Everyone loves to save money. It’s an added bonus when you get to do something good for the environment, too. This is why more Americans are considering adding solar panels to their homes. Frustrated by increasingly high electric bills and the use of more fossil fuels, solar systems are a smart alternative energy source.
However, how much of an impact does switching to solar really have? Is this something that can be done for a reasonable cost? You’ll be surprised by the answers.
Saving Money: Not “If” But “How Much”
Solar panels save money. The longer you have them, the more you save. No longer do you have to rely on the electric companies to provide you with power and pay outrageous prices. You can generate your own clean power from the sun, which is far less expensive than typical power sources.
Rather than thinking about if you can save money (the answer is yes), the better question is how much you can save. This answer depends on a number of factors and is different for everyone.
-Local electricity rates. The higher the electricity rates, the more you’ll save because there is a wider gap between standard electric costs and solar energy costs.
-Direct hours of sunlight. The more sunlight your panels get, the more efficient they will be at producing energy.
-Angle of roof. The right angle allows your panels to absorb more light. This can offset your electric costs by 100%.
-Tax credits and rebates. There are both state and federal incentives and rebates. Find out what is being offered in your area to reduce initial installation costs.
In the end, some data shows that homeowners can expect electricity savings of $10-30k over a 20-year period.
Helping the Environment
Now that you have a clearer picture as to the money you can save, let’s discuss how switching over to solar energy can help the environment.
Solar energy is clean. It comes from the sun, which is readily available for us to use. By upgrading to a solar system, your home will reduce fossil fuels. This results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2).
It is believed that greenhouse gases cause global warming. Higher temperature changes may have adverse effects on human health and wellness as it causes rising sea levels, ecosystem changes, and extreme weather events. Additionally, solar energy gives off very few air pollutants, which reduces nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions in the air.
When it comes to alternative energy sources, it’s important to get the facts. And, the facts are clear: Solar energy saves money and helps the environment.
