Fun fact: the Sun produces more energy in one hour than the world uses in a year. What’s more, by harnessing the Sun’s rays to power your home you can save money at the same time as being more environmentally friendly. It’s a no brainer, right? Read on to find out exactly how.
1. Installing Solar Panels Is Now Cheaper Than Ever
Back in 2009, when greening up your energy consumption began to become a serious concern for many households, the price of installing solar panels could be anything from $25,000 to $35,000 per home. Now, as well as seeing a fall in price, homeowners are often offered tax cuts and federal incentives to install solar panels. This means that the effective price of installation now often sits at around $10,000. Given this, you could see a 100% return on your investment in as little as 5 years, based on the savings that you’ll make on utilities.
2. Increase the Value of Your Home
As well as saving money on utilities, going solar can also actually add value to your home. The U.S. Department for Energy estimates that the value of a house will increase by $20 for every $1 of utility savings per year, so having solar panels could be worth tens of thousands of dollars to you.
3. Consider Passive Solar Options
If you’re not sure whether to invest in a full solar panel unit, then why not consider other ways to harness the power of the Sun instead? Getting high-quality double glazing will allow the Sun to light your home during the day and keep in heat at night, saving money on heating and lighting costs. You might also consider fitting solar tubes to your roof. These so-called light pipes are made of highly polished metal and funnel the light of the Sun directly into your home – which can save on electricity costs during the day.