Solar power and solar panels are gaining popularity in the United States and all over the world. Nowadays, it is more affordable and easier than ever to generate solar energy. Many people are turning to solar panels to help protect the environment as well as save money in electricity bills, among many other reasons. Here are several reasons why you should be using solar power, too.
1. Environmentally Friendly
Solar panels create a much smaller carbon footprint than other methods of creating energy. Using solar panels produce a clean and green source of energy. Solar panels are self-sufficient and do not release any greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home or property is a great way to start.
2. Cut Costs in Utility Bills
The Energy Information Administration reports that the average monthly electricity bill is over $100. With the use of solar panels, you can greatly decrease your electricity bill because you are using the power your panels are generating versus buying electricity from your local supplier.
3. Renewable Energy Source
Because we can always count on the amount of sunlight the world gets, solar energy is one of the most effective sources of renewable energy. Today’s technology and the advancements it makes every day, this source of energy will continue to get better, will become easier to generate, and will continue to be the lesser expensive alternative.
4. Install and Forget
Solar panels are typically very low maintenance. Most panels are installed at an angle so that snow, rain, and debris can slough off on its own. This usually cleanses themselves, however, you should make sure the panels do not become blocked by dirt or other debris.
5. Increase Your Home’s Value
Did you know that solar panels typically increase the value of your home or property? Homes that have solar panels generally sell faster and for more money than homes that do not have panels. Many people in the home-buying market are interested in green homes and their interested is peaked when they learn a home they’re looking at buying has solar panels. If you have solar panels installed on your property and are selling your home, be sure to include this as one of your major selling points.
6. Tax Exemptions
Many states offer a property tax or sales tax exemption for solar panels and are typically pretty easy to file. More than 20 states have a sales tax exemption (or none at all!) and more than 30 states offer some sort of solar property tax exemption.
7. Independent and Prepared
One major perk of solar panels is that you become less dependent on others for your electrical needs. There’s no doubt that the power grid will go out (maybe for an hour or two, maybe for a couple of days or more). Either way, with solar panels you are protected against being without power. Prepare yourself even further and invest in battery storage so you can continue to live off the grid after the sun goes down.