Top 10 Benefits Of Going Solar

Are you thinking about finally going solar, but aren’t sure? Read on to learn about the top ten benefits of going solar.

Over 1 million homes now have solar energy panels on their roofs.

It’s easy to see why so many homes have gone solar. Energy costs are next to nothing.

Many people balk at getting solar panels because of their installation costs. But the cost is minor when compared to all the advantages of going solar.

Read on as we reveal the top 10 benefits of going solar and how they significantly outweigh the cost of installation.

1. Save Money

Let’s start with the obvious. The biggest reason to use solar energy is the cost savings of your home’s energy.

As long as your panels produce more energy than your monthly energy consumption, your energy bills will be next to nothing.

If your home is still hooked up to the grid, you can receive bonus payments for any excess energy you don’t use which is sent back to the utility company. This is called net metering.

For even higher bonus payments, which are received as credits, sell energy to the grid during peak usage hours. Then, purchase electricity during the night when rates are much lower.

2. Be Eco-Friendly

Another significant benefit to going solar is the use of renewable energy which will never run out, unlike other energy sources.

Solar energy derives from the sun, which can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The energy produced by the sun is clean, meaning it does not produce harmful emissions. By using solar panels, your home reduces it’s energy expenses and it’s carbon footprint.

3. Receive Government Incentives

Federal, state and local governments often offer incentives to install renewable energy products, such as solar energy panels. These incentives come in various forms, such as tax breaks, discounts, grants, and rebates.

The federal government currently offers a 30% solar tax credit, known as the Investor Tax Credit (ITC), if you install a solar system. As long as you pay your taxes you are eligible to deduct a portion of your solar expenses from your taxes.

The tax break has been extended to December 31, 2020, to encourage more people to switch to solar.

If you choose to lease from a solar company instead of purchasing your panels, the company will receive the tax credit. It’s a good idea to speak with the leasing company to see if those tax benefits are passed on to you in the form of lower monthly payments.

Check with your state and local municipality to find out if other incentives are available to you. North California State University provides this resource to help discover what resources are available to you in your state.

4. Become Energy Self Sufficient

When you generate power from your own solar panels, you are no longer dependant on utilities and the grid to provide electricity for your home.

What’s more, by generating your own power from the sun, you’re helping to alleviate our dependence on foreign resources and increasing prices from global energy markets.

5. Increase the Value of Your Home

Homes using solar energy are more attractive in the real estate marketplace, selling 20% faster and for 17% more money than homes without solar energy. Solar panels are now a valued home feature like low property taxes and living in a good school district.

6. Protect Against Rising Energy Costs

Once a solar system is installed, your energy costs are close to zero. This is because your energy is derived from a near-infinite source, the sun. You no longer have to worry about lowering your utility bill.

By contrast, utility companies raise their rates 3% to 5% annually. Their rates are expected to rise even more in the future as we continue to use finite energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas.

Factored into a traditional utility bill are fluctuating prices from energy markets. Other factors are carbon emissions penalties and the costs of environmental remediation.

Solar systems deliver clean energy from the sun and all the financial and environmental benefits which come with it.

7. Break Even in a Few Years

Solar panels are more efficient now than in years past. And with advancements in technology, manufacturers are much better at producing solar panels.

All of this points to a lower break-even point for consumers. That’s the point at which the energy savings exceed the cost of the solar system.

Homes now enjoy a break-even point of 4 years or less. Given the typical lifespan of a solar system is around 30 to 40 years, the potential savings for going solar is tremendous.

8. Low Maintenance Costs

The cost of maintenance for solar systems is extremely low. For one thing, there are no moving parts, which means there is no wear and tear. The panels do need to stay clear so regular cleaning is advised, typically twice a year.

Since reputable solar companies provide a 25 or 30-year warranty, you’re likely to be covered if anything should come up.

9. Very Easy to Go Solar

In the past, the process of discovering your options and getting a solar system took several weeks. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.

These days, there are plenty of options to make it easy to switch to solar. You can usually get started with a low or zero down payment.

Installation is fairly quick and painless, as installers have gained experience and streamlined the process.

10. It feels good to be Eco-Friendly

Perhaps the best part about going green is the satisfaction it feels to be kind to the environment.

When utility rates rise, you can feel great knowing you are saving even more. And you can sleep easy knowing you are not contributing to the problem of carbon emissions. You’re using clean energy from the sun.

The Bottom Line About Going Solar

Clearly, the advantages of solar energy make going solar an easy decision.

Protecting against rising energy costs and nearly eliminating your utility bill are two obvious and significant benefits. Government incentives and improved home value represent some of the often understated advantages you’ll find. 

Whatever your reason for making the switch, you can feel good about going green and using clean energy for your home.

Are you considering installing a solar system for your home? Contact us today for a free quote. Our friendly CEC accredited electricians are always eager and happy to help you with any questions and quotes. Have a question that you want an answer to now?

Comment below and a member from our friendly team will answer any of your solar power queries now.