What are the Top 10 Reasons to go Solar?

Solar energy is the power provided by the sun, harnessed through technology called photovoltaic (PV) cells, which turn sunlight directly into electricity. Homeowners around Atlantic Canada are installing solar panel systems on their roofs to take advantage of this clean, renewable way to generate power.

So why should you go solar? How does it help you?

Here are the top 10 motivations for homeowners to make the switch from traditional electricity to solar power.

1) It is Eco-friendly

Unlike conventional power, solar produces no harmful emissions that hurt the environment. It is a clean, renewable process that uses the most natural of all resources: the sun. Solar electricity is green renewable energy and does not release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a ton and a half of carbon dioxide per year – that is more than 30 tons over its lifetime.

2) Reduces Your Electricity Bills

Regardless if you are a homeowner, business owner, or nonprofit, electricity costs can make up a rather large portion of your monthly expenses. With a solar-powered system, you will generate free power for your solar-powered system’s entire lifetime. Even if your solar-powered system does not produce 100 percent of the energy you consume, solar power is going to reduce your utility bills and you will still save a lot of money.

3) Boosts Property’s Value 

Multiple studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes. Appraisers are increasingly taking solar installations into consideration as they value homes at the time of a sale, and as homebuyers become more educated about solar, demand for properties equipped with solar panel systems will continue to grow.

4) Solar Panels are Durable

 Solar Energy systems are durable. Solar panels are not damaged easily because they have no moving parts. This lowers the chance for an interruption in service. Investing into the right type of solar panels will last you on average 20 to 30 or more years with little to no maintenance.

5) Improve Canada’s Energy Interdependence 

The sun is a near-infinite source of energy and a key component of achieving energy independence in Canada. By increasing our capacity to generate solar power from the sun, we can also insulate our country from price fluctuations in global energy markets.

6) Earn an Awesome ROI

Solar panels are not an expense – they are one of the best ways to invest, with returns rivaling those of more traditional investments like stocks and bonds. Thanks to substantial electricity bill savings, the average homeowner pays off their solar panel system in seven to eight years and sees an ROI of 20 percent or more.

7) Installation Is Easy And You Can Expand Over Time

With solar today, you can start off small and add to your system over time as your budget increases. Eventually, you will have enough power for all your appliances, hot water, lightning – you name it.

8) Tax Incentives & Rebates

If you purchase solar panels, whether you live in the United States, Canada, Europe, etc. it is common that each country has its own federal, state/provincial tax incentives, as well as utility rebates.

9) Solar could help you afford home improvements

Installing a home solar system offers an opportunity to design other home improvements with that addition in mind. For instance, some people consider a swimming pool or hot tub with renewable energy in mind. According to a report from the National Resource Defense Council, pool owners typically pay $500 more per year in energy bills. By combining the two home improvements, your solar system can be designed to cover the extra energy usage, using one investment to pay for the other.

10) Solar has a fixed energy cost

Electricity cost from utility providers fluctuates often. And without any other option, consumers have no choice but to pay whatever the current price is. The cost of a solar system, on the other hand, stays the same.

Whether your motivations for going solar are economic, environmental, or personal, going solar is an investment in yourself and your family. Hope this list will help you realize the sizeable merits of going solar. 

Aztek Solar is here to help. Schedule a free consultation with the Aztek Solar Team today.

Thanks for Reading!

Brian McKay

(aka The Solar Guy)