Solar panels are popping up all over Medford, Oregon. If you’re a local, you’ve probably noticed them dotting the rooftops of residential buildings in just about every neighborhood in the city. So what’s behind the sudden boom of Medford home solar? The answer is simple: There are a lot of benefits to going solar, and people are starting to learn about them.
But what does that mean for the city, and how does it affect everyone in town? Even if you don’t install solar panels on your roof, the solar industry coming to town will impact you— so it’s worth knowing how. Have no fear; that’s a good thing for everyone involved.
5 Benefits of Medford Home Solar
Solar panels aren’t just there for looks. They’re an accessible way for cost-conscious homeowners to save money amid rising utility costs. But they have other benefits, too. They fuel local industries and help build stronger communities. They strip power away from utility companies and keep the city clean. Most importantly, they ensure that people in our society maintain independence. Let’s cover each of those points in a bit more detail.
Solar Panels Increase Property Value
Like any home improvement investment, solar panels increase property value. The exact amount varies depending on your system’s size and quality, but EnergySage estimates the average increase to be around 4%. That increase comes in addition to the aforementioned cost savings of lower energy bills, making solar panels something of an economic powerhouse—no pun intended—depending on your living situation.
Of course, you should always talk to a financial advisor before you make the leap to solar, as there’s no telling how it will impact you, specifically, but the property value increase is certainly something to keep in mind. Plus, solar loans are transferrable, so you’re not stuck in your current home for 25 years if you install solar panels and decide you want to move.
Solar Panels Fight Climate Change
There are no easy solutions to the ongoing problems of climate change, but breaking away from fossil fuels is an excellent way to start. Enter solar panels, allowing homeowners to reduce their reliance on dirty fuel sources like coal. According to one UC Berkeley study, residential solar panels can meet a home’s electricity needs with 80% lower emissions than fossil fuel sources.
While a single household installing solar panels may not significantly improve the situation, there would certainly be major benefits if all of Medford made the leap—and even more, if the rest of the state made the change.
Solar Gives Americans Control of Their Energy Production
Saying Americans have an independent streak is a bit of an understatement. And yet, we rely heavily on utility companies that practically monopolize power production. For years, it’s been virtually impossible to have full control over where your electricity comes from, whether you want to source it from wind, hydro, solar, or even coal. That doesn’t seem right, does it? Americans deserve the right to choose how they power their homes, and solar gives them that choice.
Solar Is a Reliable Energy Source
With about 7 or 8 billion years of fuel left, the sun isn’t going anywhere soon. That means solar energy will be a reliable source for a long time, even with the foggy days Oregon is famous for. Medford is one of the state’s best cities for sun exposure. Global Solar Atlas, which measures the average amount of sun the Earth sees in a year, shows it as one of the best cities for specific photovoltaic power output. Without diving too deep into technical jargon, that number measures how much energy solar panels can potentially generate in a region.
Grow the Local Economy
The solar industry is undergoing a growth spurt. There’s been a rapid increase in demand for residential and commercial solar projects, which has led to a demand for more workers. Those jobs are wide-ranging, too, spanning everything from sales to electricians and construction work. That all equates to more money in the local economy, making Medford a more vibrant and industrious place all around.
Contact Purelight Power to Learn More
If you want to know more about the benefits of Medford home solar, Purelight has you covered. Our specialist can give you a full rundown on how the home solar industry is helping fuel growth for individuals and Medford’s entire community. And if you want to know how solar can benefit your home directly, request a free design from our team. One of our team members will reach out to schedule a consultation, and you’ll be on your way to owning your power.
