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Solar energy for residences is a hot topic, and rightfully so. The amount of solar connected to the electric grid has grown exponentially in the past several years, and there are now nearly 4 million American households that are already generating 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. With all of this interest and so much information available, Energy Saver wants to take a moment to highlight five benefits of residential solar:
Benefit 1: Solar panels are increasingly affordable
Residential solar is more affordable than ever, especially with the extension of the federal residential 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, , when the tax credit is set to decrease to 26%.
There are also a number of different financing options to make purchasing solar systems easier and with less money upfront. The monthly amount owed on a solar loan is typically less than an average utility bill.
Benefit 2: You can save money by going solar
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Solar offers great potential to save money on your monthly utility bill, and with utility bills trending upward, 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 is able to generate. You may also opt for a leased, third-party owned system that allows a homeowner to host a solar energy system on their rooftop and purchase back the electricity generated 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
Generating your own solar power can give you the freedom to keep the lights on if there&#;s a disruption in power. Residential solar energy systems paired with battery storage&#;generally called solar-plus-storage systems&#;provide power regardless of the weather or the time of day without having to rely on backup power from the grid. As battery technology improves and financial incentives for energy storage go into effect, deciding to invest in battery storage makes sense for more households 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 photovoltaic panels are viewed as upgrades, just like a renovated kitchen or a finished basement, and home buyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium for a home with an average-sized solar array. As for third-party owned systems, it appears that the impact is largely neutral but can occasionally add value, especially for prepaid leases.
Benefit 5: Solar systems work in a variety of climates
Solar panels only need one thing to generate electricity -- sunshine! Even in the winter when there are fewer hours of daylight, there is still a sufficient amount to power the average American home. That makes solar viable even in Alaska with longer, colder winters. The U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) is dedicated to ensuring solar panels can withstand the elements no matter your location. SETO funds five Regional Test Centers across the country -- each in a different climate -- to make sure panels perform as best they can, regardless of climate or weather.
You do not need to own a house to go solar
Do you rent your house? Or do you live in a high-rise condo building? Not a problem. Community solar programs allow multiple people to benefit from a single, shared solar array. These arrays can be installed on your building or offsite in a different location. Purchasing costs and the installation of the solar energy system are then divided among all of the participants. All are then able to buy into the shared system at a level that best fits their budget. The portion you share can even be negotiated into the sale of your place should you move!
For more answers about the &#;going solar&#; process, look at SETO's Homeowner&#;s Guide to Going Solar.
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While it has been widely criticised for being expensive or inefficient, solar energy has now proved to be extremely beneficial - not only for the environment but also for the private economy. It can save you lots of money on your energy bills and can increase your property value. Another question to consider is, do solar panels increase home value? The answer is yes. But there's much more to it than that, so let's dive into the pros and cons of solar energy.
Did you know that the energy the sun provides to the earth for one hour could meet the global energy needs for one year? Undoubtedly, the sun is a powerful energy source , and even though we are not able to collect a fraction of this energy, harnessing this power by installing the best solar panels can make a significant difference to the planet.
&#; Slash your energy bills by installing solar panels &#; Reduce your carbon footprint with solar panels &#; Solar panels can increase your property value
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Thanks to available solar panel grants, as well as, the increasingly competitive prices in the market, solar energy has become the main source of energy for more and more families. The technology has been drastically improved the last years and has been complemented by solar battery storage systems, turning solar into a significantly more efficient source of clean energy. However, solar battery prices are something worth thinking about.
However, there are always downsides no matter the energy source you choose to analyse. GreenMatch has outlined the key advantages and disadvantages of solar power in the following points:
What are the advantages of solar panels?
By choosing solar energy, homeowners can benefit from many advantages that solar energy offers, such as:
- Lower electricity bills: Solar panels generate cost-free electricity, reducing overall energy costs.
- Earn money back: Sell surplus energy to the grid for compensation through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
- Reduce carbon footprint: Sustainable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
- Year-round efficiency: Effective even in cloudy UK weather, especially with advancements in technology.
- Low maintenance: Minimal upkeep required post-installation.
- Independence from the grid: Generate your own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid.
- Affordability: Solar panels are increasingly cost-effective and there are relatively cheap solar panels available on the market these days.
- Cost savings: Utilise solar energy to save money.
- Grid independence: Keep your lights on during grid outages.
- Increased home value: Installing solar energy can boost your property's value.
- Climate versatility: Solar systems work well in various climates, including the UK.
1. Renewable energy source
Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy.
Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.
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2. Reduces electricity bills
Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage. This can be found in our 'is it worth getting solar panels?' guide.
For example, if you are a business using commercial solar panels this switch can have huge benefits because the large system size can cover large chunks of your energy bills.
Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill, but there is also a possibility to receive payments for the surplus energy that you export back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). If you generate more electricity than you use (considering that your solar panel system is connected to the grid).
3. Diverse applications
Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity (photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distil water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space.
Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not long ago Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.
4. Low maintenance costs
Solar energy systems generally don&#;t require a lot of maintenance. You only need to keep them relatively clean, so cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. If in doubt, you can always rely on specialised cleaning companies, which offer this service from around £25-£35.
Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty.
Also, as there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity and heat (solar PV vs. solar thermal). Apart from the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure your solar power system runs at maximum efficiency.
So, after covering the initial cost of the solar system, you can expect very little spending on maintenance and repair work.
5. Technology development
Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will intensify in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can potentially increase the effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of the solar power systems.
Don't want to wait any longer to reap all of these solar benefits? By opting for solar panels, you're not only reducing your energy costs, but you're also making a positive impact on the environment. GreenMatch can help you take the first step by securing the best quotes for your needs.
By filling out our form now you'll receive up to 4 free quotes from trusted local installers and begin your journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future in less than a minute. Say goodbye to hours spent vetting and requesting quotes from installers in your area.
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