Top 7 Benefits of Solar Energy That You May Not Know About

Solar energy is one of the top renewable alternative energy sources, considered both ecological and economically achievable. Here’s the lowdown on all the benefits.

Solar power continues to grow in popularity thanks to its ease of use. Many homeowners are installing rooftop solar panels, and portable solar technology has become popular for RV lifestyles, camping and traveling. The price of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has dropped to the point where solar energy is actually cheaper than using natural gas in most regions.. Below are some of the most common benefits associated with solar energy.

1. Solar panels offer an eco-friendly transition away from fossil fuels.

Solar power is a green alternative to fossil fuels and other forms of energy production. Fossil fuels go through a production and distribution process that is not sustainable, and is believed to be the primary cause of the Climate Emergency taking place around the globe. Renewable energy such as solar offers what may be the “last, best hope” for weaning ourselves from a lifetime of dependency on fossil fuels. Solar energy has the potential to become a sustainable alternative, and work in concert with other renewable energy sources.

2. Solar energy saves you money every month on electricity.

Since solar panels generate electricity without burning fossil fuels, there are fewer expenses involved than using different forms of energy.  For example, they don’t need to be cleaned and maintained as regularly. Also, there are no moving parts to wear out. Although the initial production and installation of a solar energy system is not inexpensive (typically about $12,000 to $20,000 for a home system), federal and state tax credits and incentives help offset the costs. A solar array often pays for itself in reduced electricity costs in 7 to 10 years. After that, the energy you produce is free.

3. Solar energy has a mostly positive environmental impact.

Although some pollution is generated in manufacturing solar panels, once they are in place, they do not contribute any additional CO2 to the atmosphere. In contrast, the pollution created by coal, oil and other fossil fuels has been shown to be damaging not only to human health, but also to the overall health of Earth’s climate.  Solar panels require little or no cleaning or maintenance, and may actually improve the lifespan of your home’s roof.

4. Solar creates job opportunities.

The solar energy industry is rapidly growing and creating new jobs across the country, with jobs in the U.S. increasing about 170 percent over the past 5 years. As more and more people begin using solar energy, the need for technicians and other jobs will increase in the coming years. The Solar Energy Industry Association reports that “Solar accounted for 46% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the US in 2021, the third year in a row that solar made up the largest share of new capacity.” As other types of energy production ramp down, solar is ramping up.

5. Solar energy is relatively unaffected by temperature variations.

Contrary to what you may have heard, the latest solar panels still produce power, even when the sky is cloudy (albeit at a lower level). New technologies such as “bifacial” panels from companies such as Jinko Solar promise to increase each panel’s efficiency even more, by capturing energy from reflected sunlight on the back side of panels! Solar panels keep working no matter how cold or hot the temperature.

6. Solar panels Increases property value.

When homeowners install solar panels on their houses, they increase their home’s value overnight, typically by about 5 percent.The amount of values varies by State, however.  In th 5 percent scenario,  if you own a $350,000 home, and add solar, your resale value jumps by about $17,500. So you effectively pay for your solar expenditure, plus gain all of the money saved on electricity for as long as you own the home.

7. Solar can be installed almost anywhere.

Solar panels provide their own power source, so a system can be installed anywhere. This means you can put them in your backyard, front yard, on your roof or on a shed. It also means that you can go “off grid” in places where electric wires don’t go, at a camp on a lake or a log cabin in the hills. 

Conclusion

Solar energy has become an excellent alternative to other forms of energy, and the benefits are significant. Beyond the financial savings and resilience (are you ready for the next power outage?) of solar energy, you’ll also be doing your part to slow your contribution to the Climate Crisis.

For more information on solar energy and the building of green homes, please visit Green Builder Media and learn how you can use solar energy not only to save money but also to green your home.

Publisher’s Note: This content is made possible by our Today’s Home Buyer Campaign Sponsors: Whirlpool, Vivint, myQ, Sonos and Jinko Solar . These companies take sustainability seriously, in both their products and their operations. Learn more about building and buying homes that are more affordable and less resource intensive.