26 Apr 6 Benefits to Spring into Solar
Improving the environment and cutting energy costs are the most common reasons homeowners turn to solar energy. People are tuned into the facts that solar is a home efficiency upgrade and are becoming eager to reduce their carbon footprint while improving property value. Whether your motivations for going solar are economic, environmental, or personal, this list of solar power benefits will have something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons why solar energy is becoming more popular each day.
1. Cut or Even Eradicate Electric Bills
Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or nonprofit, electricity costs most likely make up a large portion of your monthly budget. With a solar panel system, you’ll produce free power for your system’s entire 25+ year lifecycle. Solar will reduce your utility bills even if you don’t produce 100 percent of the energy you consume and you’ll still save money.
2. Raise Property Value
Home appraisers are increasingly taking solar panel installations into consideration as they value homes at the time of a sale. Homebuyers are becoming educated about solar and the demand for properties installed with solar panel systems will continue to grow. Several studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell quicker than non-solar homes.
3. Safeguard Against Rising Energy Costs
In the past ten years, residential electric prices have risen by an average of three percent annually. By investing in a solar energy system, you can reduce your electricity rate and protect against unpredictable increases in electricity costs.
4. Help your Local Economy and Create Jobs
Solar-related jobs are high paying and cannot be outsourced therefore they are a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. The solar industry adds jobs many times faster than the overall U.S. economy. This growth is expected to continue.
5. Earn an ROI of 20 Percent or More
The average American homeowner will pay off their solar panel system in seven to eight years then see an ROI of 20 percent or more thanks to substantial electric bill savings. Solar panels aren’t an expense. They’re one of the best ways to invest.
6. Save the Environment
A typical residential solar panel system will eliminate three to four tons of carbon emissions each year. This is the equivalent of planting over 100 trees annually. Buildings are responsible for 38 percent of all carbon emissions in the U.S., and going solar can significantly decrease that number. Solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.