For many homeowners, solar power still seems to be an unattainable dream in 2020.
It sounds great in theory, but the high prices on the market and the supposed drawbacks make the investors to put money in this green technology with a reduced interest. It leaves a lot of people asking, “Is solar energy worth it?”
If you’re one of these people, you’ll be happy to know that solar energy is now a lot more affordable and realistic. Here’s everything you need to know about solar energy.
Solar Panels Are Only Getting Cheaper
With the ever-rising threat of climate change, solar energy is in great demand. Everyone is looking for a way to do their part! Due to the demand, researchers are finding ways to make solar panels more affordable.
The cost of solar panels has declined dramatically over the last few decades. Solar cells have become far more efficient, and the materials used to create the panels has gone down.
There are also a lot more portable/small-scale solar panels available on the market today. These panels let aspiring solar panel owners dip their toes in the water. With these solar kits, you can charge batteries, devices, and even run some appliances in, say, an RV.
Check out the reviews on solar kits to see just what they’re capable of.
It can be hard to separate costs and benefits sometimes. Thankfully, it’s getting easier and easier. The more affordable solar panels get, the more people will invest in this clean technology.
Save the Planet While Making Money
You probably already know all about how solar energy can save the planet. The sun is a continuous source of clean electricity. With solar panels, you’ll be using less toxic resources and help save the environment.
But did you know that solar panels can actually make you money?
It goes without saying that solar energy will reduce your electricity bill. But some people don’t realize you’ll receive payments if you generate extra energy that is sent back in the grid.
When you generate more electricity than you use, that energy goes back to the grid. The government will then pay you for that electricity, and use it elsewhere. Considering this, solar energy pays for itself over time!
On top of that, there are tax credits available for those who use solar energy. These allow you to get 30% of your installation and equipment costs bad from the government. That’s a pretty great incentive to get on the solar train.
Make Your Home More Valuable
In most states, solar panels can increase the property value of your home.
As more people become aware of how urgent the climate crisis is, more people want to move into energy-efficient homes. Buying a home with solar panels already installed means saving on installation for the prospective buyer. This is enough to get most people excited.
If you live in New Jersey, your property value can increase by around 9.9% by installing solar panels. North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana also offer a hefty increase of around 4.5% each.
If you’re the kind of person who moves around a lot, don’t let that stop you from installing solar panels. It may make your house a lot more attractive in the long run.
Solar Panels Are Durable And Easy to Maintain
Solar panels and all their components are very low maintenance. They only need to be cleaned a few times a year, and the warranties on them are usually very long. You’re looking at a 25-year warranty on average.
The only part of a solar energy system that really needs to be maintained is the inverter. You can expect to change that every five to ten years. Even with that, though, you’re looking at a very easy system to maintain.
Solar panels also last a long time. The average system will run at 80% efficiency or better after 25 years of use. These numbers are only getting better as further research is done, and panels are improved.
Solar Leases Make It Easy to Install
Some companies now offer what’s called a solar lease.
With a solar lease, you’re given a huge discount to install solar panels on your property. This makes your costs a fraction of what they would be if you were purchasing the panels upfront.
The drawback is that you can’t receive any credits or incentives from your solar panels. All the money made from the solar energy system goes back to the company giving out the lease. So, the company is taking the money because technically, they are the owners of the panels.
But if you want to do your part for the environment, this can be a great option for you.
Great If You’re in a Sunny State or Not
There’s a good reason California leads the way in solar energy.
Roughly 17% of the electricity in California comes from the sun.
There are countless solar farms in the state, and for good reason. California is a very sunny place, making solar panels is one of the most efficient ways to go.
The sunnier your state, the more beneficial solar panels will be for you.
Other popular solar states include North Carolina, Nevada, and Texas. If you’re in any of these states, chances are you can benefit from solar panels.
Even in less sunny states, though, solar energy can be very worth it. Solar systems store energy, meaning the sun doesn’t have to be out to benefit from them. Just because you’re having one cloudy, rainy day doesn’t mean you’ll be powerless.
Don’t let the rain, well, rain on your parade. Solar panel systems are getting better and better at storing and saving energy every day. They’re not just for the sunshine state.
Is Solar Energy Really Worth It?
The answer is a resounding Yes! Solar energy will save you money, save the environment, and increase your home value. Plus, solar energy is only getting more efficient and affordable as research progresses.
Final thought
The more people that invest in solar energy, the closer we get to a green earth. If enough people get on board, we could eventually see a 100% solar planet! It may seem like a stretch, but the first step is investing.
For more on renewable energy sources, check out the rest of our blog. Contact us with any comments or questions.
