\n<p>Whether you know it or not, generating electricity produces a lot of carbon emissions. In the United States, electricity generation from fossil fuels accounts for 25% of all <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/greenhouse-gases\/\">greenhouse gas emissions<\/a>, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.<sup>1<\/sup> Known as \u201cbrown power,\u201d this coal- and natural gas-powered electricity enters the grid to provide your home with electricity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Solar energy systems carve out a giant slice of the greenhouse gas emissions pie and replace it with clean energy. Photovoltaic technologies (solar panels) like we use at Chariot and concentrating solar power (CSP) plants both produce this clean energy, making them the two most environmentally friendly energy sources we have today. Thus, when you power your home with solar energy, you\u2019re reducing your entire household\u2019s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>At the end of 2020, the U.S. had 97.7 GWdc of solar generation capacity online, having installed more than 19 gigawatts (GWdc) just in the past year. That\u2019s enough to power nearly 18 million American homes.<sup>2<\/sup> In terms of emissions, the number of carbon emissions the U.S. solar energy reduces is equal to the amount of carbon stored in 2 billion trees.<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s 2,000,000,000 trees.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Solar Energy Can Save You Money<\/h3>\n<p>While the <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/solar-panel-installation-cost\/\">cost of solar panel systems<\/a> are declining, installing solar panels is still a significant investment. However, because solar energy is essentially free, the system will pay for itself and save you money on your electricity bill for literal decades! This savings is in the form of a significantly lower or no electricity bill at all.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In approximately 8 years after installation, your solar panel system will have completely paid for itself by providing free electricity to your home.<sup>4<\/sup> After that, you\u2019ll begin to <em>earn <\/em>money by simply doing nothing other than having solar panels. And these solar cells often last decades \u2014 around 25 to 30 years, on average.<sup>5<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>There are also <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/lease-buy-solar-panels\/\">leasing options available<\/a> for those who want to try solar panels out but do not want to buy just yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Solar Investment Tax Credits (ITC) are Available for Solar Energy Installations<\/h3>\n<p>In 2006, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act, which created the Solar Investment Tax Credit. Known as the ITC, this very subsidy gave rise to the massive solar industry you see today. Since the ITC was passed, the U.S. solar industry has grown by more than 10,000%, hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created, and billions of dollars have been injected into the economy.<sup>6<\/sup> All because of a tax rebate!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, the tax credit was 30%, and like wind credits, the government has plans to wind the tax credit down. However, it has been extended by two years since 2019 for residential customers. Today, the ITC is 26% off the taxes of any solar installation, from a small-scale rooftop array to a large-scale utility solar farm that powers thousands of homes. By 2024, ITC credit will only be available for utility-scale solar projects.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/solar-pros-cons-chart.png\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>There\u2019s no need to worry right now. You can still take advantage of this money-saving opportunity by investing in a home solar system that will pay for itself in a few years \u2014 or take advantage of the credits right now and switch to a <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/residential\/\">solar electricity plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Solar Energy Can Generate Electricity in Any Climate<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"Snowfall covers a solar form in the mountains\" class=\"wp-image-1408\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/solar-pros-cons-2.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Believe it or not, solar panels actually produce more electricity in colder weather.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<p>Despite hearsay, one of the great benefits of solar panels is they work anywhere and in any climate on Earth. Whether it\u2019s rain, snow, light hail, sleet or even a hurricane, solar panels still generate electricity if even a slight amount of sunlight hits the panel.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In fact, snow is actually beneficial to solar panel efficiency. While heavy snowfall can present a weight problem for solar panels, light to moderate snow has actually proven to slide the dirt, grime and debris off of the panels as it melts. Plus, solar panels are more efficient in cold weather, meaning that they are able to generate more electricity with greater effectiveness than solar arrays in hotter areas<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Solar Energy Lessens the Strain on the Electric Grid<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/how-power-grids-work\/\">power grid<\/a> is really complex, but underpinning the entire system is the simple economic principle of supply and demand. Supply must always meet the demand, but there are times when demand is greater than the amount of electricity the grid has to give. If demand overtakes supply, long-term damage and widespread blackouts can occur.