Why Is Solar Energy Good for You, Nature, and Your Wallet?

Chances are, you’ve heard at least one person talking about how great solar energy is. Rather than taking their word for it, learn more about why solar energy is good for your home, as well as some of the possible challenges to owning your own solar panels.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Energy?

Why is solar energy good for you, for nature, and your wallet? Here are some of the biggest reasons people choose to go with solar energy:

• Low emissions

Once installed, solar panels produce no pollution. While there are some environmental costs when manufactured and installed, these are negligible compared to other energy sources.

• Increased home value

Solar panels will increase the value of a home. The impact of solar energy on your home’s value depends on your system’s age and quality. Your home’s location is also impactful. A general estimate is that solar panels will increase the home value by as much as 4.1%. For a $200,000 home, this would be an increase of around $8,200.

• Tax credits

When you install a solar system, you earn tax credits. These credits directly impact your annual tax refund and could even lead to more money in your pocket. Additionally, some states and local utilities offer benefits when you install your system.

• Renewable energy

Solar power is renewable energy and isn’t going away any time soon. Even by the most conservative estimates, the sun isn’t expected to run out of fuel for another five billion years!

• Individual reliability

Solar energy lets you be more independent from utility companies. When the electrical grid gets hit with rolling blackouts from a natural disaster, your home will still have energy from your solar panels.

• Live off the grid

While solar energy is great for urban locations, it’s ideal for rural homes or cabins far off the grid. With even a minor solar panel system, a home can have the energy it needs to survive entirely off the grid.

• No noise

Solar power has no moving parts, gearboxes, or blades and is entirely noise-free.

• Net metering

Depending on your local utilities, it’s possible to make money through net metering. If you make more electricity than you use, you may be able to sell the excess back to the utility grid.

Is Solar Energy Right for Me?

Solar power is amazing, but some obstacles may make it harder for some people to choose to go solar. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose to not go with solar:

• Cost of installation

While there are grants and government programs that can reduce the cost of solar panels, it still costs money to install. Depending on the company you choose to go with and the size of your installation, the average cost will be around $11,000 to $15,000.

• Weather and seasonal restrictions

Solar panels only work when the sun is up. Your solar system will produce more energy on a sunny summer day where it gets anywhere from 12 to 14 hours of direct sunlight. It will produce less on a cloudy, rainy, or wintery day.

• Space

If you want your system to be able to power your home throughout the night or through a dark, rainy day, you’ll need batteries to store excess electricity. While the solar panels only take up space on your roof, the batteries will require an area in your home or garage.

• Potential HOA difficulties

Everyone doesn’t love solar panels, and some homeowner’s associations have strict rules about adding ‘unsightly’ additions to the home.

How Much Can Solar Panels Save Per Month?

Solar panels will save you money on utilities every month. However, exact amounts will depend on the cost of your local utilities, your average electrical usage, and the production level of your solar panels. In some cases, solar panels can completely offset your electrical bill or at least significantly reduce it. As electrical prices fluctuate, the amount of savings a solar panel provides will fluctuate as well.

Get Started with Current Home

Current Home is a leading solar power company. Since 1991 we’ve helped our customers with premier roofing services, battery backup solutions, and custom energy plans.

Contact us today to speak to a solar expert for free and find out why you should switch to solar