Fossil fuels are a finite resource. Energy is expensive. Grid losses are sometimes unavoidable. These are all undeniable facts. However, they are not insurmountable obstacles. Electricity has always been vital to civilization because we use it for so many things, including powering various electronics, lighting fixtures, and home appliances. In recent years, people have become more interested in finding environmentally sustainable solutions to power their homes and/or businesses.
Solar power has clearly become a popular solution when looking at possible energy sources, but why?
Solar Energy Basics
Before we dive into the benefits of installing solar panels as a way to integrate sustainable, solar-powered energy in your home, let’s understand what exactly solar energy is. Solar radiation is light emitted by the sun, also known as electromagnetic radiation. While every area on Earth receives some sunlight over the course of a year, the amount of solar energy reaching any given spot on the planet’s surface fluctuates. Solar technologies absorb this radiation and convert it to energy that may be used.
Solar panels tend to be the most popular method for harnessing solar energy. Why exactly are solar panels so popular? What benefits are there to installing solar panels? Let’s find out!
Reasons to Utilize Solar Energy
Solar Energy & The Environment
It should go without saying that renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered energy, are much better for the environment in terms of sustainability and environmental impact, but let’s look a bit deeper into why exactly solar panels are better for the environment when compared to regular electricity sources.
Solar photovoltaic cells do not use water to create electricity which, in turn, means that they do not damage local water supplies. What’s the end result? Drinking water that is cleaner for your entire family without wasting electricity.
Fossil fuels, our traditional energy source, emit harmful carbon dioxide and methane, which are major contributors to global warming and poor air quality. Solar panels, on the other hand, contribute no greenhouse gases at all when used to generate power. In fact, the solar capacity now built in the United States is estimated to offset up to 16.8 million metric tons of CO2 each year. Additionally, the fact that solar-powered energy does not require fuel to be produced eliminates the problem of radioactive waste storage and transportation.
Solar power is a renewable energy source. The sun produces an incredible 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second, making it the world’s most abundant energy source. That’s more than 10,000 times the total cumulative energy use of the entire world, and it can be utilized again and again. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are non-renewable, and while they may appear abundant today, they will eventually run out. Furthermore, the expense of locating and exploiting these sources is continuously increasing.
Save Money on Electricity
The harsh reality is that annual energy expenses are enormous, sometimes in the thousands. According to some estimates, the average annual energy cost per person, including residential energy and transportation, is more than $3,000 per year.
What’s fantastic about solar electricity is that it can reduce these costs dramatically as soon as the panels are installed. Furthermore, they give long-term savings due to the fact that capturing sunlight is free. So while maintenance, installation, and upkeep are costs that you have to consider, you will save greatly on general electricity costs each month.
Another benefit – especially for those in colder regions – is that solar energy is also feasible to harness the sun’s energy for warmth. This is accomplished through the use of solar thermal systems, which simply turn sunlight into heat.
Tax Benefits
Hold on to your hats for this benefit because it’s a doozy. Did you know that installing solar panels in your home or business could earn you the right to some amazing tax benefits?
You almost certainly have some fantastic solar tax credits, regardless of where you live.
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 costs can be decreased by combining this with state and municipal incentives and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). SRECs are produced throughout the year, and you may sell them to utility providers for a very high return on your initial investment.
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’re essentially “letting” your roof space in exchange for a discount on your electricity. This is a wonderful alternative for homeowners who don’t want to put down any money or want a no-money-down option. In this situation, the installer receives all of the proceeds from the SRECs.
Versatility
Solar panels are incredibly versatile – which is one of their best qualities. This means that you don’t have to spend a fortune to install a large solar power system and make use of the sun’s free energy.
Initially, we recommend that you choose panels that are cost-effective, compact, and capable of powering only a few of your home’s appliances. On the other hand, when it’s sunny outdoors, you may buy solar panels designed for camping, off-gridding, and RV vehicles, which can power up to twenty devices or even an entire refrigerator.
Secure Energy
Another wonderful thing to consider when looking at solar panels as an energy source is their security. In the event that there is a grid loss due to maintenance or some other cause, installing solar panels in your home gives you the security of knowing that you’ll still have power.
Of course, if the cause for the loss is a severe storm that causes the amount of sunlight to be reduced – it may not power your home for the entire duration of the storm. However, solar panels are able to harness solar energy even when it is cloudy, so there is a good chance that you will have a reliable power source regardless of the weather.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Lastly, a possible benefit of installing solar panels in your home is an increase in the value of your home. With climate change becoming more and more of a reality that many people and organizations want to combat, clean energy is something that many homeowners will see as a major plus, and they may just fork out a fair bit more when purchasing a home with solar panels.
While it’s not clear yet if this will have an immediate impact on resale value, it will undoubtedly attract buyers who desire to live off the grid.
Overall, there are some major reasons why many people would consider installing solar panels in their homes. If you’re eco-conscious or looking to live more “off-the-grid,” they certainly seem like an excellent option for you. Regardless of your energy source or your electrical needs, Lakeview Electric is up to the job! Visit our website today for more energy information and expert electrical services in Carson City, Nevada.