Advantages of Solar Energy
Every day, Americans who once thought solar energy was too expensive or impractical are making the switch because of all the benefits it has to offer. Solar power is an abundant and sustainable energy source that negates the pain points of conventional sources. It’s also much better for the environment than alternative options — and it saves a lot of homeowners money and increases home values. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Today, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports solar accounts for nearly 3% of U.S. electricity generation1, and we’re here to talk in detail about the advantages of solar energy that are driving people to embrace it. We hope this information will encourage you to make the transition and electrify your life!
What Are the Advantages of Solar Energy?
If you’re considering the investment in solar energy, you’re probably wondering what the advantages of solar energy are. Take a look at the information below to see all the ways solar makes life easier and more affordable.
Accessible, Renewable, and Sustainable
One of the most significant advantages of solar energy is that everyone in the world has access to it every single day, even when it’s cloudy. And unlike other energy sources, solar doesn’t have to be transmitted from where it is generated to where it will be used. With a solar panel, you can obtain clean energy wherever you are and use it on the spot.
Additionally, solar energy won’t run out for as long as the sun exists. Everyone in the world can use solar power simultaneously for all their needs 24/7 and won’t need to worry about overwhelming the grid or exhausting a natural resource. At the same time, solar power reduces American dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil.
Reduces Electricity Bills
A solar system brings great potential for energy savings — and it’s not hard to understand why. Sunshine is free, but electricity is derived from fossil fuels, which means it comes at a higher cost. It also has to be transmitted from power plants, and the infrastructure required for transmission is expensive.
Keep in mind that the amount you will save depends on:
Through Net Energy Metering (NEM), solar users can even get paid for exporting unused electricity back to the grid when they generate more electricity than they use. Please note that NEM is not available in all markets. In Texas, check with your retail electricity provider to see if they offer a Solar Buyback Plan, a similar program to NEM.
Serves Multiple Purposes
There are many advantages of solar energy beyond just powering homes. Solar energy is so effective that it can also do these amazing things:
Easy and Affordable to Maintain
Solar systems are very low maintenance, and they’re designed to last at least 30 years. Once they’ve been installed, all you have to do is ensure your system is functioning properly through the manufacturer’s monitoring service and keep the panels clean. In most cases, rain will keep your panels from soiling, but if you don’t get a lot of rain in your area, you may need to hose them off from the ground occasionally.
If something does go wrong, your manufacturer most likely offers a warranty. At Axia Solar, we offer a 25-year workmanship and product warranty as well as a 30-year performance warranty — so you can rest assured that your solar system will function beautifully for decades to come.
Increases the Value of Homes
Homebuyers these days are becoming more selective about their real estate decisions, and they look for things like finished basements and solar panels already in place to minimize their hassle.
So, if you’re considering moving in the near future and want to make your house more desirable to potential buyers, a solar system is an easy and effective way to help you attract interest, raise your home value, and maximize profits when you sell the house. Data from Zillow has shown that houses with solar panels sell for up to 4% more than houses without! This may vary based on other market conditions.
Promotes a Clean Environment
A well-known advantage of solar energy is that it does not cause pollution or emit greenhouse gasses post-installation. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that every kilowatt-hour of solar produced reduces greenhouse emissions and other harmful pollutants as well as water consumption. If you want to enjoy better air quality and save water, you can do your part by upgrading your home energy system to solar.
Solar Incentives Can Help You Earn Money for Your Investment
Although you’ll spend some money investing in a solar system, you can turn a profit later on thanks to U.S. solar incentives. As of 2022, the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) gives you a federal tax break for purchasing a solar system for your home — which reduces installation costs by 30%!
On top of that, some cities and states even send out cash rebates for solar to reduce your overall costs and encourage the switch. Tax exemptions are sometimes offered for solar systems as well.
These incentives only apply in certain states, and amounts vary from state to state, so check with your local government to find out what options are available to you.
Start Experiencing the Advantages of Solar Energy Firsthand
There are so many benefits of installing solar panels for your home, and we’ve only touched on some of the most significant ones in this article. We can tell you about the advantages of solar energy until we’re blue in the face, but you’re better off seeing for yourself how solar can electrify your life.
If you’re ready to start saving money, reducing maintenance work, improving the environment, and more, get in touch with Axia Solar to start off with a free custom quote. We’re eagerly waiting to meet with you and show you how simple and cost-effective solar can truly be. There’s no time like the present!
Ready to Electrify Your Life?
Isn’t it amazing what simple sunlight can do? We think so — and that’s why our mission is to help as many people as possible discover the empowerment behind energy independence. If this article has inspired you to go solar, get in touch with us today to get a custom quote from an advisor. We’ve pledged to make the solar transition as seamless and simple as possible!
- https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3 ↩︎