5 Great Benefits of Solar Panels

Solar energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on electricity bills. Installing solar panels can be expensive, but long-term savings can be worth it. Solar energy will likely play an even greater role in our future as we become more aware of our impact on the environment. Here are five benefits of solar panels:

1. Environmental benefits

Although you primarily want solar panels for financial benefits, you should also consider the environmental benefits. The carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels such as oil and coal create smog and other harmful pollutants. These can cause various health problems, such as an increased risk of heart disease, lung disease, and other respiratory illnesses. Solar panels have no emissions, so they are a cleaner source. In addition, you won’t have to be concerned with issues from mining and transporting fossil fuels, such as water and soil contamination. As you use solar energy, you can help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Solar energy is a renewable energy source, so there is no worry that it will run out.

2. Energy cost savings

You can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills by installing solar panels on your home’s roof. You can use your system’s energy and any excess power you send back to your utility company. Any power you don’t use will be credited to your account. You can then use that credit to offset future electric bills. The amount you save will depend on several factors, including your home’s energy consumption rates and the amount of power your panels produce. The average homeowner can expect to save around $80 a month after they’ve paid off the initial investment. If you own a business and use solar panels, you may be able to lower your utility bills even more.

3. Security and reliability

Disasters like fires and floods are a regular part of life. They can easily disrupt your home or business, causing you to lose power and greatly affecting your operations. Protecting your business against power outages is essential. Installing solar panels provides you with a source of power that won’t be affected by these types of disasters. The panels will continue to generate power regardless of any unfortunate circumstances. A solar installation can provide power for essential household items such as lights, refrigeration, and security systems. If you have an emergency contact at the ready, you won’t have to worry about being cut off from the outside world. Solar panels provide dependability that is not always a part of other power sources.

Also, read Is Solar Here to Disrupt the Utilities?

4. Potential tax benefits

You may be eligible for a tax credit depending on the amount your solar panels generate. This can help offset the cost of installing solar panels in your home. For example, if you’re in the 30% tax bracket and spend $20,000 on solar panels, you can receive a tax credit of $6,000. If you’re in the 10% tax bracket and spend $20,000 on solar panels, you can receive a tax credit of $2,000. Some people also choose to use a solar lease to own solar panels. Under this type of lease, the company will install solar panels on your home, and you’ll pay for the electricity your panels produce for the next 20 years. Since you are leasing the panels, you can write them off as an expense and pay less in taxes.

5. Solar Energy Is Applicable Everywhere

Another benefit of solar panels is that they are applicable everywhere. Solar panels can be installed anywhere in the world, even in places that don’t get a lot of sunlight. You want to choose a quality solar energy contractor to install your system. There are different types of solar panels, including rooftop panels, solar gardens, and solar farms. Rooftop solar panels are installed on your property, like your home or business. Solar gardens and solar farms are large-scale solar panel installations. Solar panels are often more cost-effective in areas with too much sun, such as the Southwest. But even if you live in less sunny areas, solar panels can work for you. You can also buy second-hand solar panels, reducing installation costs.

Conclusion

When you compare the advantages of solar energy versus fossil fuels, it’s easy to see why so many people are taking advantage of this low-cost, non-polluting source of power. Installing solar panels can be expensive, but the long-term savings can be well worth it.