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why solar energy is so important to diversifying the energy grid. If any one energy source fails, as was seen in the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2021_Texas_power_crisis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">February 2021 Texas energy crisis<\/a>, having a wide variety of energy sources is one answer to preventing power failures like we saw.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. has enough solar capacity to power 17.1 million homes,<sup>7<\/sup> approximately 2.3% of the total U.S. share of utility-scale electricity.<sup>8<\/sup> We clearly still have a long way to go. However, over the coming years, it\u2019s only going to get bigger.  The U.S. Environmental Investigation Agency reported that solar rose by 16.1 GW in 2021 and an estimated 5.8 GW in 2022.<sup>9<\/sup><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Get Paid by Selling Excess Solar Energy to the Grid<\/h3>\n<p>Solar power generators like Chariot help lessen the strain on the energy grid by adding electricity when it\u2019s needed most to prevent blackouts. What you may not know is that residents with solar panels can also help the grid \u2014 and get compensated for it!<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the state you live in, you have the option of <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/solar-net-metering\/\">net metering<\/a>. When your home is \u201cnet metered,\u201d you can be compensated by your utility company if your solar panels produce more electricity than your home needed at that time. Chariot, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/solar-buyback\/\">buys the excess energy from our customers\u2019 solar panels<\/a>. Our customers get paid in the form of bill credits.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Top 5 Disadvantages of Solar Energy<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Solar panels absorbing the last bit of light before the sun sets\" class=\"wp-image-1409\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1080\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/solar-pros-cons-3.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sorry, solar. When the sun sets, you can\u2019t produce electricity anymore.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<p>While we believe solar energy has the power to transform our world, we realize it\u2019s not perfect. We want to discuss a few of the important cons to consider.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Solar Panel Installations Can Be Expensive<\/h3>\n<p>As we\u2019ve mentioned in a <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/solar-panel-installation-cost\/\">previous blog<\/a>, investing in home solar panels is a bit like buying a car. Rooftop solar panels are a sizable investment. But, if you do your research, test drive a few, and make a smart and informed decision, your investment will provide great returns for many years.<\/p>\n<p>However, for some, the end result might not be worth the investment of time and money, which is totally understandable. Even with the reduced 26% investment tax credit (ITC) credit, the average price a solar installer charged $20,000<sup>10<\/sup>\u00a0 for a 10 kWh system in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>This is why we offer solar electricity plans for people who still want to benefit from going solar but can\u2019t afford the initial cost of installing panels.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Solar Energy Doesn\u2019t Work at Night<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cThanks, Captain Obvious!\u201d But seriously, you have to consider the reality that your rooftop solar panels won\u2019t create electricity at night. Yes, a tiny fraction of sunlight is reflected off of the moon and absorbed into the solar panels, but it\u2019s essentially pitch black at night. And when there\u2019s no light, solar panels don\u2019t produce electricity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This becomes especially relevant if you want to be completely \u201coff the grid\u201d and have your home 100% powered by solar panels. If you aren\u2019t tied to the electric grid, you need energy storage devices (the most common being a lithium-ion battery) to house the energy your solar panels produced earlier in the day so you have power at night. Otherwise, you\u2019ll be lighting oil lamps to illuminate your home.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Solar Energy Storage is Expensive<\/h3>\n<p>Here\u2019s the hard reality: <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/energy-storage-systems\/\">Energy storage devices<\/a> for rooftop solar panels cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Perhaps the most advanced product on the market today, Tesla\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tesla.com\/powerwall\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Powerwall<\/a> costs around $7,200 as of April 2021 for one solar battery \u2014 and how many you need depends on your current electricity bills Additionally, Tesla only sells the Powerwall to those who also buy solar panels.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The reason why solar storage and energy storage in general is so expensive is that it\u2019s uncharted territory. In 2010, you would have paid $40,000 for an average residential solar system, whereas today\u2014the price is half that.