Every hour the Earth is hit with more energy from the sun than the entire world consumes in a year. Could catching a little bit of that make a big change to your life?
As a homeowner, you have an endless list of home improvements, refurbishments, and decorating you could be doing. But there’s one simple action you could do to go green and save money: install solar panels.
There’s never been a better time to own a home with solar panels. They are increasing in popularity and decreasing in cost. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth putting solar panels on your house, let us show you the top five benefits you could see.
1. A Home With Solar Panels
You should think of solar panels as a form of home improvement, like renovating your kitchen. It’s a long term investment in your house. Studies have shown that, on average, solar increased the value of a home by about $15,000.
Buyers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and there has been a movement towards green living. This means that buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with smaller carbon footprints.
2. You Reduce Your Energy Bills
The main reason homeowners choose to go solar is to save money on electricity bills. By installing solar panels and producing your own power, you will see a sizable reduction in your household expenses.
The cost of solar installation has never been lower, and as solar panel systems have a lifetime of around 30 years, the savings will pay back your initial investment. You can still enjoy decades of savings afterward.
3. You Can Get Tax Credits and Rebates
Due to government incentives, you could end up making a profit as well as savings. To start with, you can get 26% of total equipment and installation costs back as a federal income tax credit.
You can also get the benefit of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), where you can sell off the extra energy your solar panels make. You can find local and state incentives no matter where you live, so take advantage of them while you still can.
4. It Will Reduce Energy Uncertainty
The cost of electricity continues to rise and will probably keep on going up. The price of electricity fluctuates monthly and yearly. By installing a solar energy system, you can protect yourself against these changes.
If you add battery backup to your solar system, it gives you even more protection because you’re also storing power. This means that your house can remain powered even in a blackout.
5. The Environment Will Thank You
If you’re looking to be eco-friendly, solar power is the cleanest way of generating electricity. Traditional ways of producing electricity usually involve fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels is the main cause of climate change, which is damaging the environment.
Let the Sunshine In
If by this point you’re still not convinced, well, there are other ways to reduce your energy bills. But you should think about joining the millions of other homeowners who have had their eyes opened and now know that a home with solar panels is good for the planet, good for your property values, and good for your bank account.
