Solar energy is a great, environmentally friendly way to power electrical appliances in the home and to feed electricity back into the national grid. It is generated by solar panel systems that use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert the sun’s power into energy, whereby this chemical reaction creates a flow of direct current electrons (D/C) that then feed into an inverter, which converts the flow into alternating current (A/C). This current then can be used as electricity to power the home.

Here are a few advantages of this renewable energy source:

1. Environmental Benefits
The argument in favor for more renewable forms of energy gains more momentum each day. Oil and gas prices are continuously increasing and fossil fuel recovery methods, such as tar sands, are damaging the environment. These methods are leaving areas of land highly polluted and it’s possible that they can emit up to 45% more greenhouse gas than traditional oil and gas. Solar energy is becoming increasingly recognized as having a key part to play towards a low-carbon future, especially with peak oil production rapidly approaching.

2. Sunshine Not Required
Solar panels do not need sunshine to work, this is a myth! The photovoltaic cells react to daylight, and they can generate 40% of their potential electricity produce even if the weather is completely overcast. Electricity is still provided to the home outside of daylight hours as the home is still connected to the national grid as before and the homeowner will also be paid for any unused electricity that they feed back to the grid (more on this later).

3. Financial Benefits
Homeowners can benefit from solar energy in terms of cost savings, as the US government has introduced schemes that provide hugely compelling cost incentives for installing domestic solar panels, namely the Feed-in Tariff (FIT). For example, the state of California’s Feed-in Tariff currently pays between $1.10 and $1.90 per A/C watt that a solar panel system produces, despite whether it is has been used in the home. The amount the homeowner receives will also increase with inflation and is guaranteed for at least 25 years.
Altogether, homeowners can make around $19,000 profit during their solar panel system’s lifecycle, as well as saving between $110 and $173 on electricity bills every year.

4. The Incentives Are Better Than Ever
The combination of government schemes such as the Feed-in Tariff, rising electricity bills and dwindling fossil fuel resources makes free solar energy an even more compelling way to reduce both costs to the homeowner and environmental damage.

A Worthwhile Investment

The solar panel provider will handle the installation and the maintenance of the panels and in most cases planning permission will not be required.

Although the initial cost of the panels and their installation is between $12,500 and $22,000, the combined bill savings and money from government cash back schemes allows the homeowner to start earning back straight away. Many providers also offer the system for free in exchange for rights to the Feed-in Tariff until the costs are paid off, therefore, solar energy is more accessible and rewarding than ever.