subject: The Top Ten Advantages of Home Solar Power [print this page] Ten compelling reasons to consider solar for your home today.
1. Low cost to operate.
The sun is the primary source, and sunshine is free, abundant and available worldwide.
2. Environmentally sound.
No fossil fuels or nuclear plants are needed. This translates to no emissions like greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxide or sulfur dioxide from burning the fuels to generate electricity, and no radioactive waste . It also reduces the amount of heavy metals, coal, gas and oil to be mined, drilled, trucked or shipped.
3. Low maintenance.
Solar panels have no moving parts, so nothing wears out. Some solar panels have been productive for over 40 years. Many solar panel manufacturers provide 25 year or even lifetime guarantees.
4. Enhanced home equity.
A solar panel system is an investment in your home. Recent studies show that homes with solar power are valued at up to a 20% more than homes utilizing purely conventional energy.
5. Available in remote locations.
Solar power is often much less expensive to incorporate than tying into utility company grids in rural locations.
6. Attractive tax incentives.
While the initial investment required to implement a solar power system for your home can seem daunting, be sure you understand and net out all the applicable tax incentives. Federal tax credits are available up to $2000 for solar hot water systems and up to $2000 for photovoltaic solar panel systems. Many states offer tax credits or rebates.
7. Energy independence.
With less reliance on fossil fuels, you will be less impacted by foreign affairs, catastrophic weather, stock market fluctuations, and price variances.
8. Potential source of income.
Many states actually pay for excess energy that you produce if you participate in net metering programs.
9. Encourages new green' job creation.
You'll help foster economic growth through new jobs building and installing solar panel systems.
10. Energy production efficiency.
About 67% of the energy in fossil fuels is lost when they are converted to electricity and transported to your home. By generating your power on site' you'll enhance the grid's efficiency.
