Did you know that the current amount of solar power in America right now offsets more than 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide—a year?! That's about the same as planting more than a billion trees every year.
Talk about positive environmental impacts…
But solar power is even more amazing than that. The benefits to your own home are endless, which is why we've put together a list of our top 10 reasons to use solar energy in your home.
10 Compelling Reasons to Use Solar Energy at Home
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few decades, you're aware of the negative impacts of global warming, pollution, depletion of natural resources and more on our planet.
But even if “going green” isn't a major factor in your energy choices, there are plenty of reasons to use solar energy to benefit you personally.
1. Get Off the Grid
If Ron Swanson is your spirit animal, then getting off the grid will be a valuable benefit of going solar. Solar panels on your roof basically mean you're now electrically independent.
You no longer need to rely on “the grid” or electric companies to provide you with a source of power. This means you won't have to worry about annoying hikes in prices or other sudden changes to your service.
You are the master of your own energy-fate.
2. Less Electricity Loss
With a normal electricity service, power must be generated and transmitted long distances. This increases the likelihood of energy loss and interruptions to your service.
Fortunately, with solar panels, this isn't an issue. Solar panels on your roof capture the sunlight, converting it into energy on the spot. This allows you to be in complete control of your system and usage.
Your home becomes its own source of energy.
3. It's Free Energy
Yes, you pay for the installation. But after that, your home is essentially running on free energy. Today, most solar panel professionals offer products that are not impacted by weather.
This means that at all times, you can enjoy having power to your home each month without paying a cent to an electric company.
4. Save TENS of Thousands of Dollars
This is by far one of the biggest reasons most home-owners opt for solar panel installation. The upfront cost will be an investment, but in the long run, you will literally save tens of thousands of dollars on energy costs over the years.
Forget that monthly electricity bill and start saving that dough for something like your kid's college or your retirement.
You can do that by taking advantage of Constellation Energy and their electricity plans that include 100% ‘’green’’ renewable energy plans, and free electricity plans that offer energy at no cost on nights and/or weekends.
What's more, you can actually receive a grant for contributing power from your own solar panels back into the grid system.
5. Greater Grid Security
Natural disaster? Blackout? Brownout? Basically, your house works as its own power plant, producing its own energy. No more need to rely on a city-wide system in case disaster strikes.
If a natural disaster or (heaven forbid), human-caused disaster occurs, your power source is less likely to be inhibited.
6. Save the World—Literally
Regardless of your politics, there's no denying something needs to be done to help protect our environment. Not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
This is why one of the most compelling reasons (behind the major monetary benefits), for installing solar panels is that you can greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
With each solar-powered home built in the United States, we take one step closer to becoming “green,” and more energy efficient. Installing solar panels is one of the most effective and fast-acting ways to do your part in contributing to this effort.
7. Enjoy a Tax Break
“It's that time of year…” that Americans hate the most. Tax season. But when you're the owner of a solar-powered home, it may be hard to resist becoming giddy as you realize the solar tax credit you'll be receiving.
To begin with, you receive 30% of the total system costs. This would look like savings of around $7,500 on a $25,000 installation.
You'll also be looking at local and state benefits.
Of course, tax laws can change frequently. This means that if your state currently offers great incentives for installing solar panels, it's best to jump on it right away—before those benefits are gone next year.
8. Increase Your Home Value
Does anyone need to be convinced this is a great benefit of solar? When potential buyers see you've installed solar panels, they see a home that's reliable and much less expensive to power.
In fact, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that homes with solar panels tend to sell for up to 20% more than other homes.
In real dollars, you're looking at selling for tens of thousands more by installing solar panels.
9. Decrease American Dependency on Foreign Oil
If you're any kind of patriot, then solar panels are appealing for this reason. With the use of solar panels, you can effectively boost the American economy, create jobs, and decrease American dependence on foreign governments for a basic need like energy.
Solar panels are the best choice for accomplishing all these things at once. Especially when you realize that the U.S.A. currently imports around 40% of its crude oil and petroleum from foreign countries.
10. Great Performance
When you install solar panels, the manufacturer typically includes a 2-25 year warranty. This is also known as the performance guarantee.
This warranty guarantees that even after 25 years of use, those solar panels will be giving you at least 80% of their initial performance.
Odds are, those puppies will be firing on all cylinders over their warranty period and could function for up to 40 years if you are lucky. This makes solar panels definitely worth the investment.
More Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home
If you're looking for more reasons to use solar energy, try talking with a trusted friend who's made the switch. Your pocketbook will probably make a strong enough argument, but honestly, the positive reasons are endless.
For continuing to improve the quality and value of your home, solar panel installation is a great start.
For more ideas on how to improve your home, lifestyle, and habits, browse the conscious life section of our blog.