<sup>11\u00a0 <\/sup>We\u2019re optimistic that 10 years from now, solar storage along with the panels themselves will cost even less than they are today.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is why most rooftop solar owners currently opt for a <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/solar-net-metering\/\">net metering<\/a> setup. With this arrangement, your retail electricity provider agrees to buy excess solar power off your hands. Chariot Energy happens to be one of those providers! During peak generating hours, the excess solar energy you generate and don\u2019t use is added to the grid. In turn, your electricity company will pay you for the energy you supplement to your local area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Solar Panels are Difficult to Move Once Installed<\/h3>\n<p>Technically speaking, you could transfer your solar panels to your new home. But realistically, this almost never happens. Why? Because solar panels are custom-tailored to fit your roof, so moving them to a new location doesn\u2019t make sense.<\/p>\n<p>In most cases of people moving to a new home, the value of solar panels they had installed is tacked onto the home price. One study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that an average solar array increases home value by $15,000.<sup>12<\/sup> So, even though you would have to break up with your beloved solar panels, they\u2019ll practically pay for the next set you install on your new home.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Some Solar Panels Use Rare Earth Metals<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tellurium, a rare earth element used in solar panels\" class=\"wp-image-1412\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/solar-pros-cons-5-1024x683-1.jpg\" width=\"1024\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tellurium (above) is a rare earth element often used in the production of solar panels.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<p>The name \u201crare earth metals\u201d is a bit misleading \u2014 these elements are actually in ample supply. However, it\u2019s the extracting of these elements for use in wind turbines and solar cells that has negative impacts on the environment and the humans that mine them.<sup>12<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Additionally, these rare earth elements carry a political weight to them. From 2014 to 2017, China supplied the U.S. with 80% of its rare earths imports.<sup>14<\/sup> These materials, which are critical to the creation of most modern technology, have the potential to play a giant role in shaping economies around the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Luckily, leading technology companies, such as Apple, are exploring methods to recycle these rare earth elements to maintain a steady supply, which keeps costs from inflating because of ever-increasing\u00a0 demand.<sup>15<\/sup><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Solar Energy Worth the Investment?<\/h2>\n<p>Chariot Energy is a retail electricity provider, focused on supporting grid solar growth, so of course we\u2019d say yes! But we also know this isn\u2019t always the case for everyone. You have to consider these pros and cons and determine for yourself whether you want to go solar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And remember that rooftop solar systems are not the only option you have! While it may seem like the most popular option, there are so many other ways you can go solar. Take our solar electricity plans, for example. Chariot Energy offers 100% solar energy plans for those with or without panels. We make the going green part easy \u2014 without having to spend a ton of green.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-container ab-block-container\">\n<div class=\"ab-container-inside\">\n<div class=\"ab-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ab-testing-for-wp-ab-test-block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ab-testing-for-wp-ab-test-block-variant ABTestChild--sKm2T17u8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rooftop Solar from Chariot<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18585\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-2-1024x576-1.png\" width=\"1024\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<p>By turning to our next chapter \u2013 we are turning to you \u2013 our most valuable asset. You and our other past and present Chariot Energy customers will receive a one-of-a-kind experience from Axia Solar to go solar and keep your home energized\u2026even when the grid is not.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve seen energy prices skyrocket over the past year and many of us have experienced the volatility of our grid and the devastation it can bring when it\u2019s down.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/residential\/\" style=\"border-radius:10px;background-color:#f47320\">Get Your Quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ab-testing-for-wp-ab-test-block-variant ABTestChild--7EUQBQzEBq\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rooftop Solar from Chariot<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/residential\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18586\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-3-1024x576-1.png\" width=\"1024\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>Are you in search of dependable energy solutions to buy? Discover Rooftop Solar by Axia Solar, providing a unique experience to help you switch to solar and power your home. Take control of your energy usage and explore Axia\u2019s range of Rooftop Solar options today. Invest wisely in sustainable energy solutions for your home.