1. SAVE MONEY NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
Solar will save you money on electricity costs and protect you from future rate increases.
Electricity rates are at an all time high and will continue to increase. If you could have paid some money 5 years ago to lock in gas prices at $1.50 a gallon, then you’d be glad now. This is what you’re doing when you switch to solar – increasing your financial security by fixing your future electricity costs.
2. INCREASE YOUR HOME VALUE
Solar increases your home’s value – often by more than the cost of the solar electric system itself.
A 1998 study by ICF Consulting concluded that saving $1 per year on energy costs adds $20 to a home’s value. Saving $1,000 per year increases your home’s value by $20,000.
3. BEAT OTHER INVESTMENTS
Especially with the current market, your return on a solar investment may be higher than what you could get with other investments.
As Massachusetts residents LuAnn Kuder and Maureen O’Brien discovered, they can “beat” Wall Street by investing in solar. Over the past 100 years, the stock market has returned just below 10% per year, on average. Your solar ROI will likely beat this, especially in states with high electricity rates.
4. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Using solar power from your roof reduces the amount of “brown power” produced by utility companies which means fewer emissions, less pollution, and a cleaner environment.
Coal and natural gas-fired power plants emit greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, radioactive materials, and heavy metals. In other words, power plants contribute to smog, acid rain, and global warming, which affect public health and our society’s future.
5. INCREASE NATIONAL SECURITY
Installing a solar system reduces your dependence on foreign energy sources.
We’re becoming more and more reliant on foreign energy sources. The U.S. currently imports the majority of its energy supplies and has imported 166,270 million cubic feet more natural gas every year since 1985. We’re spending both human lives and trasure to protect our foreign supplies.
6. KEEP MONEY AND JOBS AT HOME
Supporting renewable energy in the U.S. helps to improve our economy by keeping money and jobs at home. These jobs get created when you make the decision to go solar.
A recent study by Navigant Consulting demonstrated that almost half a million permanent jobs and $232 billion in investment would be supported by the solar energy industry alone if Congress extends the federal tax rebates for solar for 8 years.
7. REDUCE YOUR DEPENDENCE ON THE GRID
A solar electric system is like a mini power plant on your roof. Producing the energy right where you need it is smart and efficient.
67% of the energy in fossil fuels is lost when it’s converted to electricity. Of the electricity generated, 9-10% is lost as heat when transported over hundreds of miles to your home. With solar on your roof, you don’t waste energy or money because virtually all the power you make is used in your home.
8. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES
With the combination of state and federal rebates, the cost of your solar electric system is significantly reduced.
As a homeowner, you are eligible for a $2,000 federal income tax credit. Many states offer solar rebates as well, the most generous of which are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
9. NEW AFFORDABLE SOLAR OPTIONS
As companies and local governments innovate, solar electricity is becoming more and more affordable.
In many states, companies and governments have started to offer new ways for homeowners to go solar. Whether this is a city-sponsored solar loan, a home solar service (PPA), or a solar lease, each of these significantly reduces your upfront cost.
10. SPREAD THE WORD
Being the first on your block to install a solar electric system will inspire your neighbors to do it too.
Just looking at Google Maps can show that solar electric systems tend to be clustered in groups. When your neighbors realize all the benefits you’re reaping with your system, they’ll have lots of questions for you. You’re doing a great thing not only for yourself but also for the country by spreading the word.
Courtesy of Sun Run Home |
