Destructive wildfires, severe weather events, and extreme temperatures are just some of the unfortunate events that happen in our world today. We can no longer deny it, all these things point to one reason: climate change.
Climate change has become a climate crisis as more and more people leave their carbon footprint. Soon enough, our mother earth will be faced with a kind of destruction we can no longer mend.
But it’s not all bad news! We can still change our ways. One of the most efficient ways to reduce our carbon footprint is to switch to solar power.
Solar power is a technology that turns sunlight into electricity, which can be used right away or saved in batteries. It’s a clean, renewable alternative to electricity made from fossil fuels.
The long list of benefits of solar power is truly a game-changer and if you’re wondering if you should switch to solar power, read on as we give you five solid reasons why.
Let’s jump right in!
1. Solar Power is a Free Source of Renewable Energy
There’s nothing sweeter than the word free. Solar power takes advantage of the sun’s inexhaustible supply. The best thing about the sun is no one owns this endless resource and it’s in our hands to use it wisely.
We’re not running out of sunlight anytime soon, and we can generate electricity from it in many incredible ways. From large industrial plants to single households, to compact and sleek solar power banks you can hold in your hand, solar power is accessible for everyone, as long as you can see the sun.
Not only is it a free source of renewable energy, but it is also accessible to both those who are in the city center and the remote, rural areas. Solar panels that collect sunlight to convert into electricity can be installed on the roof of houses, apartments, and farm buildings.
From small devices that are keeping you connected when you go camping or on an RV trip, to powering satellites, the uses and benefits of solar power are just limitless.
2. Solar Power Reduces Carbon Emissions
Why is it so important for us to reduce our carbon emissions? Carbon dioxide contributes greatly to the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases make our atmosphere warmer, which causes the infamous global warming.
Electricity production is one of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions and the majority of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. This process, unfortunately, creates a destructive impact on our environment.
This is where the advantages of solar energy come in. The process of converting sunlight into electricity does not rely on burning fossil fuels and produces no carbon emissions!
To reduce our carbon emissions, solar power is a practical solution. A single household using solar power can greatly reduce the impact of their electricity usage, contributing to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. On an individual level, one wise decision is big progress towards saving our planet!
3. Solar Power Can Cut Your Electricity Bills
What is more rewarding than seeing your electricity bill reduced dramatically? Solar power is not only a wise investment that will benefit the environment, but it will also help you keep your wallet thick.
The increasing rate we pay for electricity can oftentimes hurt our budget and affect our savings. However, going solar can lighten the burden of ever-increasing electricity costs. An additional benefit is that many municipalities now offer tax exemptions and financial incentives to switch to solar power!
Check out this short video by Brad Finn on how installing solar saved him money. He also details the process and how it works:
[youtube video=”BpdggQkFj8I”]
As electric companies rely on fossil fuels for electricity, peak seasons push them to increase electricity rates because of high demand. During the summer, when more power is used for cooling, rates often increase.
Since solar power relies on a free source of renewable energy, you will be pleasantly surprised to see your monthly bill remain the same, even during the summertime.
You may be thinking, what if the sun is not out? How about during the night? Household solar systems are equipped with batteries that store excess energy generated during the day (even in low light conditions) to be used when there is not enough light to generate electricity.
4. Solar Power Can Increase the Value of Your Property
Talk about wise investments! Going solar goes beyond saving on electricity bills, it also increases the value of your home.
Since solar power is gaining popularity, people are more willing to pay higher prices for solar-powered properties. Buyers are becoming aware of how solar panels and tiled solar roofs can be a good investment in the long run. Electricity companies will keep increasing their rates, but the sun will always be free of charge.
Non-renewable energies, such as fossil fuels and gases, will not be available indefinitely. Resource depletion and a move towards stricter legal requirements for energy production are pushing us towards renewable energy use. Investing in solar power now is a wise investment and will allow your property to be ahead of the curve.
What’s more interesting is that as the benefits of solar power are spreading like wildfire, the price of solar panels has become cheaper. Advances in battery technology have also brought the cost of batteries down.
So, if you are thinking of switching to solar power, the best time is now! You will surely have no regrets. It will boost the value of your property, in the present and the future.
5. Solar Power Requires Minimal Maintenance
Solar power may sound fancy and complicated, but there’s nothing to worry about because one of the advantages of solar energy is that it is low-maintenance. The only thing you need to do is to clean it regularly because dirty solar panels are less efficient. Other than making sure that no leaves or dirt are obscuring the sun, you mostly have nothing to fret about!
Once installed, there are little to no moving parts involved. Now, the maintenance mostly depends on the weather. During hot seasons when there’s little to no rain, you can keep your solar panels in good condition by spraying them with a water hose every once in a while.
In the winter, you may have to deal with snowfall and make use of your squeegee to wipe the panels clean. Make sure that you’re not using hot water as sudden changes in temperature may damage the panels.
Worried about hail and hurricanes? Solar panels are designed to handle almost all kinds of weather. They’re even used to power yachts and other solar boats on long trips, in challenging conditions. Their durability is one of the reasons they require minimal maintenance and why it’s time for you to consider switching to solar power.
Final Thoughts
Gone are the days when we just think of ourselves. Our home planet is crying for help amid all the carbon we emit in our daily lives. But of course, being environmentally conscious doesn’t mean you have to give up being economical.
Solar power will help you save money in the long run and going solar is a wise investment. As a growing trend, it will soon become the norm. Switch to solar today and be one step ahead of everyone – saving the environment and saving money in the process!
About the Author:
Kristen Chapple is editor-in-chief at Ecopeanut.com. You’ll often find her doing research about different sources of renewable energy and reliable ways for sustainable living. She loves to write about almost anything that is under the umbrella of our environment and is always tinkering with the latest technology that could help our planet.
References and Useful Resources
Energy Sage: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home?
NABCEP: Board Certifications
NREL: Assuring Solar Modules Will Last for Decades
DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a house on solar power alone?
The number of people and the number of appliances in your house are just among the factors that will determine how many solar panels you need to run a house on solar power alone. If you’re aiming to power your whole house, a typical household needs 20 to 25 solar panels.
How often do solar panels need servicing?
Depending on the climate and other environmental conditions, solar panels are generally low-maintenance and need to be serviced at least once a year. Solar panels are made to be durable amid hurricanes, hail, shading, and vandalism.
Are solar batteries safe?
Solar batteries are safe but problems may arise if they're installed incorrectly. As this lies on the efficiency of your installer, it is your responsibility to choose the right one. Though it is not a general requirement, some installers have completed certifications to make sure that they are experts in the field.