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve seen energy prices skyrocket over the past year and many of us have experienced the volatility of our grid and the devastation it can bring when it\u2019s down.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gf_browser_unknown gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework\" data-form-index=\"0\" data-form-theme=\"gravity-theme\" id=\"gform_wrapper_16\">\n<div class=\"gform_heading\">\n<h2 class=\"gform_title\">Get Your Free Rooftop Solar Quote<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gform_description\">\n<p class=\"gform_required_legend\">&#8220;<span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span>&#8221; indicates required fields<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<form action=\"\/chariot-university\/solar-energy-pros-and-cons\/\" data-formid=\"16\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" id=\"gform_16\" method=\"post\" novalidate=\"\">\n<div class=\"gform-body gform_body\">\n<div class=\"gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below\" id=\"gform_fields_16\">\n<fieldset class=\"gfield gfield--type-name gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_above field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_4\" id=\"field_16_4\">\n<legend class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex\">Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/legend>\n<div class=\"ginput_complex ginput_container ginput_container--name no_prefix has_first_name no_middle_name has_last_name no_suffix gf_name_has_2 ginput_container_name gform-grid-row\" id=\"input_16_4\">\n<span class=\"name_first gform-grid-col gform-grid-col--size-auto\" id=\"input_16_4_3_container\"><br \/>\n<label class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub\" for=\"input_16_4_3\">First<\/label><br \/>\n<input aria-required=\"true\" id=\"input_16_4_3\" name=\"input_4.3\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"name_last gform-grid-col gform-grid-col--size-auto\" id=\"input_16_4_6_container\"><br \/>\n<label class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub\" for=\"input_16_4_6\">Last<\/label><br \/>\n<input aria-required=\"true\" id=\"input_16_4_6\" name=\"input_4.6\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/fieldset>\n<div class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_8\" id=\"field_16_8\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_16_8\">Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_phone\"><input aria-invalid=\"false\" aria-required=\"true\" class=\"large\" id=\"input_16_8\" name=\"input_8\" type=\"tel\" value=\"\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_6\" id=\"field_16_6\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_16_6\">Email<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_email\">\n<input aria-invalid=\"false\" aria-required=\"true\" class=\"large\" id=\"input_16_6\" name=\"input_6\" type=\"email\" value=\"\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<fieldset class=\"gfield gfield--type-address gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_above gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_22\" id=\"field_16_22\">\n<legend class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex\">Address<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/legend>\n<div class=\"ginput_complex ginput_container has_street has_street2 has_city has_state has_zip ginput_container_address gform-grid-row\" id=\"input_16_22\">\n<span class=\"ginput_full address_line_1 ginput_address_line_1 gform-grid-col\" id=\"input_16_22_1_container\"><br \/>\n<label class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub\" for=\"input_16_22_1\" id=\"input_16_22_1_label\">Street Address<\/label><br \/>\n<input aria-required=\"true\" id=\"input_16_22_1\" name=\"input_22.1\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ginput_full address_line_2 ginput_address_line_2 gform-grid-col\" id=\"input_16_22_2_container\"><br \/>\n<label class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub\" for=\"input_16_22_2\" id=\"input_16_22_2_label\">Address Line 2<\/label><br \/>\n<input aria-required=\"false\" id=\"input_16_22_2\" name=\"input_22.2\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ginput_left address_city ginput_address_city gform-grid-col\" id=\"input_16_22_3_container\"><br \/>\n<label class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub\" for=\"input_16_22_3\" id=\"input_16_22_3_label\">City<\/label><br \/>\n<input aria-required=\"true\" id=\"input_16_22_3\" name=\"input_22.3\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ginput_right address_state ginput_address_state gform-grid-col\" id=\"input_16_22_4_container\"><br \/>\n<label class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub\" for=\"input_16_22_4\" id=\"input_16_22_4_label\">State<\/label><br \/>\n<select aria-required=\"true\" id=\"input_16_22_4\" name=\"input_22.4\"><option value=\"\">TX<\/option><option value=\"Alabama\">Alabama<\/option><option value=\"Alaska\">Alaska<\/option><option value=\"American Samoa\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"Arizona\">Arizona<\/option><option value=\"Arkansas\">Arkansas<\/option><option value=\"California\">California<\/option><option value=\"Colorado\">Colorado<\/option><option value=\"Connecticut\">Connecticut<\/option><option value=\"Delaware\">Delaware<\/option><option value=\"District of Columbia\">District of Columbia<\/option><option