Are you maximizing your home’s usable area? Without leveraging the space on your roof, the answer is probably no. Imagine using that space to save money monthly, putting cash back in your wallet without affecting your overall usable square footage. That might sound like a pipe dream, but installing solar is easy.
Rooftop solar installations allow homeowners to curb their utility bills, increase their property value, and take control of their energy usage — possibly without any upfront cost. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of installing solar panels on your roof.
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Solar Panels Create Lower Energy Bills
Utility bills have increased for years and are projected to grow as inflation rates fall. Even as the economy heals following a period of turbulence, utility companies are raising prices without making meaningful investments in infrastructure improvements. The result is growing energy bulls without any real benefits to the consumer.
While seeing your utility bills steadily climb is disheartening, homeowners aren’t powerless to stop it. Going solar allows you to offset your energy cost with electricity that you generate, lowering your monthly rates. Solar systems are effective, too — the US National average for monthly savings with solar power is between $100-$150, while the average electricity bill in the US is around $120. You may not completely offset your utility costs with solar panels, but they can save you thousands of dollars over time.
Solar Installations on Your Roof Increase Property Value
The housing market has been in flux for the last few years, as market volatility causes prices to spike and then crash. Renovations are the only surefire way to improve your home’s value, but they can be costly, and economic uncertainty can leave you questioning whether an additional room or stone veneer is worth the financial sink. However, solar panels are a way for you to save money and increase your home value simultaneously.
According to survey data from Zillow, which catalogs and advertises homes for sale, 67% of buyers consider energy efficiency “extremely important.” Further, homes with solar sell for 4.1% more, highlighting the demand for affordable solar energy among home buyers. For anyone considering selling their home, solar is likely a worthwhile addition. Solar loans are transferable, so you don’t have to worry about being locked into an extended contract. In some cases, the increased sale price may even cover the total cost of a solar system.
Reduced Carbon Emissions Help the Economy (and World)
Reducing carbon emissions has become a critical objective for governments, corporations, and individuals fighting change. While many methods of reducing carbon emissions require individual sacrifices, going solar eliminates those sacrifices and carries numerous financial benefits in addition to helping the environment. In fact, solar panels reduce more carbon emissions per acre than trees.
Financial Incentives Make Solar Affordable
Solar panels are an investment, but they can be incredibly lucrative — especially if you factor in the financial incentives that help reduce the total cost. The most common incentive is the 30% solar tax credit, a federally available program that covers up to 30% of a solar installation’s cost. And there are others, too. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency has a comprehensive list of financial incentives for each state, so you should check there to see what you might be eligible for. Each incentive will lower your breakeven time, which means you’ll save money faster.
New Employment Opportunities
The solar industry has significantly impacted the US economy, contributing to job creation and economic growth. The expansion of solar energy installations across the country has resulted in the emergence of a thriving market, leading to the creation of numerous employment opportunities. In fact, Solar creates more jobs than any other sector of the economy. These jobs span various sectors, including manufacturing, installation, sales, and research, fostering a diverse and dynamic workforce. The growth of the solar industry has not only provided individuals with stable employment but has also boosted local economies, with the development of solar projects attracting investments and stimulating economic activity in the regions where they are implemented.
Furthermore, the solar industry has been pivotal in driving economic growth through innovation and technological advancements. As the demand for clean and sustainable energy continues to rise, solar companies have invested heavily in research and development, leading to breakthroughs in solar panel efficiency, energy storage systems, and grid integration technologies. These advancements have not only made solar energy more affordable and accessible but have also positioned the United States as a global leader in renewable energy technology.
Low Maintenance
Unlike other forms of energy generation, solar panels have no moving parts, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures and the need for regular repairs. Their solid-state design and durable construction enable them to withstand weather conditions, including rain, snow, and hail, without significant damage or degradation.
Routine maintenance for solar panels mainly involves periodic cleaning to ensure optimal performance. The accumulation of dirt, dust, or debris on the surface of the panels can reduce their efficiency. However, Solar panels can work efficiently even without yearly maintenance, which is better than boilers. Some solar panel owners also choose to install self-cleaning systems that use rainwater or automatic cleaning mechanisms to reduce maintenance efforts further.
Panels Are More Efficient Than Ever
Solar panels have undergone remarkable advancements in recent years, making them more efficient. With the integration of cutting-edge technologies and improved manufacturing processes, solar panels can now convert sunlight into electricity at unprecedented levels. The latest generation of solar panels utilizes highly efficient photovoltaic cells, significantly increasing their energy conversion efficiency. These cells are designed to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, including visible and infrared light, maximizing their energy output.
These are just some of the benefits of installing solar panels on your roof, though there are plenty of others worth exploring. If you’d like to know more about what solar can do for your home, take Purelight’s 30-second qualification survey, and we’ll show you how you can benefit.
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