The Advantages of Solar Power Can Bring Peace of Mind for Years to Come

Solar energy technology has been around for decades. Solar offers a free, reliable source  of power to run a wide range of devices, from radios and wristwatches to powering your home. However, many of us remain unclear about the advantages of solar power over other, nonrenewable energy sources.

Sunrun is here to help you understand how solar can help you save on home energy costs. With Sunrun, you can choose to only pay for the solar power, not the solar panels, or you can also buy out your system. As you weigh decisions about how to power your home, consider five of the major advantages of solar power.

5 Key Advantages to Solar Power:

1. It saves on electric bills

If you’re facing rising electrical costs, solar-powered electricity can offer you a cost-saving alternative. It also eliminates your dependence on your local utility company. Are you wondering if these panels work on cloudy days? No worries; the sun still emits energy through clear and cloudy skies. Solar power offers year-round efficiency and savings, even in colder climates. Depending on the size of the system, its efficiency and the how your home faces the sun, some solar panels actually generate more electricity than your home consumes. This could decrease your monthly electric bill to zero. You can actually qualify for a rebate if your solar power system produces excess electricity. This depends on the area you live in, so check with your area’s solar power guidelines.

2. It qualifies for tax breaks

Solar energy panels are become increasingly more affordable for homeowners through federal, state and local tax breaks. In 2016, homeowners were allowed to claim 30 percent of the cost of installing a new solar system in their home as a tax credit when they purchased a solar system. Taking these tax incentives into account, it’s possible to recover all of your installation and equipment costs within five to 10 years, according to National Geographic.

3. Cost of going solar has dropped

The cost of solar power has dropped dramatically in recent years. Many homeowners who are planning to sell in a few years, could make a smart investment by retrofitting with solar panels today. Panels require almost no maintenance, since there are no moving parts to break down. Plus, newly designed solar panels have slimmer profiles and sleek trims that blend much more seamlessly with traditional roofs.

4. It benefits the environment

Global climate change is a growing concern. Solar power reduces reliance on fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are used to create electricity, they produce harmful gas emissions that affect the safety of air, water and soil. In contrast, solar energy produces no pollution. The sun’s power offers an unlimited source of energy that does not strip the landscape or harm the ozone layer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends switching to renewable energy sources – since these systems emit lower carbon emissions. Solar energy systems represent an investment in the future of the planet, conserving non-sustainable energy sources and protecting the environment for the next generation.

5. It increases fuel independence

Domestic oil reserves continue to decline, so alternative energy sources are becoming more important than ever. Solar power reduces the nation’s critical reliance on foreign oil, which is subject to dramatic cost fluctuations, and diminishes the risk of power shortages caused by disruptions in overseas oil supplies. Because solar power offers clear benefits over conventional power sources, more and more homeowners are making the switch to this clean, safe and affordable energy source every year.