You’re starting to see them everywhere and for good reason. While, solar panels are great for the environment, there are also plenty of other advantages of solar energy for people who use it.
So, if you’re on the fence about solar energy, here’s some insight. Check out this fascinating list of 12 proven advantages of using solar energy. You may just be surprised by what perks solar energy has to offer.
1. Lower Energy Bills
It may cost a bit to install solar panels or a solar energy system upfront, but the savings will more than make up for it. Depending on the size of your solar system, your bills could drop substantially, even saving you hundreds or thousands each year.
You even have the added benefit of potentially getting paid instead. If your solar system is connected to the grid, and you generate more energy than you use, depending on your utility provider, you can receive a check for the extra energy you’ve contributed.
2. Easy to Maintain
Most solar panels come with a warranty anywhere from 20-25 years. They’re very easy to maintain too. Simply make sure they’re cleaned off once or twice a year, and you’re golden.
No more paying for repairmen to come and fix your radiator or HVAC units. With solar, you have the advantage of no moving parts. This means your system can work uninterrupted to keep generating energy.
There’s no concern over broken pieces or inefficiency. Not to mention, there’s another way solar energy systems put money back in your pocket each year.
3. Tax Refund
Do you like getting a hefty tax refund? This one reason alone motivates many homeowners to take the leap and opt for solar energy.
Depending on where you live and when you have your solar energy system or solar panels installed, the refund can be quite substantial.
4. Boost Your Home Value
Having solar panels on your home or a solar energy system is a fast way to enhance the value of your home. Current available studies show that your home value can increase anywhere from 4% to 20%.
If you’re looking to sell and need a serious way to boost your home’s resale value, adding solar is the way to go. Potential buyers see solar panels as a major asset.
5. It’s a Renewable Source of Energy
We hear this term, “renewable energy” all the time from environmentalists. But what does it mean?
Basically, renewable energy can be harnessed anywhere in the world. It can even be harnessed every day. Renewable energy is an energy source that we can never run out of.
Unlike fossil fuels and other energy sources, as long as there is a sun, we’ll have solar energy.
6. More Control Over Increasing Energy Costs
The unfortunate truth is, the cost of energy is rising. It can be frustrating to get your energy bill each month and realize you have little or no control over the rising costs.
The cost of solar has decreased by nearly 70% in the last 10 years. On the other hand, electricity rates increase by an average of 5% every single year, which means rates have risen by approximately 50% over the last 10 years, and they are still on the rise as the cost of solar continues to fall.
If you want more say in how much you pay each month, (or you want to pay nothing), then solar energy is the best solution.
7. Help the U.S. Become Energy Independent
If you’re the patriotic sort, then solar energy is the obvious solution to helping the United States move towards becoming more energy independent.
Foreign fossil fuels and energy costs vary greatly depending on the economy. For the U.S. to be free from relying on outside sources for energy, each citizen’s choices towards becoming more green matter.
8. Constant Technological Improvements
Because there are so many advantages of using solar energy, there are constant improvements being made to its technology.
Innovations in the field of renewable energy are constant. Nanotechnology and quantum physics play a major role in the function of solar energy systems and with ever-constant progress, the efficiency of solar energy systems will continue to develop.
9. It’s More Affordable Than You Think
If you look solely at the upfront cost for installing solar panels, you’d think it was a hefty expense. But the fact of the matter is, installing solar panels is far less expensive today than even 10 years ago.
For the savvy homeowner, the savings you’ll enjoy from installing solar panels or a solar energy system far outweigh the initial installation cost.
It may surprise you to realize just how inexpensive installation is today. For curiosity’s sake, you can request a quote from a reliable solar panel installation contractor and see just exactly how much it would cost for installation in your home.
10. It’s Versatile
Did you know that solar energy systems can be used to do more than generate electricity? With the power of solar energy, you can generate heat, power space satellites, even distill water in areas where there’s no clean water supply.
If you’re really into solar energy-powered homes, there are solar energy windows and other building materials now in production.
11. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Maybe you think you don’t care about your carbon footprint now. But what about the effect it will have on your children or your children’s children?
Everything we do, eat, drive, consume becomes part of our carbon footprint. If you’re serious about doing your part to save the planet, then adding a solar energy system to your home is one of the most substantial ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Your posterity will thank you someday.
12. Great Return on Investment
As mentioned, not only does solar energy cut the costs of your monthly energy bills, but they can entirely eliminate them. Some states even offer Solar Energy Renewable Credits or SERCs.
Basically, this means your state will pay you hundreds of dollars a year, just for having solar panels.
This money back, along with your tax refund, and refunds from your city for what you contributed to the grid, can all go toward the initial cost of installation. At the end of it all, your solar system could end up costing you nothing and bringing in cash.
More Advantages of Solar Energy
If the advantages of solar energy haven’t got you convinced yet, contact our team of professionals today with any questions.
Find out everything from how much solar would cost you, to whether your home is a good candidate. There’s no better time than today to take a step towards a greener, more cost-effective life.