value=\"Florida\">Florida<\/option><option value=\"Georgia\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"Guam\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"Hawaii\">Hawaii<\/option><option value=\"Idaho\">Idaho<\/option><option value=\"Illinois\">Illinois<\/option><option value=\"Indiana\">Indiana<\/option><option value=\"Iowa\">Iowa<\/option><option value=\"Kansas\">Kansas<\/option><option value=\"Kentucky\">Kentucky<\/option><option value=\"Louisiana\">Louisiana<\/option><option value=\"Maine\">Maine<\/option><option value=\"Maryland\">Maryland<\/option><option value=\"Massachusetts\">Massachusetts<\/option><option value=\"Michigan\">Michigan<\/option><option value=\"Minnesota\">Minnesota<\/option><option value=\"Mississippi\">Mississippi<\/option><option value=\"Missouri\">Missouri<\/option><option value=\"Montana\">Montana<\/option><option value=\"Nebraska\">Nebraska<\/option><option value=\"Nevada\">Nevada<\/option><option value=\"New Hampshire\">New Hampshire<\/option><option value=\"New Jersey\">New Jersey<\/option><option value=\"New Mexico\">New Mexico<\/option><option value=\"New York\">New York<\/option><option value=\"North Carolina\">North Carolina<\/option><option value=\"North Dakota\">North Dakota<\/option><option value=\"Northern Mariana Islands\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"Ohio\">Ohio<\/option><option value=\"Oklahoma\">Oklahoma<\/option><option value=\"Oregon\">Oregon<\/option><option value=\"Pennsylvania\">Pennsylvania<\/option><option value=\"Puerto Rico\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"Rhode Island\">Rhode Island<\/option><option value=\"South Carolina\">South Carolina<\/option><option value=\"South Dakota\">South Dakota<\/option><option value=\"Tennessee\">Tennessee<\/option><option selected=\"selected\" value=\"Texas\">Texas<\/option><option value=\"Utah\">Utah<\/option><option value=\"U.S. Virgin Islands\">U.S. Virgin Islands<\/option><option value=\"Vermont\">Vermont<\/option><option value=\"Virginia\">Virginia<\/option><option value=\"Washington\">Washington<\/option><option value=\"West Virginia\">West Virginia<\/option><option value=\"Wisconsin\">Wisconsin<\/option><option value=\"Wyoming\">Wyoming<\/option><option value=\"Armed Forces Americas\">Armed Forces Americas<\/option><option value=\"Armed Forces Europe\">Armed Forces Europe<\/option><option value=\"Armed Forces Pacific\">Armed Forces Pacific<\/option><\/select><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ginput_left address_zip ginput_address_zip gform-grid-col\" id=\"input_16_22_5_container\"><br \/>\n<label class=\"gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub\" for=\"input_16_22_5\" id=\"input_16_22_5_label\">ZIP Code<\/label><br \/>\n<input aria-required=\"true\" id=\"input_16_22_5\" name=\"input_22.5\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><input class=\"gform_hidden\" id=\"input_16_22_6\" name=\"input_22.6\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"United States\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gf_clear gf_clear_complex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/fieldset>\n<div class=\"gfield gfield--type-number gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_17\" id=\"field_16_17\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_16_17\">Average Monthly Bill<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_number\"><input aria-invalid=\"false\" aria-required=\"true\" class=\"large\" id=\"input_16_17\" name=\"input_17\" step=\"any\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gfield gfield--type-number gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_18\" id=\"field_16_18\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_16_18\">Energy Rate from Your Bill<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_number\"><input aria-describedby=\"gfield_description_16_18\" aria-invalid=\"false\" aria-required=\"true\" class=\"large\" id=\"input_16_18\" name=\"input_18\" step=\"any\" type=\"number\" value=\"\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gfield_description\" id=\"gfield_description_16_18\">For example, if the energy rate on your latest bill is 4.7 cents\/kwh, please enter 0.047<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gfield gfield--type-fileupload field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_16\" id=\"field_16_16\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_16_16\">Please Attach a Recent Energy Bill<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_fileupload\"><input name=\"MAX_FILE_SIZE\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"209715200\"\/><input aria-describedby=\"gfield_upload_rules_16_16\" class=\"large\" id=\"input_16_16\" name=\"input_16\" onchange=\"javascript:gformValidateFileSize( this, 209715200 );\" type=\"file\"\/><span class=\"gfield_description gform_fileupload_rules\" id=\"gfield_upload_rules_16_16\">Max. file size: 200 MB.