You may have noticed that more and more people are making the switch to solar power, so you might be asking: Why use solar panels?
Well, there are a ton of benefits to using solar power, many of which we will discuss in this post. So without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Solar power is now More affordable Than Ever
I remember when most homeowners who used solar power were almost exclusively wealthy.
Today? Oh, man, solar power systems have become so affordable and are still becoming more economical as solar technology improves and manufacturing costs decrease. And, if you don’t want to pay the upfront cost of installing solar panels, there are also a number of financing options available.
Undoubtedly, it’s now cheaper than ever to install solar panels, especially given how they can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Recommended: Here’s how much you can save if you used solar panels in Australia
2. Australia has a number of incentives for renewable energy
Speaking of affordable, Australia has many subsidies that make installing renewable energy (like solar) so attractive. These include feed in tariffs and rebates.
A feed in tariff is payment from the power companies to you if you were ever to feed your excess energy back to the grid. Rebates, on the other hand, is the government paying you to install a solar power system.
Now, there are many factors that determine whether you’re qualified for these incentives. One of which is making sure that your installer is Clean Energy Council registered.
So, make sure to do your research or, better yet, speak with one of our pre-vetted installers. We trust them with our own systems, so we know they’re skilled and honest people. When you’re ready, we can get you 3 FREE quotes from them right away.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
3. Solar is a renewable energy source
One of the best things about solar power is that it’s a renewable resource. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite, solar energy can be harnessed indefinitely.
This means that if you had a solar system in your home, you won’t have to worry about running out of solar power as long as the sun is out! Not to mention, modern solar cells can last upwards of 25 years, so they can be used for generations to come.
4. Solar power increases Your property value
Should you have plans to sell your home in the future, adding solar panels now can substantially increase the value of your property.
The reason being is that solar energy is becoming increasingly popular and sought-after, especially in neighborhoods and communities in eco-conscious areas.
On the other hand, if your business revolves around flipping houses, installing solar panels can also increase the property’s resale value.
5. Solar energy is clean energy
Solar power is also a very clean source of energy. In fact, research from Nature Energy shows that solar (as well as nuclear and wind) has significantly less carbon footprint than fossil fuels.
This is because compared to burning fossil fuels that release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, solar panels produce no emissions whatsoever.
This means that they’re not contributing to climate change or air pollution, and have a significantly more positive environmental impact.
Recommended: The powerful benefits of solar energy on the environment
6. Solar power is efficient
Solar panels are also very efficient at producing power. According to a report from Forbes, modern solar panels now have over 20% efficiency compared to the previous generation’s 15%.
Now, while this still depends on a few factors, including the type, size, and material of the solar panels, this is still way more efficient than other renewable energy sources. Like wind and water, for example.
Hence, why solar power systems are such attractive options for both the environmentally conscious and those who are trying to save money.
7. Solar power is reliable
Solar panels generate electricity from the sun. So, you might be worried about rainy or cloudy days messing up your free source of power.
Here’s the good news: A solar PV system will still generate electricity even when it’s in the shade and even when it’s raining.
The caveat, however, is that the amount of electricity solar panels generate will be slightly reduced in these conditions.
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8. Solar power is low maintenance
Solar panels have very little maintenance, if at all. Once they’re installed, they pretty much take care of themselves.
You may have to clean them every now and then to keep them in good condition, particularly if they were installed in a place where leaves, dust, and other debris gather. But, otherwise, the rain does all the cleaning for you.
And, should you need to clean them, all you really need is running water.
Recommended: How to clean your solar panels
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
9. Solar power is flexible
And by that, I mean both metaphorically and literally.
First, there’s a type of solar panel that curves and bends like sheet metal. They’re lightweight and easy to install.
But, more importantly, solar panels can be used in a variety of ways. If you want them on the roof of your home, go right ahead. On the ground? Sure. You want to travel with your solar system? They can be attached to RVs and boats, too.
10. Solar power is silent
A properly installed solar system should make no noise at all. This is in contrast to other renewable sources like wind and hydropower that require turbines to generate electricity.
These other systems can be quite noisy, so you might not want to build them near your bedroom or office. A solar power system, on the other hand, will not disturb you during your work and slumber.
11. Solar power has lots of applications
Contrary to popular belief, solar energy isn’t just used to power homes and businesses. Solar systems can also be used to heat water, cook food, and even power electric cars.
12. Solar power creates jobs
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, renewable energy has created 26,850 jobs last 2018-2019. This is a 27% increase compared to the prior year and is projected to grow to 120% more jobs over the next decade.
Furthermore, nearly half of these jobs (13,070) were from rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.
So, not only does solar energy production help the environment and us consumers, it also helps Australians make a living.
FAQs:
Do You Really Save Money With Solar Panels?
Yes, you can save a lot of money with solar panels. However, this doesn’t happen all at once. First, you will have to pay the upfront cost of installation (with rebates to soften the blow) or finance it. The upside is that you pay significantly less, if any, to the power companies for at least 2 and a half decades.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels are worth every penny, every dime, and every dollar. It offers a ton of benefits to you, the environment, and to everyone else. Plus, you save significantly more money than you spend for installation and maintenance.
Why is solar energy important for the future?
Solar energy is important for the future because of many reasons. For one, it helps us, the aging population, save more money for more pressing concerns. It also leaves behind a better Earth for our kids and grandkids.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of great reasons to switch to solar power. Solar electricity has a ton of benefits, and more and more people are making the switch every year.
If you’re thinking about making the switch yourself, be sure to do your research and find the right solar panel system for your needs. Or, better yet, you could call us and we can help you with any concerns you have about solar installation.