Photovoltaic Energy Advantages

1.   Saves you money

  • After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
  • The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
  • Financial incentives are available form the government that will reduce your cost. (visit http://www.dsireusa.org/ to find out about incentives available in the state you live in!).
  • If your system produces more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This nifty little scheme is called “net-metering”.
  • It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
  • Solar energy does not require any fuel.
  • It’s not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
  • The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
  • The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.

2.   Environmentally friendly

  • Solar Energy is clean, renewable, and sustainable.
  • By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.

3.   Independent/ semi-independent

  • Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.
  • A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.
  • The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
  • Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.

4.   Low/ no maintenance

 
  • Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
  • Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
  • They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
  • More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family’s needs grow.

The Demand for Solar is Here:
States like California have some of the greatest potential in the world to benefit from solar power due to high levels of sunlight. By reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power, clean renewable energy such as solar power can protect our environment while diversifying our energy resources and helping to lower prices.  Solar power can also reduce strain on the electric grid by generating electricity where it is used and hedging against rate spikes by generating electricity when demand is the highest, on hot summer afternoons when air conditioners are running.

Great Financial Incentives:
Due to state rebates and federal tax credits, solar is an affordable energy option. California, Colorado and New Jersey are leading states in supporting successful solar programs. The 2007 C.S.I. (California Solar Initiative) has enabled solar to become an affordable energy solution for residential and commercial applications. Since 2004, the New Jersey Clean Energy Program has enabled solar to become an affordable energy solution with renewable energy certificates (SREC).  Colorado’s Solar*Rewards Program leads the country with one of the highest rebates available to consumers.    

An Attractive Investment: 
In addition to stabilizing energy costs, solar energy is also an attractive investment due to the added value it gives a home.  With the housing market slowing down considerably a solar electric system definitely helps add to the desirability and resale value of a home.  According to a study by ICF Consulting, solar can add $20 of home value for every $1 of yearly energy cost savings.  It is estimated that $1,500 in annual electric bill savings from solar will equate to $30,000 in additional resell value.  In today’s increasingly tight housing market, a solar electric system helps set a home apart from the others in the neighborhood.  A home with a fixed electric bill from solar is “cheaper” to live in, and thus is very appealing to potential buyers.

Doing our Part to Clean the Earth:
The health of the planet is in jeopardy from global climate change due to emissions of greenhouse bases from burning fossil fuels. A majority now agree that electricity efficiency and renewable electricity are a big part of the solution.  Solar electricity provides clean, renewable energy with very little environmental impact.  A typical business solar system will offset 2.3 million pounds of greenhouse gases over the next thirty years, and would be the equivalent of planting over 5,700 mature trees.