Lowering your energy costs and protecting the environment tend to be the most common reasons why people choose or plan to go solar, but there are many other benefits. Whether you are a homeowner, business, or nonprofit, here are some of the reasons to go solar and install an Enlightened Solar solar system.
For more information on each of these, visit our Appointment to Go Solar page.
1. Drastically reduce or even eliminate your electric bills
Electricity costs can make up a large portion of your monthly expenses. Solar panels will generate free power for your system’s entire 25+ year lifecycle. Even if you do not produce 100% of the energy that you consume, you will still reduce your bills and save a lot of money.
2. Earn a great return on your investment
Solar panels are not an expense. As a matter of fact, 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 American homeowner pays off their solar panel system in 7 to 8 years and sees an ROI of 20% or more.
3. Protect against rising energy costs
One of the clearest benefits of solar panels is the ability to hedge utility prices. By investing in a solar energy system now, you can fix your electricity rate and protect against unpredictable increases in electricity costs.
4. Increase your property value
Multiple studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes.
5. Boost U.S. energy independence
The sun is a near-infinite source of energy and a key component of achieving energy independence in the United States. By increasing our capacity to generate electricity from the sun, we can also insulate our country from price fluctuations in global energy markets.
6. Create jobs and help your local economy
The solar installation profession is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. Solar-related jobs tend to be higher paying and cannot be outsourced, they are a significant contributor to the U.S. economy.
7. Protect the environment
Solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. A typical residential solar panel system will eliminate three to four tons of carbon emissions each year—the equivalent of planting over 100 trees annually.
8. Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability
Sustainability and corporate social responsibilities are important components of an organization’s culture and values. They also produce bottom-line results. Increasingly, consumers and communities are recognizing and rewarding businesses that choose to operate responsibly.
9. Increase employee morale
Just like consumers, employees have a demonstrated appreciation for their employers’ commitment to operating responsibility. Employees share in the success and contributions of their organizations. Companies that care about their community and environment tend to have lower turnover rates, more engaged employees, and higher levels of morale.
10. Stay competitive
Companies quickly are realizing the social and economic benefits of adopting solar power. As early adopters pull ahead of the competition, many companies are exploring solar power as a way to keep up.