While solar power stories are not too difficult to find in the news of late, homeowners are still largely unaware of all of the great benefits of solar panel systems.
The fact is that there are plenty of reasons why a homeowner should consider investing in solar power. In the past, the reasons were mostly centered around environmental motivations. Today, however, there are quite a few financial benefits for someone thinking about purchasing solar. The following is a list of 5 of the most significant reasons that homeowners should consider concerning buying solar panels.
#1 – Solar Power Is A Great Investment
Residential solar power is no longer the expensive technology it once was. It’s 2015 and solar power is more affordable than ever. A homeowner who invests in a solar panel system can now expect a payback of about 5-8 years, on average. In just a few short years, a system will pay for itself. This represents a typical return on investment of as much as 15%. There is now plenty of financing options that can eliminate any worry of a large upfront cost. Considering solar panel systems have been proven to last more than 30 years, this represents decades of energy savings compared to ever increasing electric utility rates.
#2 – Support Your Local Economy And The Solar Power Revolution
Cities and towns across America are still struggling to recover from the Great Recession. While job growth has increased recently, wages have not kept pace. The solar industry represents increasing job opportunities and high worker wages. A solar job is, by its very nature, local. These jobs primarily include solar installers and various local office personnel. As the solar industry grows, so will the need to fill solar related positions. The future in this industry is as bright as the sun that powers it!
#3 – Environmental Impacts Of Solar – Important As Ever
Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the effects of air pollution on our ecology. We can no longer live on a fossil fuel rich diet. The good news for homeowners is that they can now do their part to reduce carbon emissions in a big way. A typical solar panel system, over the course of its life, can remove more than 400,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. People everywhere are realizing that they must do their part to be environmental stewards of the only home we have.
#4 – Prices Are Low Now And Starting To Bottom Out
Prices for solar panels have dropped more than 99% in the past 35 years. As I’ve mentioned in my cost of solar page, the price for solar installation isn’t just the cost of the panels. The other costs involved make the total cost something which does not figure to decrease much more in the coming years. The residential solar industry is starting to mature. The savings of going solar right now will outweigh any potential savings of waiting for the prices for solar to decrease any more.
#5 – You Will Be More Prepared For Battery Storage
One day soon, it will be cost effective for the average homeowner to have a solar power battery storage system in place. It won’t be long before the total cost of a solar panel system and battery storage will be less than the cost of electric utility energy over a 20 year period. The power monopoly in America and other countries will cease to exist. The democratization of electricity will be completed.
As you can see, there are plenty of great reasons to go solar right now. Ultimately, we are talking about a stronger local economy, cleaner air, and a more empowered society in general.
Do your part and take a look into solar power.
#6 You can run a number of small motors and lights just on solar energy reducing your carbon footprint. I wish they would introduce solar powered home indoor lighting – my garden lights stay on for hours after 6 hours of being powered. How amazing If I could power my home lighting on free solar energy?