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No other source of power can provide energy as sustainably as the sun. Fact.

But what are the advantages of solar energy?

Going solar offers environmental as well as financial benefits. By switching to a cleaner, renewable energy source, you can reduce your carbon footprint while saving on electricity bills and leading a generally more sustainable life.

Before you opt into solar adoption, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of solar growth, the costs, and the pros of solar energy. Below, we’ll break down the key factors you should consider when debating solar adoption.

The Rise of Solar Power

Solar power has seen exponential growth over the past few decades. The growing demand for energy, coupled with depleting resources, has helped drive the success of solar initiatives, which have been gaining momentum since the 1970s. Solar was initially viewed as a viable solution to reduce dependence on coal, oil, and natural gas, especially during market instability. This attitude led to the introduction of solar-focused legislation and incentives.

Presently, environmental concerns play a key role in driving solar adoption. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which are the leading cause of air pollution and climate change. With only 8% of the Global Carbon Budget remaining, the pressure to shift toward sustainable energy sources has never been greater.

Technological advancements in the last decade have helped further accelerate solar growth. Solar solutions have become more affordable and efficient, making them accessible and appealing to a broader audience.

What are the advantages of solar energy?

Solar comes with many benefits. Whether you choose to install panels on your roof or property or support solar through other means like enrolling in community solar, there are many reasons to go solar. Let’s explore some of the main benefits of solar panels.

  1. Reduced Energy Bills: The financial benefits of going solar are among the most compelling. Electricity expenses can account for a significant portion of your monthly costs. When you install solar panels, you can generate power that is effectively free and potentially enough to eliminate your electricity bills altogether. This not only leaves you with more money in your pocket each month but also shields you from rising energy prices. Even modest savings can add up over time, especially as electricity costs continue to climb. If you rent your home or are unable to foot the bill for upfront solar installation costs, don’t worry! You can still support solar energy generation and save on your electricity bills by signing up for community solar. Community solar offers renters, homeowners, and businesses a way to support clean energy without any installation or upfront costs. Learn more here.
  2. The Federal Solar Tax Credit: This tax credit was reinstated in 2005 under the Energy Policy Act, allowing homeowners and businesses to claim a percentage of solar installation costs on their federal income taxes. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the tax credit is available at a rate of 30% and will continue to be available at this rate through 2032. This tax incentive makes solar adoption easier and more affordable. Learn more about the Solar Tax Credit here.
  3. Increased Property Value With Solar: Homes will solar power installations typically sell for up to 4.1% more than those without solar. The added value depends on several additional factors, including:
    1. Location: The home’s location affects the amount of sunlight the solar panels can capture. Furthermore, electricity costs vary by region.
    2. System Output: Larger systems produce more energy, offering greater savings for buyers
    3. Age: New solar installations are greater contributors to property value than older ones.
  4. Reducing Carbon Emissions With Solar: Solar is an abundant and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy generation does not produce harmful emissions like greenhouse gases. According to the Congressional Budget Office, approximately 30% of all carbon dioxide emissions come from the electric power sector. By installing solar panels, you can reduce your reliance on the carbon-emitting grid, thereby lowering your environmental impact. Some states even let you sell excess solar energy back to the grid, further offsetting your carbon footprint and generating additional income. For those looking for more tangible figures, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculate can help quantify your energy savings. On average, every American household uses around 50 kilowatts (50,000 watts) of energy each day. This adds up to 3-4 tons of carbon emissions annually, which is the equivalent of around 18,000 miles of driving or just under 1 million smartphone charges.
  5. Demonstrating Corporate Leadership Through Renewable Energy: For businesses considering solar, the benefits extend beyond cost savings. Solar can enhance brand perception, build customer loyalty, and establish a commitment to environmental change and corporate social responsibility. According to Forbes, 52% of all online consumers consider a company’s values when they are making a purchase. Making environmentally conscious choices can influence consumer behavior, making solar a valuable tool for attracting and retaining customers. Internally, corporate social responsibility efforts can also facilitate greater employee pride, job satisfaction, and retention. Furthermore, it can be a compelling recruitment tool, helping businesses attract the best pool of candidates.
  6. Minimal Maintenance Required For Solar Panels: Rooftop solar panel systems have no moving parts, resulting in minimal maintenance requirements. Well-designed systems can run efficiently for years with few repairs. Regular cleaning is the only regular maintenance task, along with replacing the inverter approximately every 15 years.
  7. Avoiding Power Outages With Solar and Storage: In times of extreme weather or peak demand periods, power outages can be an inevitable inconvenience. Although your solar panel system will shut down when the electricity grid does, you can store excess energy in batteries to maintain a backup source of power until regular service is restored.

Go Solar with Nexamp!

With so many compelling environmental and financial reasons to go solar, there’s no better time to start exploring solar solutions that might work for you. As the number one community solar provider in the Nation, Nexamp is here to help if you think community solar is the right approach for you! With community solar, you can reap all of the advantages of solar energy that we mentioned above without any of the upfront cost.

Visit https://www.nexamp.com/blog/guide-to-community-solar to learn more and start the sign-up process today!