What Are The Benefits of Solar Energy?

With the threat of climate change increasing due to increased carbon emissions, several countries are turning to sustainable energy sources to replace traditional fossil fuels.

Solar has been the most expensive of all the sustainable energy options, though prices have been dropping. However, after considering the benefits and drawbacks and the expectation that prices will continue to fall, the future of solar energy is bright. Solar energy's main advantage is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, has a low environmental impact, and can be produced in any country.

 

1. Solar energy Significantly Reduces your Energy Bills

When you choose to install solar panels for your home, you create clean electricity generation, become less dependant on your electric provider, and lower your monthly electricity costs. In addition, a solar panel system typically has a 25-35 year lifespan, which means that going solar will save you money on electricity for decades. With this fast estimate tool, get a personalized estimate of your long-term power bill savings and evaluate unique forecasts for up-front cost and 20-year solar savings.

 

2. Low Environmental Impact

When compared to fossil fuels, solar energy has a far lower environmental impact. Because the system does not require any fuel combustion, its greenhouse gas emissions are negligible. Furthermore, while concentrating solar thermal plants (CSP) are inefficient in terms of water usage depending on the type of technology employed, the appropriate technology considerably improves efficiency, whereas photovoltaic (PV) solar cells generate clean energy without water.

 

3. Energy Independence

Because the sun shines worldwide, every country becomes a potential energy generator, providing for increased clean energy independence and security. Thus, solar energy promises to provide national security and freedom. Still, it may also be installed on individual residences, giving power not dependent on being connected to a giant electrical grid.

 

4. Solar Systems Increases the Worth of your Home

Millions of homeowners in the United States are interested in solar panels but haven't taken the time to learn how to install them. This consumer reality and the apparent advantages of having solar systems installed on a home are backed up by recent studies that show property prices rise when solar panels are installed.

As a result, the second "pro" of solar can help balance out one of the negatives we addressed earlier: even if you expect to sell your home soon, you'll recoup your solar energy investment and then some when you sell it. Check out this post on solar and property values to discover more about the enhanced resale value of solar homes and how much solar contributes to the market worth of your home.

 

5. Going Solar Provides you Control over Rising Energy Costs 

Many homeowners are concerned about rising energy expenses since, in most cases, they have little control over their utility's electricity rate. While the price of solar has dropped by more than 70% in the last decade, the price of energy has grown by around 5%, and this trend is projected to continue. When it comes to energy generation, going solar puts you in control. Utilities are quickly reacting to the growing acceptance of renewable energy. In addition, the US government is rapidly expanding its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, so there's never been a better moment to be energy self-sufficient.

 

6. Renewable Energy earns you money while earning back your Investment

Due to a variety of fantastic solar incentives available in the US, solar energy can make you money in addition to reducing bill savings that pay for the system. In addition, you are compensated for the electricity generated by your solar panels in these cases. If you live in a state that offers one or both of these advantages, you can expect immediate and long-term benefits from your solar investment.

 

7. Take Advantage of Tax Credits and Rebates.

 

Our solar panels are paying us, which I didn't expect would be such a significant deal. To begin, you will receive a federal income tax credit of 30% of total system expenditures from equipment and installation when you pay your taxes. This translates to a $7,500 savings on a $25,000 solar system.

Total expenditures can be decreased in half by combining this with state and municipal incentives and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). SRECs are produced throughout the year and can be sold to utility companies, resulting in a very high return on the initial investment.

The investment has a 3.5-year payback period, while the solar panels have a 10-year warranty and a 25-year usable life—which means you'll be generating free electricity and extra credits for at least 20 years. It's challenging to defeat. But, it's socially responsible as well as financially profitable.

Many installers also offer a no-cost installation, in which they pay for the panels and installation in full and charge a discounted rate for electricity. They are essentially "leasing" your roof space in exchange for a discount on your electric bill. This is a good alternative for homeowners who don't want to put down any money or enjoy a no-money-down option. In this situation, the installer receives all of the proceeds from the SRECs.

You almost certainly have some tremendous solar tax credits, regardless of where you live. Utilize them while you still have the opportunity.

 

8. Begin Saving right away.

Thousands of dollars can be spent on energy each year. In fact, including transportation and residential energy, the average yearly energy expenditure per person is $3,052. However, as soon as solar panels are installed, these costs can be reduced or eliminated. They also provide long-term savings because capturing the sun's renewable energy source is almost free.

Solar panels increase the resale value of your home dramatically. Most purchasers know what a property with solar panels entails, mainly because the system is already in place, and they don't have to pay for the initial investment or installation. But, according to studies, the average homeowner sees a $5,911 improvement in resale value for every installed kilowatt. That means that installing a 3.1-kilowatt system may increase the market value of your property by over $18,000.

Solar energy panels also help prolong the life of a roof by shielding it from the elements, including rain, snow, and debris. In addition, they make the house more energy-efficient in the summer because the hot sun is absorbed by the panels rather than directly hitting the roof, lowering the dwelling temperature.

 

9. Low Maintenance Costs

Low-Maintenance Solar energy systems don't require much in the way of maintenance. Solar Panels only need to be cleaned regularly, so cleaning them a couple of times a year would suffice. If in doubt, you can always rely on Solar panel cleaning agencies, which charge between £25 and £35 for this service.

Most reputable solar panel manufacturers provide a warranty of 20 to 25 years.

Solar panels also have no wear and tear because there are no moving parts. Because it continually produce electricity and heat from solar energy, the inverter is commonly the only part that needs replacement after 5-10 years. Apart from the inverter, your solar power systems wires must be maintained to ensure maximum efficiency.

So, once you've paid for the solar system, you can anticipate spending very little on maintenance and repairs.

 

10. Solar Technology Development

Technology advancements in the solar power business are continually being made, and improvements will continue to be made in the future. For example, quantum physics and nanotechnology advancements can improve the efficiency of solar panels and double, if not triple, the electrical input of solar power systems.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it True That Solar Panels Raise Your Property Taxes?

Installing solar panels can raise your property taxes because they improve the value of your home. Many states, however, provide exemptions for residents. For the most current and up-to-date information, go to the website of your county clerk.

 

With solar panels, can you still have a high electric bill?

Installing solar panels will almost always reduce your monthly utility cost.

 

Are there any tax advantages to installing solar panels?

Yes. Solar panels installed on residential and commercial premises are eligible for a 26 percent tax credit under the federal solar investment tax credit, passed in 2006.

 

Enjoy the Advantages of Solar Energy with Wild Oak Trail

Wild Oak Trail will assist you with anything from building a personalized solar system to installing solar panels to monitoring and maintenance. Wild Oak Trail only works with the most experienced solar installers in your region, so you can trust that your solar installation will be done correctly.

Find out why Americans all across the country are benefiting from solar energy with Wild Oak Trail. You'll be paired with one of our knowledgeable Solar Advisors who will guide you through the process.