More and more homeowners are installing solar panels on their roofs. There are many reasons for this, but the three main ones are saving on energy costs, environmentalism, and independence from the grid. Apart from this, technological advancement in solar has made it even easier for off grid living people as well. They can easily use the portable solar generator if they don’t want to install the entire solar panel which is more cost friendly. In this blog post, we will discuss these reasons in detail and show how solar panels can benefit homeowners in each category. So, let’s get started!
1. Saving on Energy Costs
Solar panels allow you to generate your electricity, which means you can greatly reduce your energy costs. In fact, according to Energy Sage, the average savings for homeowners who go solar is about $84 per month or $1000 per year. That’s a significant amount of money that you can put back into your pocket each year by making the switch to solar. As professionals at boundlessinc note, this is likely the number one reason that people choose to go solar. In addition to those savings, you may also be eligible for state and federal solar tax credits. These credits can further offset the cost of going solar and help you save even more money on your energy bills. For example, the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit offers a 26% credit for residential solar systems installed in 2020. So if your system costs $20,000, you could get a tax credit of $5000!
2. Environmentalism
Homeowners who install solar panels are not only saving money, but they’re also helping the environment. Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource that doesn’t produce any harmful emissions. This is in contrast to traditional fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, which release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere when burned. These pollutants contribute to climate change, which is a major global problem that we need to start addressing now. By switching to solar, you can do your part to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down the effects of climate change.
Not only does solar energy production not release harmful emissions, but it also doesn’t require water to generate electricity as many other power plants do. This is important because water availability is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in many parts of the world.
3. Independence From the Grid
Solar panels also give homeowners the ability to generate their electricity and become less reliant on the grid. This is especially beneficial during power outages when you can still have access to electricity while your neighbors are in the dark. It’s also helpful if you live in an area with high electric rates, as you can avoid paying those high rates by generating your power. And, if you produce more electricity than you need, you can even sell it back to the utility company! This process is known as net metering, and it further offsets the cost of going solar.
Also, if you’re ever considering selling your home, solar panels can increase the value.
4. Solar Panels Are Low Maintenance
Once solar panels are installed, they require very little maintenance. You’ll need to keep an eye on them to make sure no dirt or debris is blocking the sun from reaching the panels, but that’s about it. They will continue to produce electricity for decades with little to no intervention from you. Most solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, so you can be confident in their performance over the long term.
There are very few home improvement projects that offer such peace of mind! Sometimes, the inverter that converts solar power into usable electricity will need to be replaced after about a decade. But this is typically a minor and inexpensive repair and you can often extend the life of your inverter by having it regularly serviced.
5. Solar Panels Are a Sound Investment
Solar panels are not only environmentally friendly and low maintenance, but they’re also a sound financial investment. As we’ve already discussed, solar panels can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills each month. These savings will continue for the lifetime of the panel, which is typically 25 years or more. In addition, as solar technology becomes more and more popular, the value of homes with solar panels is increasing.
So if you ever decide to sell your home, you could see a nice return on your initial investment. Investing in solar is a smart way to save money and make your home more valuable. It’s a win-win!
Overall, there are many reasons why homeowners are choosing to install solar panels. Solar panels offer significant financial and environmental benefits that appeal to a wide range of people. If you’re considering going solar, be sure to research all of the benefits that solar can provide for you and your home. You may be surprised at how much solar can improve your life! Good luck!
