Top 9 Benefits of Having a Solar Powered Home
More and more people are deciding to install solar panels on their homes. You may already be thinking about it, but are concerned you won't get enough out of a system to outweigh its costs. If that sounds familiar, take a minute to consider these benefits that come with installing a solar power system in your home.
1. Lower Utility Bills
Your utility bills will drop as soon as you power up your new solar panels. That is because you will now be generating power for your home. If you take advantage of net metering and sell some of that power back to the utility company, then you may notice even more savings on monthly bills. These lower prices can offset the cost of solar lease or loan prices in many cases, with your new monthly payment lower than your current electric bills.
2. Less Carbon Output
If you are concerned about greenhouse gasses and their effect on the environment, then solar power is a smart choice for meeting home energy needs. With zero carbon emissions, a properly designed system can greatly reduce the size of your carbon footprint. Lower emissions help reduce the amount of new carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, resulting in cleaner air and water levels.
3. Pre-Determined Electricity Rates
Does the idea of set electricity rates appeal to you? If so, solar panels can help. Each panel provides a set amount of power and costs a predetermined amount based on your manufacturer, so you can quickly and easily calculate how much you will pay per kWh over the life of your home's system. Considering that most systems will last 25 years or more, this can be an attractive feature.
4. Control Over Your Power System
Rising incidences and duration of power outages and an aging power grid mean that, as a homeowner, you can't always count on the lights being on when you need them. However, installing a solar power system with battery storage capabilities can give you control over your own house's power supply.
5. Light Within the Storm
There is no need to worry about blackouts caused by bad weather when you have solar panels on your home. The next time a tropical disturbance is headed toward your area, you won't have to worry about stocking up on non-perishable foods and water. With a properly designed solar power system, you can continue running your appliances and HVAC systems as normal.
6. Incentives and Rebates
Manufacturers, utility companies, and government agencies may offer special incentives or rebates for homeowners who choose to install solar panels. Check with local agencies to see what might be available in your area. Be sure to ask installers and dealers, too, since they generally keep up with programs that may benefit consumers.
7. Little to No Maintenance
Solar panels have no moving parts, so you will not have to worry about maintaining panels once they are installed. An annual cleaning and inspection service can be a good idea. It's a chance to make sure there are no issues, and to reduce buildup that may interfere with the sun reaching your panels. The lack of moving parts also means that your solar panels won't make noise that some other forms of renewable energy, like wind turbines, are known for.
8. Completely Renewable Energy
Unlike oil or natural gas, the sun's energy is completely renewable. Using its rays to generate electricity doesn't deplete it in any way. And, the sun is expected to last for 5 billion more years, which wouldn't change even if every house on the planet switched to solar power. Suffice to say, it is an energy source that will probably outlast you, your children, and even their grandchildren.
9. Reduced Energy Reliance
Besides being incredibly renewable and environmentally-friendly, solar power reduces your energy dependence on others. Follis fuels can be subject to trade and political disputes, and disruptions in the supply chain can lead to trickle-down effects felt by consumers. Producing your own power insulates you from those disturbances.
There are so many benefits to having a solar-powered home. Take time to weigh options and decide what features are most important to you before you select a system to maximize them.
