A decade ago, you simply did not see solar panels on mainstream and/or middle class homes. They were a unique feature, seemingly reserved for the ultra rich, or ultra green.
Reasons for switching to solar power
Today, there are many reasons to switch to solar power, and more and more people are doing so! In fact, One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) recently published an infographic that shows most residential solar is installed by people who make less than $100,000 annually, and who describe themselves as frugal consumers.
Consider these reasons:
1. Saving Money on Utility Bills
Did you know you can save 1/3 or more on your monthly power bill by going solar? Even if you don’t own the solar panels yourself, you can still rely on solar electricity through a power purchase agreement or solar lease at a cost less than what you are currently being charged!
2. Boosting Property Values
The rule of thumb with regard to residential solar panels is that, for every $1 you save annually on electricity bills, your home increases by $20,000 in value. In addition to the boost in property values, homes with solar arrays sell faster than similarly situated houses in the neighborhood.
3. Less Guilt
When you switch to free solar power, you might not feel as guilty leaving the lights on, or forgetting to unplug “energy vampires” like cell phones, coffee makers, etc. While you don’t want to waste electricity, if you are 100% solar, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not contributing to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions if you do so.
4. To be Ahead of the Game
Some people love to have cutting edge technology – to experience the future before their friends, family and neighbors. Maybe you already drive an electric car and smart home technology. Of course, solar panels should be part of the package!
5. To Help Save the Environment
A significant percentage, yet not as high as you might expect (26%), switch to solar to help save the environment. Electricity generated by solar energy is cleaner and greener than power from burning coal or gas. There are also fewer environmental impacts than hydroelectricity, which can threaten salmon and other species.
What are your reasons to switch to solar power? What considerations prevent you from doing so?
Tags: go solar, reasons to switch to solar, residential solar, solar panels, solar power
