Upgrading to solar power to save money on high utility bills is the most common reason homeowners and commercial building owners go solar. Here are some of the many reasons why solar energy benefits you:
You’ll dramatically reduce your electric bills.
Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or nonprofit, electricity costs can make up a large portion of your monthly expenses. With a solar power system, you’ll generate free power for your system’s entire 25+ year lifecycle. Even if you don’t produce 100 percent of the energy you consume, solar will reduce your utility bills and you’ll still save a lot of money.
You’ll enjoy a great return on your investment.
A solar power system isn’t an expense but, instead, is one of the best ways to invest. Returns compare with those of more traditional investments like stocks and bonds. Thanks to substantial electricity bill savings, the average American homeowner pays off their solar power system in under eight years and sees a return on investment of 20 percent or more.
You’ll be protected against rising energy costs.
Residential electricity prices increase every year and have increased 40% over the last decade. By investing in a solar energy system now, you’ll protect against unpredictable increases in electricity costs. Electricity prices can also fluctuate with surcharges and tiered pricing annually, seasonally and monthly. Installing a solar energy system can help protect you against these fluctuations and you’ll pay one low solar rate forever while you save money on high electricity bills.
Your property value will increase.
Multiple studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes. Appraisers are increasingly taking solar installations into consideration as they value homes at the time of a sale, and as homebuyers become more educated about solar, demand for properties equipped with solar panel systems will continue to grow. “A research team of scientists led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkley Laboratory, in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories, universities, and appraisers found that home buyers consistently have been willing to pay more for homes with homeowner-owned solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems.” http://newscenter.lbl.
You will help boost U.S. energy independence.
The sun is a near-infinite source of energy and a key component of achieving energy independence in the United States. By increasing our capacity to generate electricity from the sun, we can also insulate our country from price fluctuations in global energy markets.
Create jobs and help your local economy.
The solar industry added jobs at a rate nearly 12 times faster than the overall U.S. economy in 2015, representing 1.2 percent of all jobs in the country. This growth is expected to continue. Because solar-related jobs tend to be higher-paying and cannot be outsourced, they are a significant positive contributor to the U.S. economy. Powur, PBC uses top-rated local and regional installers in 12 U.S. states currently.
Protect the environment.
Solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while you also save money. Buildings are responsible for 38 percent of all carbon emissions in the U.S., and going solar can significantly decrease that number. A typical residential solar panel system will eliminate three to four tons of carbon emissions each year—the equivalent of planting over 100 trees annually.
Lisa E. Papp
Independent Solar Energy Consultant
Email: lisa@solarispractical.com
(206) 335-1278
Monday – Friday 9:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. Pacific Time
Evening phone or Zoom appointments available by request
and Saturday 9:00a.m. to Noon