Are you looking for a way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment?
Solar panels are a great way to do both of those things. They allow you to generate your own energy, reducing your reliance on the grid.
Not to mention you'll be able to save money in the long run while having a minimal environmental impact. To help you feel certain you're making the right decision, we've put together this complete guide, all about solar benefits.
Read on to learn the top 8 benefits of solar panels.
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1. Combat Climate Change
The Earth is going through a period of dramatic climate change, and it's happening faster than scientists ever predicted. The main cause of this climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which are caused by human activity.
One way to stop climate change is to install solar panels at home as it uses sun energy to generate electricity. It's one of the major benefits of solar panels.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, and when you install them in your house, you can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. Here's a quick guide that breaks down what fossil fuels are. Limiting them not only helps to combat climate change but also saves you money on your energy bills.
How do solar panels work? The sun is a star that is about 150,000 times the size of Earth. It is so huge that it could fit about 1.3 million planets the size of Earth inside of it!
The sun's rays (solar radiation) convert into heat or electricity. Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. Since it's a renewable energy source, it won't run out.
2. Save on Electricity
How does solar energy help you save on electricity? There are a few ways.
For one, if you have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on your home, business, or farm, you're generating your own electricity from the sun. This means that you're using less of the grid-supplied energy and therefore paying less for it.
Additionally, if your PV system is sized correctly, you may generate more electricity than you use in a year. In this case, you can actually sell this extra power back to the utility company through a process called net metering. Wouldn't that be great?
Solar PV systems usually have a 20-25 year lifespan. That means once they're paid off, all of the electricity they generate is essentially free!
Even if you don't have a PV system yourself, you can still benefit. As solar energy becomes more popular and widespread, the cost of solar-generated electricity will continue to go down.
This means that everyone benefits from solar energy, not just those with PV systems. Solar energy is a great way to save money on your electricity bill, and it's also good for the environment!
3. Generate Renewable Energy
What is more of the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar energy is a completely renewable resource, which means that we can never run out of it. It's also clean energy, meaning that it doesn't produce any harmful emissions or pollutants when it's generated.
Generating electricity from the sun instead of from fossil fuels helps us move away from dirty energy sources like coal and oil, which are responsible for a large percentage of harmful emissions in the atmosphere. This is good news for the environment and also for public health.
In addition to being renewable and clean, solar energy is also very efficient. A lot of the sun's energy can work towards generating power without any waste. You'll feel good saving money while doing your part for the planet.
4. Increase Home Value
Do you know what your home is worth? If you're thinking of selling or if you just want to know how much your home has increased in value, solar energy can help. Homes with solar panels are likely to sell faster and for more money than homes without solar panels.
For starters, potential buyers will be happy to know they're buying a property that saves money over time. The average American household spends thousands a year on electricity. A typical solar energy system will save you hundreds of dollars every year.
In some sunny states, like California and Arizona, the savings are even greater. And as utility rates continue to rise, the savings from solar will only grow larger.
Another way solar increases home value is by adding to the curb appeal of your property. Prospective buyers will likely smile upon your commitment to renewable energy. You'll suddenly have a talking point that sets your home apart from the competition.
5. Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence
What are fossil fuels? They're energy sources like coal and oil that come from the remains of dead plants and animals. And they're nonrenewable, meaning we can't make more of them.
Fossil fuels are also the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change. Solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning it won't run out the way fossil fuels will.
Solar doesn't produce any greenhouse gas emissions when it's generating electricity. So by using solar power, you can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Plus, as solar technology continues to improve, it's becoming more and more affordable. That means there's never been a better time to go solar!
6. Stabilize Electrical Grid
Solar energy allows you to stabilize the electrical grid by producing enough electricity to meet the needs of your home or business and feeding the rest back into the system. This is important because the demand on the electrical grid is constantly changing, and if there isn't enough power to meet that demand, brownouts and blackouts can occur.
If you have a solar energy system, you can help stabilize the grid by providing power when needed most and reducing strain on the system. In many cases, solar energy can be used to generate electricity during peak demand periods when the cost of power is highest. This is because solar panels produce more electricity during these times.
So not only can you save money by using solar energy, but you can also help to stabilize the electrical grid and prevent blackouts and brownouts. Isn't that cool?
7. Easy Installation Process
In the past, installing solar panels was a complicated and time-consuming process. However, thanks to advances in technology, solar panel installations happen easily and quickly. If you're unsure what it'll cost, you can try Blue Raven for a free quote.
Everything can be done in just a few days. This means you can start saving money on your energy bills much sooner than you may have thought.
The modern panels require very little maintenance, and the new designs can last for decades. You'll also get to choose from various colors and styles to match the look of your home.
The initial cost of solar panels can indeed be expensive, but they will quickly pay for themselves in the form of lower energy bills. Once you've installed solar panels, you'll likely see a decrease in your energy bills within the first few months.
Over time, solar panels will continue to save you money as energy rates continue to rise. Installing solar panels is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home.
8. Tax Credit Opportunities
Now let's explore all the tax credit opportunities available to you as a solar panel owner. The first, perhaps most well-known, is the federal solar tax credit.
The federal rebate can be worth up to 30% of the cost of your solar panel system, and it's available to both homeowners and businesses. There are some restrictions on who qualifies for the credit, so check with your tax advisor to see if you qualify.
In addition to the federal solar tax credit, many states also offer their own solar incentives. These can take the form of tax credits, rebates, or even exemptions from certain taxes. Check with your state's energy office to see what's available in your area.
Finally, don't forget about local incentives. Some cities and counties offer solar incentives, so check with your local government to see what's available. Also, different credits apply to different types of solar panels.
Enjoy the Benefits of Solar Panels
With all these benefits of solar panels, there's no reason not to make the switch! If you're looking for a way to save money on your energy bills and help the environment, you'll be making the right choice.
Contact a reputable solar installer in your area to start your project today. The sooner you do, the sooner you'll start saving. Don't forget to apply for tax credits and rebates.
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