If you are a homeowner, you’ve probably already heard all about solar energy from different companies in your area. While you might think a commercial solar company is strictly in it for the money, there are major benefits to using solar energy in your home. Solar energy is renewable and clean, which is good for the environment. It is also cheaper than using fossil fuels to create electricity. All solar power companies will have different procedures and costs connected with installing solar panels in your home. But while it can get expensive to install, you’ll make up the cost through savings on your utility bill.
But how can we use solar energy if the cost is too expensive upfront? In this situation, you should discuss it with the representatives from the solar company. They might know of rebates or discounts you can apply. You might also be able to work with non-profits or environmental groups. While you’ll likely still have to pay some money with these options, you might be able to cut your initial bill down to something you can afford.
Yellow and blue make green, right? Well, with the yellow sun and the blue solar panels, your house will be green! And it will save you some green, in the long run.
Solar power is on the rise across the United States and the world. As of 2013, approximately 400,000 homes in the United States received some portion of their energy from solar power, and in just the first six months of 2014, solar power accounted for more than half of all new power generation in the country.
So why should you make the change? Take a few of these facts into account about the benefits of solar energy:
Solar Rebates – Almost every state offers some form of tax break or rebate for homeowners who use solar energy. So not only are you becoming energy independent and paying less per kilowatt-hour, but you will actually get more money back come tax season!
Cheaper than Ever Before – Many objections to solar energy are the initial expense of installation. It should be noted, however, that the cost of solar panels — photovoltaic panels — decreased nearly 80% between 2009 and 2013 and continue to drop every year. Reliable Energy – The sun rises and sets every day, and we can be fairly certain that will not change for thousands of years, as opposed to wondering how much coal or natural gas may be left in the ground. Available to All – While big businesses and governments attempt to monopolize as many things as possible, one thing they can’t monopolize is the sun. Lack of Pollutants – Solar energy creates no waste, unlike fossil fuel energy. Job Creation – According to The Solar Foundation, a non-profit entity that has promoted understanding of solar energy since the 1970s, nearly 174,000 U.S. workers deal with solar power, a more than 20% increase over employment totals in 2014.
Once you have decided to go the solar route, the next step is to find a reputable solar panel installer. Reviews and recommendations from the local area are usually going to be your best bet. Word of mouth is important in any business, so ask around. If you think you may have a particularly tricky installation or if you need special work done, finding a solar power installer with some form of government or technical certifications. Just remember that not every business will have these, despite the high level of work performed, and having a certification does not guarantee a great job.
Regardless of all the information above, it is important that you educate yourself on solar energy before saying yay or nay to residential solar energy. Find out for yourself if the pros outweigh the cons and if it would be right for you and your family.