© via CBS News Solar panel costs are often calculated in terms of dollars per watt. / Credit: Getty Images/iStockphotoAmericans Worry About Expensive Energy Bills This Winter : President Biden is handing out billions in aid as the economy struggles with rising inflation .
As households look for ways to lower their energy bills with modern home technology and the likes of closing doors, sealing cracks, removing air conditioners and more, some are considering a long-term solution: solar power.
In short, solar panels help convert sunlight into electricity.
"Solar technology converts sunlight into electrical energy using photovoltaic (PV) modules or mirrors that focus sunlight. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage," explains Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Sounds good, right? If you need more information about solar panels or using solar energy, ask a professional for help. Click here to get a free quote from one of the industry leaders.
What are 3 advantages of solar energy?
Before you go overboard and completely change your habits, you'll want to learn more about solar energy and why more and more families are starting to incorporate it into their lifestyles.
Here are three compelling reasons to go solar today
- The operating cost of solar panels has come down
- Energy cost savings
- Reduce your carbon footprint
The operating cost of solar panels has come down
At one time, the main reason homeowners didn't want to install solar panels was cost. But times have changed and prices have been dropping for years. The cost of solar power is falling every year, EERE notes.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the cost of installing solar systems has fallen by more than 60% over the past decade. And solar batteries aren't just popular in sunny states like California or Florida. Regions across the country are beginning to integrate solar power.
The cost of a solar system is usually calculated in terms of dollars per watt.
"The average cost of a residential system has dropped from $40,000 before the stimulus in 2010 to $20,000 today, with recent per MWh costs of $16 to $35 and competitive with all types of generation," explains SEIA Online. This total cost does not take into account the tax benefits associated with using solar energy.
Prices may vary depending on location and requirements. Enter your zip code and get a quote.
Energy cost savings
Another important reason to switch to solar energy is to save electricity costs. According to the National Association of Energy Assistance Directors, the average cost of heating a home will rise 18% to $1,208 this winter, with low-income households hit the hardest.
While you may have to spend money to install solar panels and set them up properly, if you go green, you should see a significant difference in your energy bills.
Community solar can save 5% to 25% on bills, according to a 2021 report titled "Solar Exchange: Community Solar Deployment, Subscription Savings, and Energy Load Reduction," according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Energize, a Boston-based solar energy company, estimates that most solar users can save $10,000 to $30,000 over the life of their solar system.
Total savings can vary depending on your location (amount of sunlight), the type of solar power system you use, your electricity usage, the size of your home, whether you're buying or renting the system, your local utility company, and more. Check your electricity bill. Then check how many watts your home uses to determine potential savings.
Reduce your carbon footprint
In addition to the many benefits that solar energy offers you economically, it is also good for the planet.
“Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy generated significantly reduces emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2, as well as emissions of hazardous pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. "Solar electricity also reduces water use and emissions," explains the US Department of Energy online.
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