How does solar help our air?

Most experts conclude that solar power’s two great benefits are environmental and financial. Fossil fuel generation is causing extremely alarming levels of pollution, especially in China and India. American cities are subject to air pollution from the burning of dangerous fossil fuels. There are two primary ways to calculate the economics of solar energy generation. These include the total cost over the life of the system and payback 

 In the first instance, the upfront installed cost is calculated by eliminating any incentives and tax credits.  For payback, the number of years needed to pay off the system cost from energy savings is calculated.

Non-Economic benefits of solar energy

Solar homes sell at double the clip as their conventional counterparts, which provides an advantage in depressed housing markets.

Solar homeowners are generally more satisfied and recommend their builder to others twice as often.

Homeowners in communities that include solar are more satisfied with their home purchases. 

Installing solar as a standard feature simplifies the buyer’s decision-making process because it takes the guesswork out of their purchase. Given a choice of free electricity, most consumers are going to choose the more financially and environmentally responsible choice.

Homes with solar energy reduce their energy bills by 12-57%.

Solar systems retain their value on average 96% and add approximately $11,000 to a home’s value.

Environmental benefits of solar power generation

There are several ways to evaluate the relationship between energy and the environment.  These include all of the results of resource development on society from the production, distribution, consumption, and disposal of energy.  One large global consideration is the effect on climate change, which is whether the resource is carbon emitting, such as coal or oil.  “Clean” resources include solar, wind, hydro and nuclear. Another consideration is whether the resource is a renewable or non-renewable resource (such as coal and gas). Another element is the magnitude of the resource and the potential for damage to the environment and human health.  Because solar energy is carbon-free and renewable, it has more positive environmental benefits overall when compared with carbon-producing fossil fuels. How many deaths from respiratory ailments have occurred in human history?

Recently, decisions made by businesses are considered within the context of climate change.  All energy sources have some effect on the environment. Fossil fuels are more harmful than renewable energy including air/water pollution, damage to public health, wildlife and fish habitat, land and water use and global warming emissions. For many years now, the industry (utilities, regulatory commission, environmental groups) have tried to calculate the cost of resource development on the environment.  Quantifying this amount is known as environment adders.  By including these costs, it more accurately captures the true cost and addresses accountability i.e. not pushing these costs off to others downstream (taxpayers, government, other businesses).

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. See how much a system will save you over the next 20 years. 

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.