Photo by Dave Dugdale.
Homeowners nationwide these days are choosing solar energy to power their homes. Chances are, you have probably seen an increase in the number of Seattle solar panels in your neighborhood. The numerous advantages of solar energy - from environmental benefits to economical, it’s easy to see what draws so many homeowners to choose solar power. If you are considering installing solar panels on your home, here are the top reasons why you should choose solar energy for your home.
Solar power is green energy
Solar panels provide green energy - this is good for the environment. Because solar panels are environmentally friendly, this is probably the biggest reason why many homeowners choose solar photovoltaics to heat and power their homes. Solar energy can reduce the amount of carbon emissions significantly. An average household, according to the EPA, emits about 20 metric tons of carbon pollution each year. By installing a solar energy system, a typical two-person household eliminates between 3 and 4 tons of carbon annually—roughly the equivalent of planting over 100 trees every year. That’s pretty amazing.
Economic benefits
The initial cost of installing solar panels may discourage some homeowners from committing to solar energy, but in the long run, the cost savings over time add up. Homeowners who invest in solar panels will quickly see the cost savings in their utility bills. Since electricity bills for most families are one of the largest household expenses, reducing that bill can make a big impact on a family’s monthly budget. And, if you don’t produce all of the energy you consume, your utility bills will still be significantly smaller. Either way, you’ll be saving money.
Some states also offer a tax advantage for a solar-powered home.
Another economic advantage of using solar power is that a home that utilizes solar energy, not natural gas, is not so affected by fluctuations in energy prices. Solar energy, therefore, helps protect homeowners from having to deal with rising energy costs and the impact this has on a family’s finances.
Increase the value of your home
Homebuyers, especially in eco-friendly cities like Seattle, are looking to buy a home with clean energy systems already installed and are willing to spend more than the asking price to get it. Homes that are powered by solar have higher property values and they tend to sell faster and with a higher premium over similar houses in the same neighborhood. If you’ve been house-hunting in Seattle, this is certainly the case.
Reduce dependence on foreign oil
Here in the US, we consume much more oil than we produce. This, therefore, creates a dependence on foreign countries to supply us with oil. There are many obvious problems with this scenario. We, as a country, are taking billions of dollars out of our own economy to pay foreign oil producers, some of which have ties to global terrorism being one of the most alarming. Using clean energy systems such as solar panels or geothermal energy greatly reduces our reliance on foreign oil.
Whether you choose solar energy for environmental or economic reasons, it is clear that there are many advantages to solar power. Contact our specialists today at NW Mechanical to discuss installing solar panels for your home.