Over the last decade, more than one billion people gained access to electricity globally. This is due to the uptake of modern renewable energy, particularly solar power, which in addition to boosting energy access, has a number of other benefits. Solar power is harnessed through solar panels. Solar panels are a great way to offset energy costs, reduce the environmental impact of your home and provide a host of other benefits, such as supporting local businesses and contributing to energy independence. Here are reasons why using solar power is a better energy choice for your home or business:
- Sunny or Not!
It’s important to note that contrary to what one might expect, cloudy and rainy climates are still often popular places for solar energy installations. The most indicative factor for the popularity of solar panels is not the amount of sunlight a city sees. In some cases, clouds can actually result in better panel performance than standard sunny weather. A cloud can reflect or sometimes even magnify sunlight, which results in additional power output from your solar panels. Although sunny days will produce more solar energy, solar panels will continue to draw energy even when the weather is cloudy. Indirect, or diffused sunlight will still help to power your home. On cloudy days solar panels can produce around 10 to 25% of the power.
- Solar Power Helps You Save Money
Annual energy costs can be in the thousands. In fact, the average annual energy expenditure per person is $3,052, including transportation and residential energy. Solar power can reduce or eliminate these costs as soon as solar panels are installed. They also offer long-term savings because it’s basically free to capture the power of the sun. With solar power, countries, industries and businesses can boost access to affordable and reliable energy. Apart from South Africa and Egypt; less than 20% of Africans have access to electricity. Meanwhile the sun is free and inexhaustible. Solar power is an affordable energy source while minimising environmental impact and ensuring sustainability.
- Value Rise for Property
Solar panels significantly improve your resale value. Most home buyers understand what a home with solar panels means—especially because the system is already installed and that they wouldn’t have to make the initial investment. According to research, most homeowners see up to $5,911 resale value increase per installed kilowatt improving your home’s resale value. Solar panels also extend the life of a roof because they protect the roof from weather effects such as rain, snow and debris. Panels make the house more energy-efficient as the hot sun is not beating down on the roof directly; the heat is rather being absorbed by the panels, keeping the house temperature lower.
- Improves Overall Health
- Preservation of Natural Resources
Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing solar panels on your home helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our collective dependence on fossil fuels. Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal. When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they emit harmful gases that are the primary cause of air pollution and global climate change. Renewable energy also improves public health. It is estimated that cleaner air could have a positive effect on mankind’s health. In fact, it is estimated that up to 25,000 lives could be saved. That’s because with cleaner air comes cleaner lungs. Increased uptake of renewable energy sources such as solar power can reduce premature mortality as well as overall health care costs.Solar power does not pollute water resources, so it doesn’t put a strain on the world’s water supply or emit toxic gasses into the atmosphere as solar power systems do not require water to generate electricity. Solar power also works during a drought or heat wave; even more reasons you should add solar panels to your roof.
