Climate change and pollution continue to threaten the stability of the earth. As we continue to consume natural resources and produce goods, everyone must become a steward of the environment to preserve the planet. With that said, you may want to look for different ways to minimize your impact on the globe.
Apart from boycotting single-use plastic, choosing sustainable products, and going for organic food choices, one significant way to reduce your carbon footprint is to curb your energy consumption.
While fossil fuels remain as the world’s primary energy source, it’s good to know that innovations in technology have allowed us to harness the power of the sun, wind, and water. But, out of all the sustainable options available, solar energy has established itself as the most popular choice.
If you’re looking to live a greener lifestyle, then going solar is a must. To convince you to make the switch, this guide will discuss the five main benefits of installing solar panels on your home.
- Energy Independence
Power outages are a great inconvenience for any household. Homes that run on fossil fuels are usually connected to a centralized power grid, and in case this source becomes compromised, everyone connected to it will run out of electricity, as well. However, houses that are powered by solar panels gain complete control over their electricity.
During the day, solar panels will supercharge your house while storing extra amounts of energy for the night. In the worst-case scenario that a storm or any issueaffects your neighborhood’s main grid, you’ll still have electricity as long as your panels remain intact. Recharging is a lot more convenient, as well, since you won’t have to worry about fuel or noisy generators.
- Cost-Efficient
It’s no secret that many people are hesitant to purchase solar panels. Due to the various misconceptions that surround this energy source, many are either skeptical of its reliability or overly critical of its price tag. While this may have been an issue a few years ago, you should know that today’s units are cheaper and more efficient.
Since 2009, solar energy installation costs have dropped by a staggering 70%. Not only is it cheaper to install one now on your roof, but the latest panels are more durable and can last you over two decades.
At the same time, opting for solar energy willalso minimize your electricity expenses by a significant amount. On average, installing solar panels on your roof can save you $1 100 yearly on electricity bills, giving you more flexibility, especially if you’re in a tricky financial scenario.
Solar energy providers are also generous enough to provide grants to their users. If you practice energy-saving habits, you can send back the unused energy you’ve produced to the main grid and make money in the process. Regardless if it’s for your home, office, or store, choosing solar energy to power your establishment will save you a great deal of money.
- Can be Installed Anywhere
As long as the sun shines on the earth, solar panels can practically be installed anywhere. Whether you live in the suburbs or the middle of the city, you can rely on solar energy to power your home. For those living in the tropics or any place that has a lot of sunlight, the high amounts of energy you produce can make a huge difference in your savings.
- Increases Your Home’s Value
If you plan to move out of your home, having solar panels installed will prove to be an excellent investment. Similar to how appliances, such as washing machines or stoves, and furniture can increase your home’s price tag, having solar panels on your roof can increase the value of your house by 4.1%.
If you’ve priced your home at $160,000, opting for solar energy will mean that you can sell it for an additional $6,560.
- The Eco-Friendly Choice
Solar energy is a clean source since it does not cause any form of harm to nature. Unlike power plants that take up vast plots of land and pollute the environment, installing solar panels on top of your house can help reduce up to 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. To interpret this figure, this is similar to planting 1.2 billion trees each year.
Opting for solar won’t just reduce your over-reliance on fossil fuels; it can save entire ecosystems, as well. Aside from emitting carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, traditional power plants also affect bodies of water and harm the soil of neighboring areas, affecting the well-being of plants and species.
Since harnessing solar energy doesn’t require terraforming and other harmful activities, it’s practically the safest and most sustainable option available.
Harness the Power of Solar
There are two harsh realities everyone must face. First, global energy demand will continue to rise for years to come. Second, climate change will continue to threaten the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
To curb the earth’s deterioration, everyone must do their part and contribute to the fight against climate change. Luckily, the introduction of solar panels gives hope for a brighter future. By giving people a sustainable and cost-efficient energy option, taking steps towards a greener lifestyle is a lot easier.
Author Bio:
Enrique Hormillo is a Business Development Executive at SolarNRG Philippines. Its parent company, SolarNRG Netherlands is one of the largest suppliers and installers of solar power system in Europe. Enrique’s experience stretches beyond business development as he also works as a Marketing Director for a motorsport store — further solidifying his business acumen.
