2020 has been quite a year. Aside from the global pandemic, we’ve also faced an environmental disaster as we’ve never seen before. The southeastern part of the United States has been bombarded with hurricanes and tropical storms, and the western part of the country has been on fire for what feels like years. We’re all looking for ways to help the environment and lower our carbon footprints (and maybe save a little money while at it).
One of the most effective and beneficial ways you can do this is by converting your home’s energy source to solar energy. While solar energy isn’t a new technology, it always seems to be shrouded in a sense of mystery. We’re breaking down these barriers and answering some of the most frequently asked questions that our customers have.
Keep reading to learn more about the good solar panels could have on your life!
How solar power benefits homeowners?
Good for the Environment
As a renewable resource, one major benefit of going solar is that you’ll never have to worry about running out of solar energy (unless you plan on living for another 3 billion years). It’s also a green energy source because it reduces the greenhouse gas emissions that other energy sources emit. This is great because greenhouse gases directly contribute to climate change.
Lowers Energy Bills
Most homeowners aren’t able to go completely off the electrical grid with their solar panel systems, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see significant savings. Your home’s energy savings will depend on a few different factors, including how much energy your system produces versus how much energy you consume. The biggest factor is how much you would otherwise be paying to your utility company.
Higher Home Value
Similar to renovating your kitchen or adding a pool, installing solar panels on your home will also positively impact the perceived value of your home when it comes time to put it on the market. For starters, most home improvement projects increase your home's value, especially if they’re projects that will continue to improve the homeowners' lives for a long time. Solar panels do just that by lowering the homeowners energy bills over the life of the panels.
In fact, according to research done by Zillow, homes with solar panels sell for an average of 4.1% more than their solar-less counterparts. In this same report, researchers noted that purchasing a home with energy-efficient features is a priority for nearly 80% of homebuyers.
Do solar panels require maintenance?
Unlike traditional energy systems, there is not a lot of maintenance that is required for solar energy systems. The most important aspect of this routine is the cleaning of the panels. Keeping your solar panels clean and clear of debris will improve their ability to collect more energy and provide more power to your home!
Additional benefits of solar panel maintenance include:
Greater system durability
Detecting damage before it affects your power supply
Maximizing the energy output
Keeping pests away from your panels and wires
What are the cons of going solar?
The one con of going solar is the upfront cost. If you elect to purchase the solar panels for your home instead of leasing them, you will have a hefty expense on your hands. However, this expense pays for itself in the long run while minimizing your energy costs, increasing the value of your home, and helping the environment.
Solar energy comes with a lot of questions. It is not always the best choice for everyone, but for those who are interested in powering their homes or businesses in more efficient ways, contact our team of experts with all of your questions. Our solar professionals would be happy to help you decide if solar is the right option for you, which system to go with, and help you navigate the financial process.
Visit our website today for more information about solar energy and how we can help you or give our office a call at (818) 918-3037.