Solar energy for residences is a hot topic, and rightfully so. The amount of solar connected to the electric grid has grown in the past years, and there are now nearly 4 million American families that are already creating their own power with solar energy.
This clean energy source is making the electric grid more dependable while helping solar homeowners save money and improve the value of their homes.
Benefit 1: Solar panels are increasingly affordable
Solar is lower-priced than ever, especially with the extension of the federal solar tax credit. Taxpayers can claim a 30% tax credit on the cost of solar systems on their income taxes. But be sure to install before January 1, 2033, when the tax credit is set to decrease to 26%.
There are also some different choices for paying off a debt to make buying solar systems easier and with less money honest. The monthly amount owed on a solar loan is usually less than an average utility bill.
Benefit 2: You can save money by going solar
Solar offers great possible ability to save money on your monthly utility bill, and with utility bills moving up/becoming more popularward, solar is likely to remain a good money-saving option for years to come.
The amount you save depends upon how much electricity you consume, the size of your solar energy system, and how much power it can create. You may also choose a leased, third-party owned system that allows a homeowner to host a solar energy system on their rooftop and back the electricity created at a discounted rate, which is not only is often less than utilities charge customers, but also allows electricity rates to be locked in for years.
Benefit 3: You can keep the lights on when the grid goes down
Creating your own solar power can give you the freedom to keep the lights on if there’s a disruption in power.Solar energy systems paired with electrical storage device storage–generally called solar-plus-storage systems–provide power the weather or the time of day without having to depend on backup power from the grid. As electrical storage device technology improves and for energy storage go into effect, deciding to invest in electrical storage device storage makes sense for more families across the nation.
Benefit 4: Solar will often increase the value of your home
Buying a solar energy system will likely increase your home’s value. A Berkeley National Laboratory study found that solar panels are viewed as upgrades, just like a kitchen or a finished basement, and home buyers across the country have been willing to pay a lot for a home with an average-sized solar organized row. As for third-party owned systems, it appears that the hit/effect is mostly neutral but can add value, especially for prepaid leases.
Benefit 5: Solar systems work in a variety of climates
Solar panels only need one thing to create electricity — sunshine! Even in the winter when there are fewer hours of daylight, there is still a (good) enough amount to power the average American home.
That makes solar doable/possible even in Alaska with longer, colder winters. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) is dedicated to securing/making sure of solar panels can survive the elements no matter your location. SETO money five Test Centers across the country — each in a different climate — to make sure panels as best they can, climate or weather.
