What are the Benefits of Going Solar?

Feb 21st 2024

Solar energy has become the fastest-growing renewable source of electricity in the US. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electrical energy by using technology that has been evolving since 1954.

Solar Energy can offer many benefits over traditional methods of producing energy as it is a clean and sustainable source of energy. Solar energy is a low-maintenance option for a consumer to gain energy independence and reduce their need for fossil fuels. Below we take a look at the numerous benefits solar energy offers for both residential and commercial buildings.

Financial Savings

One of the first things that the installation of solar panels and the use of solar energy will bring is a reduction to your electric bill. Excess electricity can also be stored for use when your solar panels are not generating electricity -or- they can be sold back into the power grid to your local energy provider.

Net metering allows consumers to obtain credits from the electrical energy that is produced by their solar panels and added back into the electrical grid. This will offset any use of electricity needed when your solar panels are not producing energy. It can lead to substantial savings on your electrical costs.

Solar panel storage systems can also be installed to contain the excess electrical energy the panels produce during their peak hours. This energy can be used when the panes are dormant and not producing energy. It will also enable the solar panel consumer to continue to have power if the power grid or electrical provider is not providing electricity. This type of storage is optimal for properties in areas with rolling blackouts, or are prone to natural disasters.

No Increase In Electrical Costs

The cost of electricity is continually rising from year to year. With the increased demands placed on the electrical grid, the cost of electrical energy will continue to rise. This is especially true as electric cars are staring to be produced at record breaking rates.

Installing solar panels will keep you from paying these continued electrical price increases every year. Your solar panels will produce the energy you need keeping you from relying on the increasing energy prices and off-set cost all season long.

With the use of net metering, any electrical power returned to the grid will be paid at a higher price, this makes your solar panels power production increase your electrical savings year after year.

Return On Investment

Solar panels reduce your electric bill, but also provide a source of income. With net metering, if you can send more energy back than what's used, you can have a positive income provided by your solar panels. This can help you pay for your system after it is installed bringing its cost even lower. Some of these incentives can help you pay off your system in less than 5 years. 

Lower Cost Of Maintenance

Once the solar panel system is installed in your home there is very little maintenance that needs to be done. Solar panels are very durable and are designed to help reduce the damage caused by hail. They can withstand a 25 mm piece of hail dropped at 23 meters per second. Solar panels that become damaged by weather or hail are often covered under warranties and will be replaced.

Since they are stationary, the maintenance needed to be regularly performed is minimal. Solar panels have the lowest maintenance cost of all other energy systems. They only require cleaning 2-4 times a year, or if you notice a drop in the output. 

Environmentally Friendly

Solar panels are an environmentally friendly alternative to power your home. They utilize a renewable source of energy without creating a lasting negative impact on the environment. They do not produce greenhouse gasses and reduce the need for fossil fuels to power your home.

With very little maintenance requirements after installation, the lack of noise, pollution,  solar panels are an easy way to provide renewable energy to your home. They have a minimal negative impact on your everyday life and are a reliable source of electrical energy for your home for over 25 years. 

Independence

Having a source of renewable energy allows a homeowner or business to become independent. Installing solar panels gives them this independence. This allows them to control where they are receiving their power and what impact that has on their neighbors, town, city, country, and world.

Having energy independence would also allow people to live in places that were unobtainable before since they did not have access to a power grid. Rural areas could become habitable with the ability to install solar panels and obtain access to their own renewable, low-cost, low-maintenance power supply. 

Switching an entire country would allow them to gain independence from other countries to meet the electrical needs of their citizens. They would not have to rely on fossil fuels obtained from other countries as they do now. This would be a drastic improvement in their national security and their own independence. 

Conclusion

The installation of renewable solar energy provides homeowners the benefits of gaining energy independence and reducing their carbon footprint. Solar energy, with the added tax rebates and incentives, is continually becoming more cost-effective and will continue to rival the prices of traditional electrical service providers and their rising costs.

Net metering also provides credits for the excess energy produced, lowering the cost of the energy needed when the solar panels aren't producing. Any positive gains from the use of solar energy can help pay for the initial cost of the system, helping the home or business owner pay off their system in under 5 years. 

The more businesses and homeowners that make the switch to solar energy help take the steps needed for themselves and their country to gain energy independence. This will help them control how they get their energy and reduce the need for fossil fuels. As a nation, this would drastically affect national security and provide them independence from the influence of other nations.