According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, in 2020 the United States 3.5 gigawatts of solar power. Total solar power in the United States now has a capacity of 85 gigawatts. This is enough to supply over 16 million homes with power.
But, why use solar power?
Solar energy is an alternative to electricity and natural gas, which are the most common energy providers in American households. Keep reading to learn more about solar power, as well as five surprising benefits of using solar power!
What is Solar Power?
Solar power is the energy that is provided by the sun. This energy is collected and through a process known as the photovoltaic effect, it is converted into electricity. Three mechanisms are required to supply solar power: solar racking, solar panels, and an inverter.
Each home needs solar racking, which is the foundational system that supports solar panels. Solar panels collect energy from the sun. Lastly, the inverter converts energy collected by the panels into electricity.
This energy is then stored in the power grid, or with the use of batteries, for later use. To get the most out of your solar panels, it’s a good idea to sign up for a renewable solar energy plan from a company like Gexa Energy. They’ll help you get the most out of your panels and start saving money on your energy bills in no time.
1. Environmental Effects
One of the not so secret solar power benefits is the impact it has on the environment. Unlike traditional electricity, solar energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gases. Some of the primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
These gases contribute to air pollution, cases of respiratory disease, and impacts climate change.
lower power bills, low maintenance costs
2. Saves Money
Using solar energy is cost-efficient.
The primary cost of solar power is the initial installation of solar panels. This process is made easier with a multitude of solar companies willing to provide quotes for their installation services. All a homeowner has to do is search for “solar providers near me” to find local companies.
After installation, homeowners are free of any future maintenance costs. Using solar power saves money by offsetting electricity use and lowering monthly power bills.
3. Increases the Value of a Home
Homeowners are looking to reduce their environmental impact. During a real estate search, they’re prioritizing eco-friendly housing. Therefore, by installing solar panels, one may increase the value of their property.
4. Clean and Renewable Energy
Solar energy is clean. It comes from natural resources and as mentioned under environmental effects, doesn’t contribute to pollution.
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More importantly, solar power is renewable. Energy from the sun is constantly replenished, and we will never run out. As long as we continue building solar panels to capture the sun’s energy, we can utilize it for electricity production.
5. Reduces Noise Pollution
Last, but not least, using solar energy reduces noise pollution. Wind turbines, hydraulic turbines, and other electric generators are often loud. However, solar energy is one of the quietest forms of energy production, making it an appealing energy source for neighborhoods and other residential communities.
Switch and Save
Making the switch to solar power offers a variety of advantages to the home as well as the environment. By investing in solar power, you can save yourself money while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint.
To learn more about living an environmentally friendly lifestyle, check out the rest of our site!