Solar panels are more relevant today, as the need to combat climate change becomes increasingly evident, with more and more people turning to more sustainable energy sources.
Solar panels are a great way to offset energy costs, reduce the environmental impact of your home and provide a host of other benefits, such as supporting local businesses and contributing to energy independence.
A growing number of the world population is becoming aware of the need to be more environmentally friendly, which can only be positive. As always, the change begins at home. So, many are trying to lead a zero-waste lifestyle and minimize their environmental footprint as much as possible. One of the ways to achieve that is to use solar energy to power our homes. Therefore, we will discuss the most prominent benefits of installing solar panels on your roof.
1. Installing Solar Panels on Your Roof Saves You Money
One of the benefits of installing solar panels is that it will allow you to save money on utility bills. As we have mentioned, since fossil fuels are a finite resource, their price fluctuates. As a result, your electricity bill can go higher and higher month after month.
However, you will generate your own electricity with solar panels rather than go through the electric company. That means more electricity independence. Moreover, technologically advanced solar inverters allow solar panels to power your entire house throughout the year. On sunny days, you will even generate more energy than you will consume. In that case, you can trade with the utility company. So, if the days are cloudy, you can draw power from the grid.
But even on cloudier days, indirect or diffused sunlight will still let solar panels produce energy, albeit 10 to 20 percent of what would be produced on a sunny day. What is more, with a solar battery storage system, you can store electricity for days with less sunshine and nighttime.
Another way solar panels can save you money is by extending the life span of your roof. They will serve as an additional protective layer, protecting it from rain, snow, and different debris. So, you won’t have to worry that much if there is a storm. Also, your house will be more energy-efficient during the summer as the sun will not hit the roof directly all day. The panels will absorb the sunshine and, thus, keep the temperature inside lower.
2. Solar Panels Are Very Low Maintenance
A relatively common misconception regarding solar panels is that they require quite a lot of maintenance. Hence, many decide against installing them. However, this cannot be further from the truth. Solar panels are actually very self-sustainable and demand hardly any maintenance.
They are designed to sustain any weather. Thus, they will not be affected by the snow, rain, sun, or cold. On top of everything, the life expectancy of solar panels can be over twenty years, with proper maintenance.
Furthermore, solar panel installation does not require any additional space. They can be placed on your roof directly, whichever type of roof you have. So, you won’t have to do any renovations or move to a different home. You can, of course, decide to move to a location with more sunshine.
Or, if you don’t want to bother with installation, you can move to a home with solar panels already installed. In this case, you should ask professionals to get you and all of your belongings to your new home. Moving by yourself is not advised here, as it can lead to damage to your items.
3. Solar Energy Helps the Environment and All of Us
The first thing that comes to mind when solar panels are mentioned is their eco-friendliness. As opposed to traditional electricity, which is sourced from fossil fuels (for example, coal and natural gas), they derive clean energy from the sun. As such, they reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, thus helping combat greenhouse gas emissions.
The issue with fossil fuels is that they emit dangerous gases when burned to produce electricity. These gases are the leading cause of air pollution and climate change. In addition, fossil fuels are finite resources. As a result, their prices fluctuate often. But, more on the financial aspect of solar panels later.
Since installing solar panels on your roof produces clean energy using a renewable resource, there is no pollution. Moreover, unlike fossil fuel production, they don’t need water to operate. So, in addition to not polluting water resources, solar panels don’t affect the water supply.
Finally, solar panels work uninterruptedly during heat waves or droughts. This is not possible for coal, gas, or nuclear power as they need considerable amounts of water to cool the systems. Since they don’t pollute the air or the water, ultimately, solar panels improve public health.
4. Installing Solar Panels on Your Roof Increases Your Home Value
Speaking of moving to a home with solar panels already installed, you should know that this feature adds resale value to your home. Home buyers know that buying a solar-powered home means considerable cost savings on utility bills.
Thus, if you decide to put your home on the market, you will attract more potential buyers, and your house will sell faster. In addition to all the benefits of solar panels, potential buyers will be even more interested as they wouldn’t have to make an initial investment.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are many benefits of installing solar panels on your roof. While the initial investment can be pricey, it will pay for itself after a few years and save you considerable amounts of money in the long run. Moreover, your home value will increase, which will prove highly beneficial should you decide to sell. And most importantly, you will help the environment tremendously.