Long-term advantages of solar

It's fun to be in on the first wave of an important technological trend. Our planet is forcing the mass exodus toward renewable energy sources. What are the most compelling reasons for the mass migration to solar and other renewable energy sources? News stories of global warming effects have dominated the news increasingly over the years and lawmakers are understanding the need for an intelligent energy policy. Solar generated energy is becoming the new norm throughout the entire world, including some developing countries where solar provides power where electricity never reached previously. In fact, there are not many sane choices since fossil fuels are expected to last for only another fifty years. Without solar and other renewable sources of power, there would be little reason for optimism regarding the production of clean energy on the planet. For some, this is an overstatement, but climate scientists report global warming is dramatically worse than previously believed. This is one of the primary reasons solar energy is experiencing such a growth spurt.

The reasons for solar’s huge popularity are obvious

Once installed, solar energy provides electricity for free. Solar is not dependent upon aging electric grids. Solar power is reliable because the sun shines every day and it also works (but less effectively) on cloudy or hazy days. Solar is clean and renewable unlike other sources of power, such as coal, oil, and gas, which are not-renewable and also adversely affect the global climate.

Solar reduces or eliminates the costs you pay to your local utility company and increases your energy independence. This is a huge factor for many consumers who are thrilled to generate their own power without interference from other entities.

Solar will increase the value of your home. Many studies show that homes with solar power systems sell faster and at higher prices than their counterparts. Solar is not just a good investment if you stay in your home, but also if you decide to sell it. After all, who wouldn't want to make their own electricity?

Can be financially beneficial –many incentives exist to purchase a solar system, you will be eligible for rebates, government incentives, feed-in tariffs, tax credits, and more depending on where you live.

Most solar systems tied to the grid

The most frequent uses of solar power are related to the conversion of solar energy to electricity from solar panels installed on homes and businesses. Photovoltaics transform solar energy into direct current by using semiconductor materials that convert solar radiation into DC current. Grid-tied systems are less expensive and require less maintenance than off-grid systems. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is that grid-tied systems shut down in case of power outage. This can be averted by purchasing a grid-tied system with a battery backup option.

Grid-tied systems are attractive because:

Considerable saving from electricity bills

Security from power outages

Add considerable value to any building, private or public

Protect the environment from damaging greenhouse emissions

Provide energy backup (for grid-tied systems with battery backup)

Off-grid electric systems

Off-grid solar systems are not connected to the utility grid. They are preferred in locations where utility infrastructure is too expensive for typical grids to serve. Off-grid systems are more expensive than grid-tied systems and are normally supplemented with battery storage.

In cases of high daily electrical consumption often a hybrid system is preferred since it’s not financially effective to offset all the electricity to be generated by the solar energy system only.

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.

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