As we transition into an era where the world relies less on fossil fuels, more homeowners are looking for cleaner energy options. With plenty of sunshine available in the Golden State, solar energy is an abundant and renewable resource that can save you money, help the environment, and much more.

Whether you want to reduce or eliminate your utility bills every month or just want to know more about energy-efficient home improvements, here are 10 compelling reasons to go solar today.

Environmental Benefits

1. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Solar energy is a great alternative to traditional electricity sources because it helps significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas, produce harmful emissions when burned for electricity, which are major contributors to climate change and air pollution.

By producing the electricity you need to power your home with solar power, you’re actively preventing harmful emissions from entering into the Earth’s atmosphere. The result? Cleaner air quality and a more sustainable environment for future generations.

2. Combat Climate Change

Climate change is a global challenge and solar energy is a powerful solution we can all utilize to combat its detrimental effects. As temperatures continue to rise, we’ve seen an increase in severe weather events, loss of biodiversity, and rising sea levels. All of these pose a significant threat to our health, economies, and ecosystems worldwide.

By powering your home with solar energy, you’re taking a proactive step to mitigate the impacts of climate change. As we reduce the demand for fossil fuel-generated electricity, we also contribute to the global effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions and slow down the rate of climate change.

Financial Savings

3. Lower Your Electricity Bills

One of the most attractive incentives for going solar is the potential to save a significant amount on your monthly electric bills. Installing solar panels on your home allows you to generate your own electricity by harnessing the sun’s energy instead of the grid.

How much you’ll save from solar energy is determined by several factors, including the size of your solar system, your location, and your home energy usage. In sunnier states like California with higher electricity rates, the savings can be substantial.

4. Protection Against Rising Energy Costs

Energy prices fluctuate due to factors like market dynamics, geopolitical events, and the increasing demand for electricity. As traditional energy sources like coal and oil become scarcer and more expensive, electricity prices will likely continue to rise, which can put a strain on home budgets.

By going solar, you’re locking in a lower energy rate for the lifetime of your solar system (25 years or more) and protecting yourself against these rising energy costs. Generating your own electricity means you’re less dependent on the grid and the variable prices of traditional energy sources. As a result, even when electricity prices climb, your energy costs will remain stable and predictable.

5. Take Advantage of Federal and State Incentives

To make solar power more accessible and appealing, various incentives are available to help homeowners offset the initial costs of installing a solar panel system. These incentives include tax credits and rebates, which can significantly reduce the overall price of going solar.

One of the most notable incentives is the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to claim 30% of their solar installation costs as a credit on their federal income taxes. The ITC can significantly lower the net cost of your solar system and make it a more affordable investment.

Energy Independence

6. Reduce Your Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the dominant sources of energy. However, they come with many drawbacks, including their finite nature, their contribution to climate change, and susceptibility to market fluctuations.

Solar energy is a renewable resource, which means it won’t run out as long as the sun continues to shine. Unlike fossil fuels that release harmful emissions when burned, solar power is clean and environmentally friendly, with no direct emissions or air pollution.

7. Strengthen Energy Security

The security of energy supplies is a critical concern for nations around the world because it affects not only their economic stability, but also the well-being of citizens. A diversified energy mix is necessary to ensure a reliable, resilient energy infrastructure that can withstand disruptions and supply fluctuations.

As more home and business owners make the switch to solar power, our reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy sources diminishes. This increased diversification also reduces the vulnerability of the energy system to supply disruptions, price spikes, and more.

8. Support the Local Economy and Job Market

Investing in solar energy not only provides many financial and environmental benefits for you, but it also supports your local economy and job market. The solar industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, which created many new jobs and contributed to economic development.

From installation and sales to project management and research and development, the solar industry generates a wide range of job opportunities. These jobs pay well and offer long-term stability, especially as the demand for skilled workers in the renewable energy industry continues to grow.

Boosting Property Value

9. Increased Home Value

As more people learn about the advantages of solar energy, homes with solar systems are increasingly sought after in the real estate market and can even boost your home’s value by 4%. As a result, installing solar panels on your roof can significantly increase your home value and make it a smart investment that will pay off when you’re ready to sell.

Studies show that homes with solar panels tend to sell faster and command a higher price compared to homes without solar systems. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the potential for lower electricity bills, the appeal of a more sustainable lifestyle and reduced reliance on the grid. In many cases, potential buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with solar installations, recognizing the long-term savings and benefits that come with this clean, renewable energy source.

10. Battery Storage Solutions

As solar technology continues to advance, battery storage solutions have become more accessible and affordable. These systems allow you to store any excess solar energy generated by your solar panels to use during times when the sun isn’t shining (at night or on cloudy days). By installing a battery storage system with your solar panels, you can further reduce your dependence on the grid.

Battery storage systems provide several benefits to homeowners with solar installations, including:

• Maximize Your Solar Energy & Reduce Your Monthly Electric Costs: By storing excess solar energy throughout the day, you can utilize it during periods of peak demand or when the sun isn’t shining. This ensures you’re making the most of your solar system and further reduces your reliance on grid-supplied electricity to help you avoid the high-cost peak rates during the evening. This is especially helpful if you have an Electric Vehicle that you charge in the evenings. 
• Increased Reliability During Power Outages: With a battery storage system, you can maintain a reliable source of power even during power outages and PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs. This added layer of security is especially important in our area since we are more prone to wildfire concerns and frequent power disruptions. Enjoy peace of mind with uninterrupted access to electricity.
• Supporting the Grid: Battery storage systems can also contribute to a more stable and resilient grid by reducing peak demand and providing backup power during emergencies. This can ultimately help prevent blackouts to begin with, especially as California encourages more homeowners to switch to electric vehicles. 

Conclusion

From financial savings and energy independence to the many environmental benefits, there are numerous reasons to go solar today. By investing in clean, reliable energy, you’re not only improving your own quality of life but also contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.

If you’re ready to power your home with solar, schedule your online appointment today to learn how much you can save and to find the right solar loan for your energy needs.