An increasing number of people are choosing alternative energy sources to power their homes and businesses. Solar power is a popular option for harnessing cost-effective and environmentally-friendly energy.
If you’re thinking about making the change, consider these 4 important factors before switching to solar power:
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Costs Involved
Evaluate the costs involved before choosing solar power.
Solar panels are required for harnessing solar energy and converting it into usable electricity; solar energy batteries help harness that energy as well. Depending on the size of your home, solar panel installation on average costs between $10-15,000. Solar power is an expensive investment, but it provides numerous financial advantages.
A major money-saving benefit of solar power is reduced electric expenses. Electric rates continue to rise as the dependence on powering homes grows, especially with more people than ever working remotely. Free energy from the sun means you can effectively limit your monthly costs by eliminating the biggest bill.
Tax incentives are also associated with going green and installing solar panels. The majority of states offer varying tax policies that offer financial assistance. Typically, homeowners with solar panels can receive 25-30% of the installation costs back on their federal taxes, decreasing this costly consideration.
Additionally, solar panels successfully increase your home’s property value because solar power systems are viewed as valuable upgrades. Solar panels can approximately boost your home’s value by 4.1% more than comparable homes.
Investing in solar power is financially beneficial for your monthly expenses, taxes, and property value.
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Suitable Conditions
Judge the condition of your home to determine whether it’s suitable for solar panels.
Solar panels are built to survive and operate in every climate; however, a roof must meet certain qualifications before installation. Analyze specific aspects of your home’s roof by asking important questions including:
- Do nearby trees create excessive shade?
- Is your roof durable?
- What’s the size, shape, and slope of your roof?
- How old is your roof? When will it need to be replaced?
Generally, the ideal roof for solar panels is south-facing with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees. Assess your home’s roof and consult an installation expert to discover if solar panels are an available option.
Community solar is an excellent alternative to solar panels. Community solar, otherwise known as a solar garden or farm, refers to a group of people sharing electricity produced through combined solar power efforts. Shared solar opportunities are steadily growing to offer customers increased accessibility, immense savings, and positive environmental change regardless of their roof’s condition or living situation.
Before switching to solar power, contemplate the suitability of your rooftop’s condition and consider alternative options if necessary.
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Environmental Impact
Examine the environmental impact of solar energy to assist in the decision-making process.
Traditional forms of electricity, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, emit carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, which pollute the air and water. In addition, fossil fuels are finite, meaning the supply continually diminishes until it eventually runs out.
Renewable energy, including solar power, is a cleaner and greener alternative. Solar energy systems avoid producing air pollution and greenhouse gases, which effectively combats global warming and improves public health. Solar power is also more sustainable because it’s a readily resupplied, naturally produced, and inexhaustible resource.
Analyze the environmental benefits of solar energy vs. traditional forms of electricity to note the substantial and meaningful differences.
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Economic Benefits
Solar power offers a variety of economic benefits.
Over 10 million people work in renewable energy. With a variety of positions in manufacturing, installation, engineering, and sales becoming available, the number of jobs is expected to steadily increase. Solar energy provides an amazing employment opportunity to stimulate the economy and encourage growth.
Solar power also grants intriguing economical benefits for landowners and farmers by providing them unique opportunities to participate in the energy sector, specifically hosting community solar projects. Rural landowners are able to increase their profits and positively impact society.
If you’re considering switching to solar power, assess the economic advantages to discover the widespread benefits.
Solar power provides numerous advantages for you, your family, and your home.
If you’re contemplating switching to solar power, consider important factors, including the expected costs, your personal situation, the environment, and the economy, to guarantee you’re fully prepared for the change.
