Why Are Solar Panels Good?
It’s a question fundamental to our business. People who ask “why are solar panels good” typically aren’t just asking for themselves; they want to know if going solar will make a difference in the world at large.
At REenergizeCO, we are proud to help homeowners control their utility bills with solar energy. We believe solar is a force for good locally, in Colorado, and nationwide.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels?
Solar energy has many different benefits, chief among them the reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Oil, coal, and natural gas are all finite. Burning them also creates pollution. Meanwhile, solar energy is 100% renewable and totally clean.
Ultimately, solar power is hugely beneficial for consumers, communities, and the environment. If you choose to go solar, you will be doing a lot of good on several different fronts:
How Does Solar Benefit Homeowners?
The first thing homeowners think about when deciding to add solar panels is the cost—both what they will pay upfront and the money they can expect to save on utilities going forward. When you install solar panels, you can expect to start saving money immediately.
For most people, the cost-benefit analysis of residential solar sees a lot of items in the “Benefit” column. These include:
- Lower electric bills: Some people save over $1,000 a year by adding solar panels. You can also get money back from utilities through incentives like net metering.
- Becoming energy independent: From power failures to natural disasters to cyber attacks, there are a lot of concerns about the security and reliability of America’s electric grid. With solar + storage, you can keep the lights on no matter what’s happening with utilities in your area.
- Increasing the value of your home: Homebuyers are actively looking for houses with solar panels. If you have a solar energy system, you can likely get more for your home and sell it faster.
- Going green: Once the solar panels are installed, your reliance on the power grid will be reduced. If more and more people make this choice, it will result in lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce homeowners’ carbon footprint.
- Rebates, tax incentives, and more: Homeowners with residential solar are eligible for a number of benefits that can help them save on the initial install:
Solar panels are very good for your wallet and your peace of mind in the event of an emergency. They make your home more valuable, and they are great for the environment. And, with practically no maintenance requirements, they don’t demand a lot of care or upkeep to stay operational!
How Does Solar Energy Benefit the Community?
In Colorado alone, the clean energy sector employs approximately 64,000 people. In 2023, clean energy jobs in the state grew 11% faster than overall employment in Colorado and 50% faster than state jobs in the energy industry.
A thriving solar industry drives job growth. It puts money in people’s pockets, plus it boosts the local and state economy.
Widespread adoption of residential solar energy also eases the pressure placed on the electric grid. Demand for energy continues to grow. Solar and other alternative energy sources provide much-needed relief for utilities, making communities more resilient in the face of power outages.
Furthermore, communities powered by solar and other clean energy experience a range of health benefits. Solar panels produce no greenhouse gases, resulting in cleaner air and water in the local environment. This can improve public health in several key ways:
- Better air quality reduces airborne allergens and lowers the risk of respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, etc.
- Clean air is better for the heart, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke
- Reducing the risk of cancer from toxic chemicals and gases
- Improved mental health
- Limiting the number of premature births
- Healthier kids; reducing air pollution decreases school absences and doctor visits, in addition to minimizing the potential for chronic health issues
Read More: How Solar Power Can Benefit Your Community
How Does Solar Energy Benefit the Environment?
When people ask “why are solar panels good?,” the environment is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Unlike with fossil fuels, emissions are only produced during the manufacturing phase of a solar panel’s lifecycle. This means the overall emissions associated with solar are about 12 times lower than gas and 20 times lower than coal, according to median values from the IPCC.
Other reasons why solar panels are good for the environment include:
- Minimizing air pollution from traditional energy production
- Limiting the use of water to cool the equipment used in power plants
- Protecting clean water sources
- Reducing the waste created by burning fossil fuels
- Preserving land that might otherwise be used for energy extraction; this helps protect wildlife and their habitat
- Encouraging sustainability, which is beneficial for Earth’s climate and humanity’s energy usage
Here in Colorado, we love the outdoors. Anything we can do to combat climate change and preserve the wild spaces we adore should be considered extremely beneficial.
Right now, more than 60% of Colorado energy consumption comes from natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels. Thankfully, renewable energy sources are growing quickly. If we can continue to grow solar and other renewables, the majority of Colorado’s energy may eventually be clean and green!
Read More: Is Colorado a Good State for Solar Energy?
Are There Any Disadvantages?
No clean energy solution is perfect. With solar, one of the major concerns is the cost of installation.
It’s true, installing solar panels can be expensive. However, most customers find that the initial sticker shock wears off when they realize both the plethora of incentives for going solar and the fact that solar will pay for itself within several years.
Another concern is how to power your home on overcast or stormy days. The good news is that (a) solar panels can still generate power in unfavorable weather conditions and (b) installing a solar battery allows you to take full advantage of sunny days by creating a backup power supply.
Unfortunately, solar panels are not 100% efficient. The best A-rated solar panels have an efficiency rate of about 23%. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to optimize the output of solar panels and make your entire home more efficient. We also believe that improvements in the technology behind solar energy will result in superior efficiency.
Finally, we would be remiss not to mention the environmental impact of manufacturing solar panels. Solar panel components are made of silicon, plastics, and metal. These materials need to be extracted and refined, a process that produces chemicals and waste. As with other technologies, manufacturing can also be resource-intensive. Fortunately, the resources needed to produce solar panels are dwarfed by the reduced energy consumption they achieve—it’s a net benefit for Mother Earth.
Do Some Good by Installing Solar Panels!
When weighing the pros and cons of going solar, it is helpful to have input from an experienced and trustworthy company. REenergizeCO has installed solar panel systems for thousands of homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and throughout the Front Range. We offer unparalleled expertise, transparent pricing, and dedication to helping you control your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
Why are solar panels good? Contact REenergizeCO to find out!
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