With an energy crisis looming due to the predicted depletion of fossil fuels, alternative sources of energy are crucial and in hot countries like Australia, Solar energy is an increasingly popular option.
If all of the sunlight that hits Earth was harnessed efficiently, it would be more than enough to power every city on the planet for years to come and, though Solar energy technology is still relatively new, it is at a stage where it is now useful for human requirements.
Like all new ideas, full acceptance is not that easy to achieve. The predominance of fossil fuels and natural gas has so penetrated modern society that a sudden shift to Solar energy would be considered difficult and expensive.
Yet people are transitioning to Solar use. Those who managed to shift to alternative energy are now slowly enjoying the benefits, but if you’re not fully convinced yet, here is a small list of thought-provoking reasons to install Solar power in your home today.
Benefits of Solar power in your home
1. Solar power is renewable
The sun will continue to burn its hydrogen fuel for around 6 billion years It will provide an almost unlimited amount of energy and using Solar energy technology means tapping into one of the ultimate renewable resources. At the moment, Solar Panel technology is capable of harnessing sunlight to power an entire house in tandem with efficient energy storage systems so you will save money on electric bills if you can generate power yourself.
2. Solar Power Reduces or Removes Your Electric Bills
Once you have installed a Solar Panel system, you are making the most of free energy and this is a liberating feeling indeed. You no longer rely on the power provided by your local electric provider. You can be self-sufficient in your energy usage and will definitely reduce or even remove electric bills from your table again. If done correctly, it is possible to have Solar Panels as a complete alternative to fossil fuel usage in a single home.
How much do you save? – The amount you save will depend on the energy you use in a day. Though this may be small per month, over time you will see the difference.
Furthermore, due to the demand for fossil fuels and the increased consumption due to population growth, electricity consumption will continue to rise which could drive up prices. The higher the energy cost, the more significant savings you incur.
3. Solar energy is more environmentally friendly
Solutions to the threat of climate change is an ongoing topic of debate in many countries. However, one thing that all can agree upon is that Solar energy is environmentally friendly. Solar energy produces no pollution and is entirely renewable. The pollution costs associated with solar systems production is much lower than that of coal.
Fossil fuels produce pollution that affects our environment and it is in the best interests of the future of the planet to find alternatives. Solar power is one of the most viable options, because the technology is already out there and working well, and in due time, with continued support, it may become the primary energy source of tomorrow.
4. Solar Power is good for the Electric Grid
Solar Energy can improve electric grid service because a house with its own Solar Panel system works as a small power station when connected to the grid.
The excess energy produced by a Solar-Powered houses are injected into the grid improving its service. It is this for this reason that houses with Solar metering services enjoy incentives from electric companies and even the government.
How do you which Solar Power System should you buy?
If you are planning to use Solar power, you should consider a few factors to determine what kind of system you need to install. The type of Solar energy system best for you is determined by the amount of energy consumed in a given period, your lifestyle and your budget.
1. Energy consumption
Before you purchase a Solar Panel system, you should first check your utility bills over the last 2 years. Determine how much energy you consume in a month, a quarter, and annually. Aside from the actual electricity you consumed, there is added cost to the bill such as delivery charges and system maintenance fees. All of these must be calculated to know what kind of Solar Panel you need.
2. Plans for relocation
Before you buy a Solar power plan, you must determine whether you be likely to remain at that home for the next 20 years or if you have plans to relocate in a year or so. Solar installations are large, bulky, and oftentimes permanent features in your home. It is not that easy to relocate in a moment’s notice. So, in most cases, when you sell your home, you also sell the Solar Panels along with it.
However, the house will increase in value with Solar Power added and it is much easier to sell, especially for buyers opting to have a means to save energy. You should seek advice on how your Solar installation will increase the value of your home and how you can get your money back when selling the place.
3. Estimate your budget
A large Solar power system is expensive to install, but if you generate more energy than you consume and if you happen to generate excess energy to contribute to the grid, you won’t pay a single penny for electric bills.
In addition, you can take advantage of Solar Power rebates and incentives provided by the Australian Government. So, if you have the initial budget, go all Solar and reap the benefits of harnessing the power of the sun.
