Solar energy is a green, renewable and clean source of energy. It can be used to produce electricity (photovoltaic) or heat energy.
Solar panels have a measurable carbon footprint throughout their lifecycle, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, installation, transport and disposal.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The generation of electricity from solar panels doesn’t create greenhouse gases, so it’s naturally better for the environment than fossil fuel energy sources. It also reduces your dependence on the national grid and increases your energy independence.
While a solar power system doesn’t produce any carbon emissions during its service life, the manufacturing and transportation of the raw materials that go into making them does leave a small footprint. However, it only takes one to three years of operation for the average solar panel to pay off its carbon debt from the energy that went into manufacturing and transporting it.
Save On Electricity Bills
The main benefit of going solar is the money that you save on your electricity bills. This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment at the same time.
Each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy that you generate with your solar system offsets the carbon dioxide emissions produced by the electric power utility company. This is because power utility companies use multiple methods to produce electricity, including burning fossil fuels such as coal.
Solar panels also have their own carbon footprint, which is primarily caused by the mining and transporting of the materials used in their construction.
Increase Home Value
The generation of solar energy does not produce harmful greenhouse gases like fossil fuels do. Solar panels are also known for increasing home value and providing long-term cost savings. This is especially true in regions with higher electricity rates or government incentives like tax breaks or net metering.
According to research by Zillow, homes with solar power sell for 4.1% more than those without. And these increases in resale value can translate into thousands of dollars in added income.