Solar Panels Do More than Just Save Money?!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks why you would buy solar panels? Most likely, save money. We asked some of our co-workers what the first thing that came to mind when they heard that phrase, and they said the same thing.
Whether your motivations for going solar are economic, environmental, or personal, going solar actually has a benefit for everyone. Here are the top 10 reasons why solar energy is very beneficial.
1) You can drastically reduce or even eliminate your electric bills.
- If you are a homeowner, business, or nonprofit, electricity costs essentially cuts a large portion of your monthly expenses. With a solar panel system, you will generate free power for your system’s entire 25+ year lifecylcle. Even if you do not produce 100 percent of the energy you consume, solar will reduce your utility bills and you’ll still save a lot of money.
2) Earn a great return on your investment.
- Solar panels are not a waste of money; in fact they are one of the best ways to invest with returns that far outweigh traditional investments like stocks and bonds. Because of the substantial savings that a homeowner or business owner incurs, they are able to pay off their solar panel system within seven to eight years.
3) Protection from rising energy costs.
- For the past 10 years, residential electricity prices have gone up by an average of three percent annually. By investing in a solar energy system now, you can fix your electricity rate and protect against unpredictable increases in electricity costs. If you’re a business or homeowner with fluctuating cash flow, going solar also helps you better forecast and manage your expenses.
4) Increase your property value.
- Multiple studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes. Appraisers are increasingly considering solar installations as they value homes at the time of a sale, and as homebuyers become more educated about solar, demand for properties equipped with solar panels will continue to grow.
5) Boost U.S energy independence
- The sun is a near-infinite source of energy and a key component of achieving energy independence in the United States. By increasing our capacity to generate electricity from the sun, we can also insulate our country from price fluctuations in global energy markets.
6) Create jobs and help your local economy
- According to the Solar Foundation, the solar industry added jobs at a rate nearly 12 times faster than the overall U.S economy in 2015, representing 1.2 percent of all jobs in the country. This growth is expected to continue. Because solar-related jobs tend to be higher paying and cannot be outsourced, they are a significant contributor to the US economy.
7) Protect the environment
- Solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Buildings are responsible for 38 percent of all carbon emissions in the US, and going solar can significantly decrease that number. A typical residential solar panel system will eliminate three to four tons of carbon emissions each year- the equivalent of planting over 100 trees annually.
8) Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability
- Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are important components of an organization’s culture and values. They also produce bottom line results. Increasingly, consumers and communities are recognizing and rewarding businesses that choose to operate responsibly. Businesses are finding that “green” credentials are a powerful driver of consumer purchasing decisions, creating goodwill and improving business results.
9) Increase employee morale
- Just like consumers, employees have a demonstrated appreciation for their employers’ commitment to operating responsibility. Employees share in the success and contributions of their organizations. Companies that care about their community and environment tend to have lower turnover rates, more engaged employees, and higher level of morale.
10) Stay Competitive
- Companies are quickly realizing the social and economic benefits of adopting solar power. As early adapters pull ahead of the competition, many companies are exploring solar power as a way to keep up.
So, is solar a good options for the United States? Yes, solar power is good option, it is sufficient to produce significant amounts of electricity where it would be enough to power and entire home depending on the size of the system.
**ARTICLE BASED ON ENERGYUSAGE.COM**