Are you considering solar panels for your home? Are you wondering whether or not solar panels are worth it?
If so, you may be interested in a description of how solar panels work along with the following ten benefits of solar energy to help you make your solar panel decision.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels are installed on the roof of your home and then work by absorbing energy from the solar rays that hit your roof. This solar energy is then converted and used to power your home with incredible efficiency.
This video below will give you a better idea of how home solar power systems work, as the process is shown in greater detail.
1. Secure Energy Spending
Let’s face it: it can be difficult to predict your energy bill some months. Oftentimes the energy prices seem to rise and decline with no rise or reason.
A home that has solar panels only uses traditional energy sources when it’s solar supply has declined. This makes it easier for you to predict your energy bill and, ultimately, construct your energy budget more efficiently.
2. Reduce Your Electric Bill
In addition to regulating your energy bill, solar panels significantly reduce your energy bill -sometimes even eliminating them entirely.
Research indicates a steady incline in energy prices over the past few years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, prices are going up by around three percent every year.
When looking at these numbers, the results are truly staggering. You can bet that you will be saving a lot of money in the long term by switching to solar energy sooner rather than later.
3. Save Money on Taxes
The United States government is interested in getting everyone access to renewable energy. In fact, they are so interested that they offer financial incentives for citizens who invest in solar panels.
EnergySage indicates that you can get up to a thirty percent return on your solar energy investment. Keep in mind that your local state laws may offer even more incentives, depending on where you are.
These incentives change from time to time though. If it’s been a while since you last reviewed state incentives, you may want to look at them again when you move to install solar panels.
Related Article: 12 Simple Things You Can Do Today to Live More Sustainable
4. Protect Your Environment
With the damage that fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources are doing to the environment, every measure taken to counter-balance this negative effect is crucial. We can each effectively minimize our carbon footprint with solar panel installations
EnergyInformative.org indicates that the United States is among the top countries putting out harmful carbon dioxide emissions. By utilizing free, safe energy you can make a huge impact on the health of your environment that will leave a lasting, positive effect.
Additionally, if you’re looking to put your home on the market within the next few years, an environmentally-friendly home is a big plus among conscious buyers these days.
5. Make a Great Investment in Your Home
Houses with solar panels are in demand right now. This is partly because of the environmental benefits and partly because homeowners with solar panels save a lot of money on their energy bills.
Although it’s true that solar panels are a substantial initial investment, the New York Times indicates that people in the housing market are willing to pay higher prices for homes with solar panels – even up to a $15,000 premium.
To put this another way, a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that homes with solar panels sell for seventeen percent more money. Because of this, homeowners are often able to recoup the cost when selling their home.
6. Commit to Energy Independence
In addition to being a great investment, solar panels also prove your commitment to energy independence in the United States. Much of our commonly used fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources are imported from abroad.
Importing energy makes the country more dependent on the international market. In some cases, our dependency can prove detrimental when it comes to national security.
By choosing solar panels for your home, you demonstrate a commitment to improving national energy independence and contributing to a safer living environment.
7. Support Local Jobs for Economic Growth
With solar panel installation, you also foster an environment where jobs are encouraged in your own area. This serves to contribute to a more sustainable local economy.
Research from The Solar Foundation indicates that the solar industry accounts for 115,000 new jobs nationwide. When you decide to install solar panels on your home you support this promising new industry in your own local sphere of influence.
8. Set an Example of Sustainability
Evidence of environmental responsibility is highly respected in communities. When you make the switch to solar panels, it encourages others to do the same.
Solar panels are a visible symbol of environmental ethics and development towards sustainability. This money-saving solution is an excellent way to inspire others to follow suite.
9. Spend Less Money Than You Think
It’s true that the initial cost of solar panel installation may appear steep. However, when you consider the extensive government credits that you receive with installation, it ends up being a great deal.
Renewable energy financiers offer generous repayment plans, as well. If you couple this with the monthly savings you receive with your recovered energy bill costs, you’ll likely have your solar panels paid off within five to ten years.
10. Expect Long-Lasting Performance
Finally, the extended performance is an especially attractive feature among solar panel benefits listed here. Great investments should last for a long time, and solar panels are no exception.
According to EnergyInformative.org, the life span of solar panels is guaranteed for twenty-five years or longer. As a bonus, a lot of solar panel warranties reflect this lifespan.
Taking The Next Steps
In short, solar panels offer numerous financial and environmental benefits that are sure to improve your home. Solar energy is a great investment in your future and the world around you, but it also offers practical benefits that show up right away on your monthly energy bill.
If after this you are thinking that solar energy sounds right for your family, it may be time to take the next step. Find out about solar energy incentives in your area and call your local solar panel providers today to discover how you can get new solar panels installed on your home.
