Phrases like “solar power” and “green energy” get thrown around a lot nowadays, and sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all the new information that comes out. You may know about solar roofing or even hear about your neighbors installing solar panels on their home, but how does this technology actually work? What benefits can it actually offer? To help you figure out if solar power is right for you, we’ve outlined some of the basic benefits that solar roofing can provide.
Solar Power Lowers Your Energy Bill
Instead of using traditional electricity, the photovoltaic (PV) panels on a solar roof collect sunlight and then a device called an inverter converts that light into electricity. With solar roofing, you will become less reliant on conventional power and will build independence from utility companies since you will be generating your own power from the sun. Homeowners can save up to 40% on their utility bills, depending on the size of their solar roofing. This estimate is expected to increase over time, as the price of fossil fuels continues to rise.
Lessen Your Carbon Footprint
Solar powered electricity is a clean and sustainable energy source. Your residential solar electric system is connected to the local utility grid, and any extra power that you don’t use on a given day goes back into the grid as storage. This means that no extra electricity is ever wasted. Using solar power reduces the demand for fossil fuels and eliminates over 6 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This has the same impact as planting 2.5 acres of trees or reducing your weekly gas consumption by 25 gallons. As you can imagine, this greatly benefits both you and the global environment significantly, and the positive effects only multiply over time.
Tax Incentives for Going Green
This is a big decision making factor for most people who decide to go solar. In recent years, the US has started rewarding individuals and businesses for environmentally conscious efforts. Today, there are a number of tax incentives and rebates available for homeowners who install solar panelling on their houses. The combination of both state and federal tax credits can offset the original price of installation significantly over several years.
Solar Panelling Increases the Value of Your Home
Installing solar energy panels on your home can actually make it more attractive to potential buyers down the road, especially as green living becomes more mainstream. A study by the Berkeley National Lab in 2011 found that homes with solar panels sold faster and at a higher price than homes without them,. It would appear that solar panels are one home improvement that objectively increase the value of your home. For instance, you may decide to modernize your entire kitchen only to find that potential buyers are more interested in a classic look. However, solar panels lower utility bills and save the owner money, which irrefutably adds value to the home. This value will most likely increase over time as electricity rates rise.
Is Solar Roofing Right for You?
There are many factors to consider before installing solar roofing on your home. In this economy, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs and save more money in the long term. Solar energy can definitely contribute to this effort and provide additional environmental benefits in the process.
