You can rarely do something nice for the environment and save your wallet simultaneously, but solar panels make it easy! Solar power systems typically save you money by lowering your utility bills. You can further reduce your electricity rates by signing up for a time-of-use plan and running your appliances during off-peak hours.
Save the Environment
Using solar energy instead of conventional power sources for your home reduces environmental pollution. Traditional fuel sources generate massive amounts of dangerous air pollutants, which create acid rain, toxic smog, and respiratory illnesses. By switching to solar energy, you help make the world a better place for everyone. Solar energy is a renewable resource, so it will never run out. It is also environmentally friendly since it produces zero carbon dioxide emissions.
Furthermore, it does not require the use of fossil fuels or nuclear power, which causes various problems for the environment and world populations, such as climate change, acid rain, air pollution, water pollution, oil spills, and habitat destruction. In this case, solar panels can save you. Another advantage of solar energy is that it does not pollute the water supply, unlike fossil fuels, which contaminate the oceans and rivers with heavy metals. The only environmental concern associated with solar energy is that it requires a lot of land to produce. Still, this problem can be mitigated by choosing high-quality locations to build solar farms. Additionally, although manufacturing requires a lot of electricity, a solar panel system will typically pay back the energy costs required for production within two years. Installing a PV system can also increase the value of your home and help you become energy independent.
Save Your Wallet
Solar energy offers many benefits, whether you want to protect the environment or save on your electricity bill. Solar panels aren’t cheap but can save a lot in the long run. The price of a solar panel setup depends on several factors, including how many panels are needed, where the installation will take place, and how much energy will be consumed. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that multiple federal, state, and local tax credits can significantly decrease the overall cost of the system. Additionally, financing options are available, which allow for monthly payments until the solar panel system has paid for itself. This can be a great way to make the initial investment more manageable while reaping renewable energy’s benefits. You can calculate the payback period in years by subtracting all upfront costs and comparing them to your annual bill savings. Some homeowners purchase their solar systems outright with cash, which can help maximize their savings. Solar energy is also affordable for those who can’t afford to buy or install a system. With solar leases, PPAs, and community solar programs, many people can go green for less or even for free. Depending on your energy needs, you can find out how much you’ll save with a home solar design and savings calculator. You can also examine your previous utility bills to estimate how much power your house consumes each month and use a tool like Google’s Project Sunroof to see if you have enough space for solar panels on your roof.
Increase the Value of Your Home
A solar power system can significantly increase its value. A recent study confirmed that homes with solar energy systems sell for 4.1% more than those without. The resale value of your home depends on multiple factors, including the state where you live and the age of your solar panel installation. Generally, a solar system will last 25 years or more with proper maintenance. If your solar system is less than ten years old, it will still offer significant value to new homeowners. In addition, homeowners who install solar batteries in their homes can take advantage of additional savings. Solar batteries allow you to store excess energy produced by your solar panels and utilize it when the electricity grid is overcrowded, such as on cloudy days or during a blackout. Another factor that influences the resale value of a solar system is the availability of state incentives and credits.Â
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
A household’s carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by all activities that support daily living, including driving, heating, cooking, and electricity use. These emissions result from fossil fuel use, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and sulfur dioxide. A small home solar system can dramatically reduce energy usage and carbon footprint. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power doesn’t produce harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants during operation. This is particularly important if you live in an area with high air pollution from cars, buses, and trucks. Every kilowatt-hour of electricity your solar system generates saves the equivalent of burning more than 1,000 pounds of jet fuel. If you opt for a grid-tied system with battery backup, your solar panels will still generate electricity after the sun goes down. This will drastically cut your reliance on the National Grid, a significant contributor to climate change.
