Are you wondering “why go solar?” Are you curious about the impact residential solar power has on the environment?
There are many reasons to switch to solar power, from reduced electric bills to electricity security. But, one of the main reasons is to reduce the number of nonrenewable energy sources used daily.
In the United States, the electric power sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, clocking in at 28%. When you use solar panels instead of traditionally generated electricity, you can dramatically make an impact on the environment.
How Does Solar Power Work?
Installig solar panels on your home is easier than you may think!
The first step in getting solar panels is to inspect your roof. Make sure there are no damaged shingles or areas with mold. Finding these and fixing them earlier in the process will save you money in the long run.
Then, decide on the solar panels you want. There are 3 main types of solar panels to choose from:
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
- Thin-fim
Each of these have pros and cons to help you reach your energy-saving goals.
Monocrystalline panels are made from a singular silicon crystal to absorb the solar energy. They look sleek and are high-efficiency, but also come at a higher cost.
Polycrystalline panels on the other hand are a cheaper option and are a bit lower efficiency. They are made from fragments of silicon crystals and melted together.
Thin-film panels are the most notably different, as they are made from a variety of materials. As the name implies, they are thin and lightweight, but have a much lower efficiency than mono or polycrystalline panels.
When sunlight hits the panels, solar cells in the panels begin warming up. This gets the electrons, the positively charged cells, flowing within the panels. The flow creates an electrical current.
The electrical current created by the excited electrons is detected by wiring on the panels. This is when the electricity is created and transferred to your building. All the electrical currents from the solar panels are combined to power your home!
Benefits of Solar Power
Wihen it comes to solar power, panel installation is the trickiest part! When the sun begins to shine on your home’s panels, energy is organically generated. This is beneficial because now you no longer need to rely on fossil fuels like petroleum to power your home!
Using fossil fuels may not like sound a big deal, as homeowners have been using them for decades to power their homes. But, each time electricity is used in your home, power companies must burn fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide.
Going solar instead of using fossil fuels is such a big deal that users receive rebates and incentives. Both federal and state governments offer tax credits to solar users, and some municipalities and utility companies may offer cash rebates.
You also reap the benefits of solar power in your monthly electric bill. When you are not using power from the electric company, you don’t have to worry about paying them for your power! This could be a savings of hundreds of dollars every year.
For this reason, when you install solar panels on your home, your property also increases in value. For those looking for an eco-friendly and cheaper month-to-month home, yours will be the obvious choice.
Environmental Benefits of Going Solar
If earning and saving money is not enough of an incentive, helping save the Earth might be.
When powerful gases such as carbon dioxide released into the air, air pollution is created. Air pollution makes it harder to breathe and may contribute to greenhouse gases, reportedly a cause of a warming climate.
Cutting back on your consumption of nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels makes a difference in how much carbon dioxide is in the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household emits approximately 20 metric tons of carbon pollution yearly. When you go solar, you decrease that amount by three tons.
Though reducing carbon emissions sounds like only one specific goal is accomplished, the environmental impacts are significant.
When less carbon is in the air, you can breathe easily. Fewer air pollutants means you are less likely to develop bronchitis and other respiratory issues. This is because there are fewer irritants in the air to breathe in.
Plants and animals reap these benefits, too. They are less likely to get sick from noxious gases. When they can carry out their normal functions, the environment flourishes.
One heavily debated topic is that of carbon dioxide’s contribution to a warming climate. The dangers of a warming climate are more extreme weather patterns and changing temperatures. When each of these factors comes into play, no member of an ecosystem can properly carry out their daily functions.
If plants, animals, and humans are all worried about if they’re going to have enough oxygen supply to breathe well, then they cannot perform their normal tasks.
Still Wondering “Why Go Solar?”
Are you still asking yourself “why go solar?” Considering looking into companies that help you every step of the way.
Many businesses offer financing so you can pay for your solar panels on your time. They’ll also help you decide which solar panels will work best in your space and how to reap the benefits of solar power in other areas of your home as well!
Check out our Contact page to get a free solar quote and talk with us about your solar power vision.
