Switching to Solar Energy: Benefits and Where to Start
Switching to solar energy is a must to generate clean power for the Earth and meet global climate change goals. Many people have not made the switch to solar because they worry about the cost, they don’t own their home or they simply don’t know where to start. While your objections are valid and fair, there are far more ways to go green than a full rooftop installation. Technology and creativity let everyone do their part.
One of the best ways to ease climate-change anxiety is to take proactive steps to reduce your footprint. Here are the many benefits of switching to solar energy and how you can start on any size budget.
The Impressive Benefits of Clean Solar Energy
You might already suspect some of the benefits of clean solar energy. However, there are also some unexpected perks you might have yet to consider.
1. Save Money
How much money do you pay for electricity annually? It’s probably thousands. Solar can get that figure well below three digits — for the whole year, not one month.
The average solar system costs between $15,000 and $20,000 but saves up to $96,000 over what you typically pay for electricity — more than four times as much. Plus, you feel good about not contributing to excess emissions. You could even strive to take your home to net zero.
2. Generate Emissions-Free Power
The biggest benefit of solar is it's clean and renewable. It produces no emissions and is available as long as the sun remains in the sky. The only current issue is the lithium mining for batteries, but as hemp technology advances, that portion, too, can become clean and green. While still being researched, hemp-based batteries have the potential to provide plant-based energy in place of lithium batteries.
3. Energy Independence
If the grid goes down, millions live without power. However, solar energy offers independence. Hybrid systems let private homes function off-grid in emergencies, and solar farms keep electricity local and less susceptible to widespread outages.
4. Increased Home Value
Today’s sustainable buyers want solar. Adding panels increases your property’s value by 4.1%.
5. Ease of Maintenance
Solar panels are easy to maintain. You only need to clean them once or twice a year, and periodically dust off debris.
6. Improved Safety
Fossil fuels are combustible, meaning they can explode and spark a fire. Solar reduces fire risk.
7 Ways Anyone Can Begin Making the Solar Switch
Switching to solar energy sounds great, but what if you rent or don’t have much money? Here are small ways anyone can contribute, including for free.
1. Invest in Solar Chargers
How many times do you charge your phone, watch or laptop daily? Invest in a few solar chargers and keep these devices going anywhere while decreasing your footprint. They take longer to charge than wall units, so gradually build a small stash you can rotate.
2. Go for a Portable Solar Power Station
Better yet, invest in a portable solar power station, which costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on capacity. These systems power multiple devices and come in handy when camping without the traditional generator noise and pollution.
3. Replace Outdoor Fixtures With Solar
Do you have a patio light? Replace that fixture with a solar version and cut your home’s energy costs while keeping your porch lit after dark.
4. Perform a Home Energy Audit
Here’s a freebie. How much energy does your home use? Perform an audit, calculate your appliance and HVAC usage, and seek ways to save.
5. Look Up Incentives
You may own a home but need more cash. The solar installers might be able to get you a deal on a roof replacement if you need one, and federal and state tax incentives can help you absorb the expense.
The federal government offers a solar tax credit that can cover up to 30% of the cost of installing a solar power system in your home, and they recently extended their available credits through 2034. Check locally, too, as nonprofits — such as the Northern Arizona Solar Energy co-op — have arisen to help customers who want to switch but can’t afford it.
6. Join a Community Solar Program
Community solar lets people pool resources to buy clean solar power when they can’t install it independently. Such programs reduce your home electricity costs by replacing some of the fossil fuel generators with solar from a large farm.
7. Check With Your Current Provider
You may be able to opt for green power through your local facility. All you have to do is call your electric company to inquire about green pricing. A few extra dollars a month could help you do your part to make the world more sustainable. Plus, your rates may decrease — and likely will as humans perfect free power production.
Everyone Can Reap the Benefits of Switching to Solar Energy
Solar power is a must for addressing climate change. Fortunately, what’s good for the planet benefits humans with fewer emissions and affordable energy from the sun. You might mistakenly believe you lack the resources to begin the solar switch. However, the methods above get you going greener regardless of your budget and lifestyle.
