Solar energy is the next big thing. And if you don’t believe us, believe the numbers. Solar energy has thus far accounted for over 50 percent of the electricity the U.S. has added in 2018.
But here’s the real shocker:
Global investments in renewable energy sources are pulling ahead of fossil fuels.
What, however, is the reason for this craze surrounding solar energy? Why is solar energy good for so many investors these days?
As it turns out, there’s more than one reason for solar energy’s success. Below you’ll find just ten reasons to go solar in 2018.
1. Increases Your Property Value
Are you currently looking to use your property to turn a profit? If so, investing in solar panels might help your case.
Some studies have shown that houses that are equipped with solar energy systems boast higher property values. Not only that, but these properties typically sell more quickly than homes which don’t have solar energy systems.
The root cause of this increase in property value?
Buyers have become knowledgeable about solar energy. They’re more aware than ever of the benefits of going solar.
2. Encourages Energy Independence
If you’ve ever owned a fuel vehicle, you know just how volatile the global energy market is. One day gas costs three dollars per gallon, the next day it costs four.
For this reason, several countries have started to invest in solar power. They’re on the road to energy independence.
Finding a way to effectively harness solar energy will greatly reduce countries’ reliance on their neighbors’ energy resources. Instead of constantly purchasing fossil fuels, these countries will be able to generate their own energy using the sun.
And the sun is the ultimate example of an ultra renewable resource. Since we’ll never run out of sunlight, we’ll never be without energy in a solar-powered world.
3. Reduces Your Electric Bills
We pack a lot of technologies into our homes these days. As a result, we’re not surprised that so many people have seen their electric bill costs increase over the last two decades.
Fortunately, a solar-powered world is a world without high electric bills. Solar panel systems generate free power for the entirety of their life cycles.
Of course, this energy isn’t completely “free.” You do, after all, have to pay to install the panels. But you get the point.
4. Helps You Save Money From Day One
We already know what you’re thinking:
Installing solar panels must be expensive. And their high costs probably prevent lots of people from reaping the so-called benefits of going solar.
But you’re wrong.
You don’t have to pay for solar panels upfront. Many companies offer payment plans and financing options.
These plans allow consumers to immediately reap the benefits of solar energy from day one. Instead of paying utility providers, these consumers pay their solar providers. The amount paid is less than what consumers would have paid their utility companies in the long run.
5. Earns You Tax Credits
Uncle Sam will greatly reward you for choosing clean energy sources such as solar power. Your reward will come in the form of tax credits and rebates.
These credits exist at both the state and federal levels. The Solar Investment Tax Credit, for instance, is a 30 percent tax credit. You can apply this credit to residential and commercial properties.
That said, be on the lookout for any special incentive programs which will keep your money in your pockets.
6. Saves Our Planet
Humanity has reached a crossroads. We can either choose to continue using fossil fuels, or we can move on to solar energy.
We’ve already seen the damage to our environment burning fossils fuels has caused. Our reliance on fossil fuels has filled our environment with too much carbon dioxide. Many scientists have blamed environmental changes on this excess carbon dioxide.
We can eliminate this problem by relying on solar panels. Solar power never hurt Mother Earth. In fact, life as we know it wouldn’t exist without solar power.
So go solar and save our planet.
7. Creates Jobs
As solar power grows in popularity, so does the demand for workers in the industry. We’ve already seen signs of this growth.
The Solar Foundation’s 2015 census revealed that solar industry employment had shot up by 123 percent since 2010. Not only that, but new jobs in the solar industry accounted for 1.2 percent of all new jobs in America in 2015.
8. Has a More Fixed Energy Cost
Your current energy cost probably varies from month to month. You charge your iPhone at home 100 times in July and only three times August. Maybe, then, you pay slightly more in July.
The story of solar power, however, is different.
You won’t see massive fluctuations in the cost of solar energy over time. If you rely on solar panels, your solar provider can give you some idea of what your energy costs will look like in the long run.
How is this possible?
Well, the sun provides a somewhat predictable amount of energy. Yes, the amount of sunlight the planet gets fluctuates with the season, but the sun’s yearly behavior is pretty consistent.
Unless, of course, a massive volcano erupts and disrupts the sunrays’ path to the planet’s surface. But that’s unlikely.
9. Boasts a Long Lifespan
Solar power may be forever, but solar panels aren’t forever. They have a lifespan of about thirty or forty years.
Furthermore, some solar panel manufacturers offer generous warranties. These warranties can last as long as 20 to 25 years. Manufacturers refer to these warranties as performance guarantees.
10. Is Easier Than Ever to Shop For
Here’s a fun fact:
Solar energy isn’t as rare or inaccessible as some people believe it is. There are hundreds of solar energy companies in the United States. GreenForm Construction, for example, is just one of these hundreds of providers.
Because there are so many providers like GreenForm, you can easily find a solar energy provider today. For more information about solar panel installation, you need only contact one of these companies.
So Why Is Solar Energy Good?
So why is solar energy so good? As it turns out, there’s a lot to love about it. From its eco-friendliness to its cost-effectiveness, it’s the total package.
That said, go solar today. You’ll never regret it, and our planet will salute you.
And if you’re curious about anything else? Just contact us or check out our blog. Curiosities are, after all, for curious humans.
