Solar power is becoming increasingly prevalent as the dangers of climate change put pressure on us to reduce our carbon footprints. Making the switch is seamlessly accessible, but if you’re still on the fence, that’s okay! Even though solar power has been developing for decades, it is still a relatively new energy source.
Therefore, you have the right to ask questions since this is what will be powering your home and providing comfort during extreme summers and winters. However, there are many reasons to switch to solar power, and we will cover just a few in this article.
- Solar Power is Good for the Environment
The environmental impact is the most obvious benefit of using solar power. The Earth has been slowly deteriorating from extreme carbon emissions, and we’re going to reach a point where it’ll be too late if we don’t do something about it. Even though the planet will still be intact by the end of our lives, we need to leave it in better condition for our grandchildren, so they’re not suffering the consequences of their ancestors’ actions. So, using solar energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money.
- Save Money on Utilities
That electric bill can be crazy sometimes, especially in the winter. With monopolized electric grids, energy companies have the power to raise your bill whenever. Plus, you don’t have much say in the matter since you have to pay them to keep the power running. So even though installation costs are more upfront, using solar energy will lower your utility bills significantly, saving you more long-term.
- Tax Benefits
The United States government wants you to be environmentally conscious, so of course, there are tax incentives for switching to solar power. Not only will your tax bill be significantly reduced, but there are government-subsidized financing programs for those who can’t afford the initial installation costs. However, the tax benefits won’t last forever since solar power will become the standard in the future. So if you’re thinking about switching, do so quickly so you can save as much as possible.
- Higher Demand for Solar Power Creates Jobs
Alternative energy has become an enormous job sector over the past couple of decades, and it’s just going to keep expanding over time. With government funding and increased demand for solar energy, job opportunities will continue to grow. Therefore, you contribute to the economy by investing in the solar sector.
- You Become Your Energy Producer
When you switch to solar, the sun powers your home and stores energy for use when it’s dark, overcast, or rainy. Therefore, rather than dealing with outages during intense storms, you will be able to rely on the battery storage system. This is a considerable advantage, especially for those living in areas prone to natural disasters.
- Increase Your House’s Value
Investing in your home raises its value, whether it’s basic renovations or upgrading your energy source. For example, adding solar panels on your roof not only saves you money on utilities but can increase your home’s value by tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, solar panels are low-maintenance, which is a great selling point for prospective buyers.
- Oil Reserves are Depleting
The United States still largely depends on foreign oil to supply our energy sources, but a large amount of electricity is already being produced with solar energy. Unfortunately, the oil supply worldwide is slowly running out, and we will eventually be forced to resort to alternate power supplies one way or another entirely. By switching to solar now, you’ll be ahead of the game.
- Solar Power is Cheaper Than Ever
Going green always seems to be so expensive. However, since scientists first introduced solar power, prices have been nearly cut in half, making it more affordable than ever before. And even though installation costs are still high, some funding programs make it accessible to those who can’t afford the initial price tag.
- You’ll Have More Money to Spend
The most significant benefit of solar power that customers claim is the savings. Over time, you’ll have enough money saved to treat yourself and your family to a vacation. You’ll also be able to rest easier with the knowledge that you have more financial breathing room.
There are multitudes of benefits to using solar power, and the ones listed in this article only scratch the surface. By going solar, you’ll dramatically reduce your carbon footprint, keep the Earth a habitable planet, and save tons of money that you can use to treat yourself. Plus, if you can’t afford to switch, you can always apply for financial assistance. At some point, we’re all going to have to use another form of energy, so we might as well jump ahead and conserve our oil resources as much as possible.
Additional resources:
- EcoWatch recommends reviewing which panels fit homes the best before making a decision
- Benefits of LED high bay lights
- Surprising solar energy facts