We’ve often heard how reducing air pollution by using solar energy is the answer to creating less of a carbon footprint. How easy will it be to go green if you’re looking to convert your power usage using only solar energy? Here are some facts about the benefits of solar energy.
What are the benefits of using solar energy?
Currently, interested homeowners can receive a 26% (per year) tax credit if you install solar-powered systems between 2020 through 2022. Many of the benefits that come from using solar energy will immediately be able to be seen in your current energy bill.
The first benefit is an immediate drop in your electricity and utility bills because you aren’t relying on the power or gas company as much. The peak prices for electricity that come from the power company are often higher in the day than they are at night, therefore solar power gathered during the day reduces your dependence on your city’s supplied power. Because supplied energy often has a slight percentage of loss being transported, you still pay a premium price for what is delivered. A solar-powered home can also have further benefits if you’ve chosen solar panels that collect optimum levels of electricity. This energy can be sold back to the power company that can put more money back in your pocket.
Furthermore, the connection between solar energy and reduction in air pollution is clear: as Zenenergy states, “Using the sun to generate more and more of our power means less and less harmful emissions from burning fossil fuels. Generating electricity from solar panels produce no harmful emissions, and the more homes and businesses that rely on solar power means less toxic emissions from fossil fuels into our air.”
Does the cost of installing solar panels pay off immediately?
Your initial setup for solar panels will be a minor investment that can cost as little as $15-17K for roof panels . Luckily, the federal tax credit can allow you to deduct up to $3000 or more per year up to the total you invest in your solar equipment. There are extra fees involved that should include battery storage for what is collected. If you intend to sell off additional electricity, you will need to have your solar electricity running through your incoming electrical meter. The electricity company will then be able to track the excess electricity which is converted into credit. This credit can be used at any point at times when your solar panels don’t produce enough power.
Solar energy is best suited for areas that have very mild weather and regional locations that are less affected by rain or cloudy weather. Battery storage has long been an additional cost that many homeowners don’t consider. These battery storage devices can be pricey, especially if your local power company does not want to credit you for excess electricity sold back to them.
Is solar power an easy choice?
If the following weather conditions are in your favor for installing solar panels, it can be excellent savings for all of your electrical usage. It also is an effective saving that will prove to be excellent for a tax write-off if you apply for the Federal solar tax credit. Keep in mind that any solar panel setup will also require maintenance that includes cleaning and replacement of panels. Even the best solar panels will lose their ability to create electricity over several years, reducing their effectiveness at collecting solar energy. As the prices of solar panels are becoming cheaper, this may not be as relevant as an outgoing cost in the future for random replacements. Yet, there may not be a solar tax credit offered that will cover your continual upkeep as well as what is being offered currently.
This is why it might be preferred to purchase extra panels that will become stored as your backup supply. These extra panels will still get covered by the tax credit for additional years and according to what you’ve initially invested.
Guest Author: Sara Charles
Sara worked for many years in Environmental Health before becoming a freelance writer. She now writes on topics relating to the environment, saving energy and keeping household bills low. Away from work, she’s a mom to a young daughter with autism and in any free time she has, she volunteers for a couple of mental health initiatives.
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