Solar energy was discovered back in the late 1800s. It wasn’t until the 2000s, however, that solar panels hit the market.
Fast forward to today and there are more than two million solar panels installed in the United States.
Are you thinking of going green? Want to learn more about the benefits of using solar as an energy source?
If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be going over some benefits of using renewable energy below. Keep reading to learn more about the topic!
1. It’s Better For the Environment
Solar energy is eco-friendly. If anything, it’s one of the cleanest ways to generate electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, it won’t contribute to climate change; there won’t be any greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane released into the air.
Not only that, but it’ll reduce water pollution as well (it doesn’t require nearly as much water to generate electrical energy).
And don’t forget, it’s a form of sustainable energy; it’s derived from natural processes that are constantly replenished so you won’t have to worry about depleting the Earth’s resources.
2. It’s Low Maintenance
Solar panel systems can be tricky to install (which is why you want to find a solar company instead of doing it yourself). Once they’re installed, however, they’ll mostly run themselves.
They don’t have any movable parts so you won’t have to worry about them breaking down. All you have to do is clean the panels a few times a year. Simply wash them with water and a small amount of soap—that’ll clear away any loose debris.
Other than that, you just need to change the inverter once every 5-10 years. Generally speaking, this will cost between $1,000 to $2,000 (less if you have a string inverter).
3. It’ll Save You Money In the Long Term
Upfront installation costs can be high. On average, you’re looking at around $12,000 to $14,000 for a solar panel system after federal tax credits.
Over time, however, they’ll pay for themselves (this usually takes 8-10 years); you won’t have to pay nearly as much for electricity since you’ll be able to generate your own from the sun.
In fact, it’s not uncommon to save between $10,000 and $30,000 over the lifetime of your solar panel system.
Depending on where you live, you may also be able to get a credit back from your power company if you generate more energy than you use.
Using Solar Power As Your Home’s Main Energy Source
There are many benefits of using solar power as an energy source. Not only will it benefit the environment, but it’ll also save you money. If anything, it’s just the installation costs that are a bit high. Don’t worry, though, it’ll eventually pay for itself.
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