With the average cost of residential solar power systems dropping by more than 70% over the past decade, there has never been a better time to go solar. And while the initial investment may be higher than other home improvement projects, solar panels have the potential to save you money in the long run. Here are six reasons you should consider investing in solar power for your home.
1. Reliability
Did you know that solar energy may be used to power your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week? You may be wondering how that’s possible, given that the sun only shines during the day. Solar power systems rely on photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. These cells are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon.
When sunlight hits the PV cells, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. This process generates a flow of electricity that can be used to power your home. However, it’s also possible to store solar energy in batteries for use at night or during a power outage. This makes solar power a reliable source of energy that you can rely on day and night, no matter what the weather is like outside.
2. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
Solar power is a renewable source of energy, which means that it can be replenished without damaging the environment. Burning fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun inside the Earth’s atmosphere, which causes the Earth’s temperature to rise. This phenomenon is known as global warming.
Solar power doesn’t release any greenhouse gases. In fact, it helps offset the equivalent of 70 million metric tons of CO2 each year, which is the equivalent of planting 1.2 billion trees.
3. Saves You Money
The initial cost of solar power may be higher than other energy sources. However, solar power can save you money in the long run. Solar panels have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, and they require very little maintenance during that time. Once your solar panels are installed, you’ll be able to enjoy lower energy bills for many years to come.
You may also be eligible for solar rebates and tax credits. These incentives can help offset the cost of solar power and make it more affordable. In some states, you may even be able to sell the excess electricity that your solar panels produce back to the utility company.
4. Adds Value to Your Home
Solar power is a valuable addition to any home. In fact, homes with solar power systems sell 20% faster and for 17% more money than homes without them. This is because solar power systems can increase the value of your home while also reducing your energy bills.
If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, solar power can be a valuable selling point. Remember, Nowadays, homebuyers are increasingly interested in energy-efficient homes, and they’re willing to pay more for them.
5. Easy to Install
Solar power systems are easier to install than ever before. In the past, solar panels were large and bulky, and they required a professional installation. However, solar technology has come a long way in recent years.
Nowadays, solar panels are much smaller and more efficient. They can therefore be installed on your roof without any damage to your home. Most solar panel installations can be completed in just one day. Solar power is also easy to scale. If you want to increase your energy production, you can simply add more panels to your system.
6. Sustainability
You may not have heard about it, but in the last three years, about 56% of contractors have registered their projects with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or US Green Building Council (USBGC). There is a reason for this.
Sustainability is not a trend; it is the future, and solar power is one of the most sustainable investments you can make. This is because solar energy is renewable and inexhaustible. It will never run out, unlike fossil fuels, which are slowly being depleted.
As you can see, there are many reasons to switch to solar power. Solar power is good for the environment, wallet, and home. It’s also easy to install and maintain. If you’re looking for a sustainable source of energy, solar power is the way to go.
