Solar Gives Peace Of Mind While Helping The Environment

In the past, only well-to-do, environmentally conscious individuals were able to afford to cut back on their carbon footprint by purchasing solar. Leaving fossil fuel-generated electricity was difficult for many because solar energy was not yet cost-effective enough to justify the switch.

Today, powering your home with the sun is extremely affordable. Advancements in solar technology have dramatically changed the energy world. No longer do we have to rely on fossil fuels. Here are 5 major reasons why solar is not only competing but beating out the fossil fuel industry.

1. Solar power is cheaper

Electricity is sold to a consumer by the kWh. Most solar skeptics argue that solar cannot generate energy as cheaply as fossil fuels. This has not been true for a very long time. 

Currently, there are many solar power systems that produce renewable energy at a price cheaper per kWh than most fossil fuel companies.1 

Within the next decade, the price of solar energy is set to fall to almost half the price of coal or natural gas! 2

Cost Reduction: In recent years, solar panels have become cheaper than fossil fuels, with the cost of solar energy projected to fall to nearly half the price of coal or natural gas within the next decade.

2. Solar power is more reliable

The price of energy from fossil fuels is on the rise! Every year, traditional utility companies are charging you more and more. Solar renewable energy is the best way to combat the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels. When you go solar you lock in long-term savings and protect yourself from the increasing utility prices.

3. Solar is a renewable energy

Coal and natural gas see price swings because fossil fuels are generated from finite resources. Utility companies can only find oil and gas in certain places and eventually these sources run out. Solar uses the ever present power of the sun. Having such a reliable source of renewable energy keeps the price of solar stable.

4. Solar is easier

The operating costs of producing fossil fuels dramatically outweigh the cost of producing solar energy. Solar panels are easily manufactured and quick to install and harness the readily available resource that shines above our heads daily. 

Fossil fuels require massive amounts of equipment and effort to rip the resources from the ground, refine them, turn them into electricity, and then transport the electricity miles to your home. 

It is much more efficient to source renewable energy right from your rooftop.

5. Solar power improves air quality and environmental conservation

One of the most significant advantages of solar energy over fossil fuels is its positive impact on air quality.

Fossil fuel combustion, particularly from coal mining and burning, releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and air pollution. Oil spills harm marine ecosystems and contaminate water.

These pollutants not only degrade air quality but also pose serious health risks to humans and the environment.

In contrast, solar energy produces clean, renewable power without emitting harmful pollutants 6, curbing air pollution. Solar power systems do not involve the extraction, transportation, or storage of fossil fuels, which can lead to spills or leaks that contaminate water sources.

By switching to solar, we can significantly reduce fuel costs associated with fossil fuels and minimize the adverse effects of coal mining on our planet.

Environmental Impact: Installing solar panels helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and negative environmental impacts including land degradation.

6. Solar is profitable

Yes, you can make money with solar! Once you install a solar power system, you will eventually offset your investment with the amount of money you save on your electric bill. 

Not only do you save money, but you can also sell excess energy 4 generated from solar power plants in certain states.

Houses are worth more with solar power systems. Studies have shown that, on average, people are willing to pay $15,000 more for a home with a rooftop solar system.5 

Adding solar to your home increases your property’s value, and in some states you will not see your property taxes increase due to this improvement. With fossil fuels you just keep spending money.

Solar energy vs. fossil fuels summary

Solar energy is more reliable than traditional energy sources and establishes freedom and control for the customer that utilities can not provide. It is a no brainer why you should make the switch to solar today. 

Solar is beating out fossil fuels in every way and is only getting better. Contact us now to make your switch to solar.

References

Wikipedia, https://www.greenmountainenergy.com/2014/03/go-solar-and-sell-power-to-your-utility/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Coren, Michael J. “Solar was the cheapest source of electricity in 2016, and it will further undercut fossil fuels in 2017.” Quartz, 26 December 2016, https://qz.com/871907/2016-was-the-year-solar-panels-finally-became-cheaper-than-fossil-fuels-just-wait-for-2017/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Fields, Spencer. “Are Electricity Prices Going Up or Down?” EnergySage, 15 March 2023, https://news.energysage.com/residential-electricity-prices-going-up-or-down/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Gorey, Jon. “Are solar panels worth it? - Home Improvement, Style.” Boston.com, 14 February 2017, https://realestate.boston.com/home-improvement/2017/02/14/solar-panels-worth/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Richardson, Luke. “Solar Energy vs Fossil Fuels: How Do They Compare?” EnergySage, 6 December 2023, https://news.energysage.com/solar-energy-vs-fossil-fuels/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

U.S. DOE Clean Energy, https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42169.pdf. Accessed 21 May 2024.