Are you considering going solar in your home or business?
While solar panels are highly praised for their environmental benefits, the benefits of going solar extend far beyond just the environment.
In fact, so many Americans are choosing to go solar that the U.S. solar market grew 76 percent in 2012 alone. Since then, more and more Americans have turned to solar power for their homes and businesses.
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, those choosing solar power can enjoy reduced electricity bills, contributing to the U.S. economy and increasing the value of their property.
If you’ve been contemplating whether or not to install solar panels, you’ve come to the right place. We’re outlining the ten most prominent benefits that going solar will provide.
It’s safe to report that it’s not just Mother Earth that will be sending you its praise!
1. Reduce Electricity Bills
Are you looking to save money each and every month?
Homeowners who install solar panels can look forward to monthly savings of over $100 in most states. When you consider these savings on a yearly or even decade-long basis, it’s clear that these monthly savings begin to add up.
However, how much each individual saves on their monthly bill is dependent on location, number of solar panels and how much heating and electricity are used.
This is always the best way to protect your wallets against future electricity rate increases. After all, utility prices have increased by approximately 30 percent in the last 5 years.
2. Financing Options
Many people worry that installing solar panels is too significant an upfront cost.
Sure, people generally understand that you save money down the line but how about that initial cost?
Fortunately, many solar panel businesses offer financing options. This makes it possible for homeowners to go solar for little or even no money down.
3. Plentiful Incentives
For those considering going solar, there are plenty of financial incentives to help encourage this transition.
When the homeowner meets with the solar company, that company will guide them through all of the possible programs and incentives that are available in that area.
This may include receiving a percentage of the cost of the system, state and local rebates, tax credits as well as Solar Renewable Energy Credits.
4. Guaranteed Performance
The general rule of thumb is that solar panels will degrade by approximately 1 percent per year. After 20 years, solar panels are expected to perform at least 80 percent of rated power.
So long as the sun is present, homeowners can look forward to a guaranteed performance for their solar panels. Homeowners can also look forward to a general warranty.
5. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Are you looking to transition your lifestyle and adopt a smaller carbon footprint?
One of the most significant benefits of going solar is that solar energy is truly a renewable and environmentally friendly resource. Remember, solar energy is clean energy. There are no CO2 emissions and nothing detrimental is being released into the air.
Unlike other sources of energy, it’s impossible to run out of solar energy. Due to this fact, those with solar energy don’t have to worry about the source becoming more expensive as it depletes.
So long as we have the presence of the sun, we can rest assured that we have green, solar energy! This also makes it accessible to almost every part of the earth.
6. Low Maintenance Costs
It’s safe to say that solar panels only require minimal maintenance. This is both in terms of maintenance cost and maintenance upkeep.
Also, because solar panels do not feature any moving parts, there is very little wear and tear. This means the likelihood of having to replace certain aspects of the panel is relatively low.
The only areas that require maintenance are the inverter and the cords. However, there are various companies that specialize in solar maintenance and offer the service at an affordable rate.
7. Contribute to the U.S. Economy
For those looking to support their local economy, look no further than solar panels.
The truth is, a large number of the petroleum that the U.S. relies on comes from sources outside of the U.S. By choosing to go solar, homeowners are no longer depending on outside sources.
This, in turn, can help to reduce America’s significant dependence on foreign energy and support the local economy.
8. Increase Business Appeal
When it comes to supporting businesses, many consumers prefer to support businesses with green incentives or frameworks.
These small factors resonate well with consumers and many consumers will choose to support green businesses as compared to the alternative.
9. Solar Panels are Easy
The truth is, shopping for solar panels was once a long and complicated process.
However, as solar panels grow in popularity, the number of solar panel companies increases. With all of this competition, the odds of locating affordable and high-quality solar company increases exponentially.
Companies such as GreenForm Construction offer solar panels at a price that is affordable to homeowners and with exceptional quality. If you’re considering solar panels, it’s best to locate a company that specializes in solar and is able to walk you through the entire process from the initial consultation to the projection of the panels.
10. Increase Home Value
For buyers, purchasing a home with solar panels automatically translates to lower energy bills.
Paired with saving on the cost of installing the solar panels themselves, these monthly savings are sure to appeal to buyers.
In addition, a home with solar panels will also sell faster and at a higher selling price. In fact, housing reports state that homes with solar panels sell 20 percent faster and for 17 percent more money than homes without.
Going Solar: More Than Just an Aid to the Environment
If you’ve been flip-flopping back and forth on going solar, we hope these facts will have shed a light on the many benefits solar panels provide.
Of course, helping the environment is one of the most significant and well-known benefits of going solar. For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, investing in solar panels is one of the most simple yet significant transitions one can make.
However, these benefits also extend to saving money, making a sound investment and increasing the appeal of your property.
If you’re considering going solar, why not start today? This is the first step we can all take toward making our planet a better place.
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