As you drive through your town every day, you probably see more homes then ever with solar power systems. You’re probably curious about solar energy and chances are that you have given some thought to installing a solar power system for your own home. You know you can save energy. But, you’re still not sure if there are any other reasons to install a solar power system. Check out the benefits of installing a solar power system, below. It just might make your decision, a little easier…
Standing by to power your home.
Home Value Booster
There are many ways you can increase your home’s value. However, few of them actually provide you objective benefits like solar panels do. This is why people will be happy to pay more for a house that has panels installed. Best of all, these new buyers don’t even have to be concerned about the installation. Their panels are already set up and ready to start saving them money.
How much a solar power system will add to your home’s resale value depends on the specific panels involved and where your home is located. That being said, an average system could add thousands of dollars, to the value of your home.
Earn Federal and State Tax Credits
Another benefit, that will depend on your state, are the tax credits available for the purchase of a solar power system. The great news is that a federal credit exists for all homeowners.
The government has a vested interest in homeowners installing solar power systems. For one thing, they help bring down the nation’s carbon footprint considerably. Solar panels may also be the solution we need to break our dependence on foreign oil. Though homes with solar panels also don’t rely on utility companies as much, they do create new jobs and help bolster a burgeoning solar industry. The US Department of Energy provides a very useful database to find energy incentives for each state, at dsireusa.org.
Electric Car Charger
Electric cars are closer and closer to becoming a reality for a larger part of the population. Those truly committed to keeping the planet green will love the fact that they can get their energy from the sun and then funnel it into their car without ever touching a traditional pump.
Chevy Volt Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Wipeout your Energy Bills
Easily one of the best things about having a solar power system is the fact that you will save energy, immediately. Obviously, the less you need to pay for electricity, the less your utility bills will be every month.
Some people, though, are actually able to eliminate their utility bills completely. Either they produce more electricity than they use or they store all they need in a battery bank.
Free Government Money
Earlier we mentioned how the government is interested in seeing more people adopt solar energy. Tax credits are just one of the incentives they offer. The other way the government sees to this is by providing users with energy credits. These credits represent very important rewards for using solar power.
There are a number of different versions. However, the principle type, first introduced in 2008, allows those who had systems installed to write off the cost on their taxes. If they didn’t owe, it would carry over until the following year. Tax credits are the government’s way to help with the price of a solar power system’s installation or even cover it completely.
Sell Your Power
Saving money on electric bills is one of the main reasons most people decide to install solar power systems. Net metering is a process in which the utility companies will buy your surplus energy and provide you with credits towards any energy that you consume from the power grid. Learn more about net metering in our article: How Solar Energy System Owners use Net Metering to get Paid.
You can live entirely off the power grid
Live off the Grid
If you have an independent streak, you may long for the day you can disconnect completely and live off any reliance on the power grid. One way you can do this is with solar panels connected to a battery backup system. They allow you to live self-sufficiently without having to sacrifice the convenience of electricity.
Solar power will inevitably become a standard feature on most homes. Not only is the technology advancing, but all the benefits listed above have made it extremely attractive to consider installing your very own solar power system.
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I would love to live somewhere off of the grid, away from everything. I didn’t think about solar panels being a great option for that dream of mine. I like that they can provide power, yet are better and safer for the environment!