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"gfield_description validation_message gfield_validation_message validation_message--hidden-on-empty\" id=\"live_validation_message_16_16\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\" data-js-reload=\"field_16_23\" id=\"field_16_23\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_16_23\">Name<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"ginput_container\"><input autocomplete=\"new-password\" id=\"input_16_23\" name=\"input_23\" type=\"text\" value=\"\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gfield_description\" id=\"gfield_description_16_23\">This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gform_footer top_label\"> <input class=\"gform_button button\" id=\"gform_submit_button_16\" onclick='if(window[\"gf_submitting_16\"]){return false;}  if( !jQuery(\"#gform_16\")[0].checkValidity || jQuery(\"#gform_16\")[0].checkValidity()){window[\"gf_submitting_16\"]=true;}  ' onkeypress='if( event.keyCode == 13 ){ if(window[\"gf_submitting_16\"]){return false;} if( !jQuery(\"#gform_16\")[0].checkValidity || jQuery(\"#gform_16\")[0].checkValidity()){window[\"gf_submitting_16\"]=true;}  jQuery(\"#gform_16\").trigger(\"submit\",[true]); }' type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\"\/><br \/>\n<input class=\"gform_hidden\" name=\"is_submit_16\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"1\"\/><br \/>\n<input class=\"gform_hidden\" name=\"gform_submit\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"16\"\/><br \/>\n<input class=\"gform_hidden\" name=\"gform_unique_id\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\"\/><br \/>\n<input class=\"gform_hidden\" name=\"state_16\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"WyJbXSIsImNjNDgzMmU5YjhmMGMyNzFkOWM3OGY1NTFhYzk5YjVjIl0=\"\/><br \/>\n<input class=\"gform_hidden\" id=\"gform_target_page_number_16\" name=\"gform_target_page_number_16\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"0\"\/><br \/>\n<input class=\"gform_hidden\" id=\"gform_source_page_number_16\" name=\"gform_source_page_number_16\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"1\"\/><br \/>\n<input name=\"gform_field_values\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"akismet-fields-container\" data-prefix=\"ak_\" style=\"display: none !important;\"><label>\u0394<textarea cols=\"45\" maxlength=\"100\" name=\"ak_hp_textarea\" rows=\"8\"><\/textarea><\/label><input id=\"ak_js_1\" name=\"ak_js\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"58\"\/><\/p>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-container ab-block-container\">\n<div class=\"ab-container-inside\">\n<div class=\"ab-container-content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-container ab-block-container\">\n<div class=\"ab-container-inside\">\n<div class=\"ab-container-content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" style=\"height:100px\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>Sources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ghgemissions\/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ghgemissions\/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seia.org\/us-solar-market-insight\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.seia.org\/us-solar-market-insight<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seia.org\/initiatives\/climate-change\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.seia.org\/initiatives\/climate-change<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.energysage.com\/understanding-your-solar-panel-payback-period\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/news.energysage.com\/understanding-your-solar-panel-payback-period\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.energysage.com\/how-long-do-solar-panels-last\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/news.energysage.com\/how-long-do-solar-panels-last\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seia.org\/us-solar-market-insight\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.seia.org\/us-solar-market-insight<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/tools\/faqs\/faq.php?id=427&amp;t=3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/tools\/faqs\/faq.php?id=427&amp;t=3<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/outlooks\/steo\/report\/electricity.php\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/outlooks\/steo\/report\/electricity.php<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.energysage.com\/how-much-does-the-average-solar-panel-installation-cost-in-the-u-s\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/news.energysage.com\/how-much-does-the-average-solar-panel-installation-cost-in-the-u-s\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seia.org\/solar-industry-research-data\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.seia.org\/solar-industry-research-data<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/kensilverstein\/2019\/07\/10\/china-has-a-powerful-trade-weapon-rare-earths-used-in-green-energy-products\/#4041f0144e4c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/kensilverstein\/2019\/07\/10\/china-has-a-powerful-trade-weapon-rare-earths-used-in-green-energy-products\/#4041f0144e4c<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-usa-trade-china-rareearth-explainer\/u-s-dependence-on-chinas-rare-earth-trade-war-vulnerability-idUSKCN1TS3AQ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-usa-trade-china-rareearth-explainer\/u-s-dependence-on-chinas-rare-earth-trade-war-vulnerability-idUSKCN1TS3AQ<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-apple-rareearths\/apple-taps-recycled-rare-earth-elements-for-iphone-parts-idUSKBN1W31JG\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-apple-rareearths\/apple-taps-recycled-rare-earth-elements-for-iphone-parts-idUSKBN1W31JG<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Solar Energy has a promising future that is growing brighter and brighter daily. Here are 11 things you need to know before going renewable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":23597,"parent":627,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23357","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23357","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23357"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23357\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}