Solar power is quickly growing as the optimal form of renewable energy. With recent advances in technology is solar panels have become cheaper and more efficient. This has allowed solar power acquisition to not only occur in the private sphere.
We have seen a steady increase in the use of residential solar power due to the drop in cost. Solar has become more accessible as the United States has begun to make active efforts in reducing its global footprint by investing in solar power research and providing residential solar power incentive programs.
Here’s why you should install solar panels.
Clean Energy
By going solar you are looking to convert either some or all of your energies to renewable solar energy. Through the installation of solar panels on your roof you were able to collect and convert solar energy for domestic use.
Solar energy is a form of clean energy. It is not produced any air pollution or greenhouse gases. Switching to solar energy has a positive effect on the environment as it either replaces or reduces the use of non-clean energy.
Solar energy is a renewable energy source, it can be harnessed all around the world without depletion in our global supply. The use of solar energy is also beneficial in water conservation. Most fossil fuels or nuclear energy sources require a lot of water in energy production.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Although the production of the solar panels themselves has a carbon footprint, like most manufactured products the industry has been taking steps to make solar product production greener.
Solar panels are able to reduce your carbon footprint through the use of renewable resources. A residential solar system that can power an entire home can do so with 80% lower carbon emissions and fossil fuels.
By switching to solar you are not only minimizing the number of fossil fuels you were creating but you’re also using a system that produced little to no emissions when converting power into electricity.
Store Your Solar
One of the biggest criticisms of solar power is its dependency on weather. In storing energy collected during optimal weather you can prepare for unfavorable shifts in the weather.
By investing in solar batteries you can be sure to stock up on your solar energy. Solar batteries have their own energy conversion capabilities and allow for excess energy to be stockpiled.
Solar batteries allow for long-term storage of solar energy. All of these batteries are also made for specific devices large solar batteries can be used to help store energy gathered by your solar system for later.
Save on Energy
The main hesitation people have when contemplating the switch to solar is the initial input cost. However, switching to solar energy can be cost-effective in the long term. It’s important to look at solar panels as an investment as they can protect you against the rising energy costs and increase your property value.
By installing solar panels you can either minimize the charges you receive or eliminate your electric bill entirely. This is based on how much solar energy your system is producing. Many states even offer financial incentives for switching to solar.
Low Maintenance Costs
Solar energy systems require very little maintenance. Other than ensuring that it’s relatively clean it is uncommon that you will need repair work done. Since these are our stationary panels place on your roof, there is no wear and tear from moving pieces grinding together, making maintenance costs rather low.
Protect Yourself from Fluctuating Energy Costs
The cost of energy is directly tied to the cost of oil per barrel. This means that your utility bill can fluctuate just as much as gas prices.
Because of the finite about of fossil fuels, the price of energy is projected to continue to grow. You can switch to solar in order to make long-term projections of your finances and become energy independent.
How to Switch to Solar
Solar energy is used to power more than 12 million homes across the United States. The number of homes using solar energy is increasing each and every day due to the ecological and economic benefits of switching to solar.
When switching to solar it’s important to plan out your solar system. You need to analyze your electricity needs and ensure that your home is able to support a substantial-sized solar system.
Research Your Energy Consumption
You can find your annual electricity need by looking at your utility expenses over the course of the past year. While looking at your electric bills you will not only want to see how much you spend each year on electricity but how much energy your household consumes.
When considering installing a solar system for your home it’s important to make sure that your solar system is able to support your energy usage. Energy is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. The average American household uses nearly 10,500 kWh annually.
Discover Your Solar Potential
Once you have figured out your energy needs you can figure out your home’s solar energy potential. Your home’s energy potential is based on two factors. The surface area of where you can play solar panels and your home’s regular access to sunlight.
Sunmapping tools are used to see your home’s yearly access to direct sunlight. This tool allows you to recognize the impact that adding solar panels could have on your energy consumption.
You will need 100sq ft. of sun-exposed roofing for every kWh you need. Although you may not have enough surface area or direct sunlight to become entirely energy independent, reducing your consumption of unrenewable resources is always a positive.
Shopping for Solar
The next step in switching to solar is shopping around for different solar systems and finding a solar installation company. With such a wide variety of solar systems, it is best to enlist the help of your installer to help decide which system works best, given your home’s solar potential.
it is important not to be discouraged during the purchasing process, by keeping in mind the long-term benefits of switching to solar. The price for a residential solar system sized at 3kW to 8kW can cost between $9,000 and $24,000 dollars. This price gap is why shopping around and getting bids on your solar installation is important.
With the increase in solar systems across the US, we have seen the prices for residential solar systems gradually fall. Be sure to be educated when financing a system that works for your home and solar needs.
Search for an Incentive Program
Many states have developed incentive programs and marketing tactics in order to promote the domestication of solar energy. In 2019 the state of California surpassed its goal set of one million solar roofs.
In an effort to increase the use of clean energy sources, like solar energy, many states have begun to offer a financial incentive for making the switch. Some states offer a tax credit for installing your solar system or do not make you pay property tax based on the added value that solar panels give your home.
These incentive programs vary from state to state, so be sure to do your research when installing your system. Whether it is a rebate or tax break these incentive programs can help to lower your overall installation cost.
Fill Out Paperwork
Once you have purchased and installed a residential solar system you need to file the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth transition to solar.
Depending on where you live, you will want to check with your homeowner’s association to see if any regulations are in place in regards to solar panel installation.
To access your solar energy you will want to work with the utility company. You will need to connect your electric system to the company’s power grid in order to access the solar you generate. Contacting your utility company will also allow you to discuss the steps and payments needed if only going partially solar.
Install Solar Panels
If you are looking to make an eco-friendly investment, the switch to solar is the right choice to make. With more people are switching to solar every day, this clean form of energy is becoming a common way to reduce ecological and economic waste.
Installing solar panels on your home is an easy solution to be more ecologically sounds and self-sufficient. Install solar panels to take the next step in clean energy and make your own residency a clean energy producer.
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