The advantages of installing a home solar system have attracted the positive attention of homeowners across the country. Whether you are motivated to go solar for economic, personal or environmental reasons, the list of solar energy benefits will have something that appeals to everyone. Here are the top five reasons why going solar is a good choice for your home and why solar panels are more and more popular than ever across the country.
Reduce or Eliminate Your Electric Bill
Whether you own a home or run a business, your electric bill is a significant part of your monthly expenses. With solar panels, you can generate free electricity for the 25+ year life of your solar system. Even if you can’t produce 100% of the energy you use, solar panels will drastically reduce your electric bills and still save you a lot of money. The average cost of a solar system is between $10,000 and $35,000. That is quite expensive, but consider that homes with solar panels can save an average of $45 to $190 per month the very first year. That’s $540 to $2,280 every year, meaning your solar system could pay for itself within five years. It’s estimated the average solar system can save a homeowner at least $20,000 over 20 years.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Homes with a solar energy system have higher property values and sell faster than homes that don’t have solar. In fact, A study by the Department of Energy proved that home buyers were willing to pay an average of $15,000 more for a home with a solar system. Home appraisers are taking notice of solar installations, and as home buyers become more aware of the advantages of solar, the demand for houses with solar panels continues to grow.
Get an Incentive from Your State
Solar incentives are primarily for grid-tied solar systems, however, a few may be available for off-grid systems too. Some state solar incentive programs may pay you back for your installation over time, based on the amount of energy you generate and send back to the grid. Other state solar incentives are a one-time payment in the form of a rebate or tax credits. The incentives vary from state to state. To qualify for an incentive, your solar system may need to be installed by a licensed solar installer, and connected to the power grid by a licensed electrician. Check here for a list of State Incentives for Renewable Energy.
Boost Your Energy Independence
A gas or diesel generator can break down, and fuel can quickly run out during a disaster or crisis. By increasing your personal ability to generate electricity for your home or business with solar energy, you can protect yourself and your family during a grid down disaster. While the rest of the neighborhood experiences a blackout, your home or business will still be up and running for as long as it takes. Sustainable solar energy frees you from depending on a local utility provider and can make your home or business safer and more comfortable during a crisis.
Renewable Solar Energy Protects the Environment
Solar is a very good way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Buildings of all types account for 38% of all carbon emissions in the United States, and equipping your home with solar can help that significantly. Rather than burning fossil fuels which will eventually destroy the Earth’s ozone layer, solar power uses an energy source that never runs out and doesn’t harm the environment. A typical residential solar system can eliminate at least three tons of carbon emissions every year, that’s like planting more than 100 trees!
Conclusion
In the final equation, installing solar panels on your home has a significant upfront cost, but buyers benefit from many years of savings down the road. Even if the buyer were to move before the solar panels were paid off they would recoup the cost in the improved home value. There is no reason to not take advantage of the many benefits solar can provide your home and family.
