Have you ever wondered why solar system is becoming so popular? Well, some homeowners go solar to save money while others do their part for the earth. Whatever the reasons, harvesting the solar energy for your home brings you a host of benefits that you simply cannot refuse.
There are a number of reasons why homeowners opt to harness energy from the sun with photovoltaic (PV) systems, and here’s a few.
1. Save Money
Tapping free energy from the sun now and for the next decade or two means paying less for electricity in the short term, and gaining more than the cost of installing the system in the long term. As solar energy generates mostly in the middle of the day, it’s generally offsetting the maximum peak electricity rates, which is seeing you maximizing your savings. Many federal governments have policies in place, which incentivize homeowners opting for renewable energy. Not only are you likely to receive an upfront rebate or an income tax credit, you’re also likely to receive a bill-credit for excess energy generated that is sent back to the grid. Why not ride on such incentives to not just save money, but also make a few extra dollars?
2. Add Value
New research conducted in Australia by Realestate.com.au found that 85% identify solar system as something which adds to a property’s value. With a stronger sense of green living among consumers, there is an increasing recognition of solar system as a valuable asset. Studies have shown that home buyers and renters are willing to pay more to live in a property powered by solar energy, hence you’re likely to gain a competitive edge in the market if you’re looking to sell or lease your property. That’s definitely good news for homeowners looking to increase the appeal of their property.
3. Get Connected
Enjoy countryside living without having to worry about power. Seen a plot of land that is perfect but sited away from the electrical grid? No problem. Homeowners of remote places can harness off-grid solar PV systems to power their daily consumption, and even allow excess electricity to be saved for future use. So you need not worry about the noise and flammable risks that are common in the conventional power generation solutions such as the diesel generators.
Mike in rural southeast Victoria, Australia built his dream home and operates his small hospitality business out in Wilson Promontory that’s one kilometer away from the grid. Instead of dishing out AU$50,000 in costs for connecting to the power grid, Mike opted for a better solution – he went solar! A nifty self-sufficient system comprising ground-mounted 8kWp solar panels out in the yard along with inverter, batteries and a back up generator were housed in a purpose-built shed with ventilation. That took care of all the electrical energy needed, not just to power his home but also two Bed & Breakfast ventures, all out in the idyllic country setting. Going off-grid, according to Mike, was a “no brainer”. Not only was the renewable energy system expense equivalent to the mains electricity costs, Mike will benefit from an energy yield of 10,000kWh annually for many years to come – all from the sun!
4. Stand Out
If a face can launch a thousand ships, then a cool house can launch a thousand smiles! Stand out from the rest by tapping the sun’s energy in places no one has thought of before. Solar panels can be considered aesthetic too in the way they are mounted. Not just on the rooftops but on the side of a house or garage with angled brackets or even out in the garden next to the greenhouse. Sustainability at the core of design has led to the rise of green buildings and even zero carbon homes. Wind turbines are great for generating renewable energy for neighborhoods as well but they are often shunned by residents mostly due to aesthetic and noise reasons.
The unique 5×4 Hayes Land Project in Victoria, Australia was designed to tap the sun’s energy in every possible way to minimize its carbon footprint. The 4 kWp installation comprised of 15 solar panels mounted at three different angles on the rooftop and another set of six panels affixed vertically onto the building’s northern facade. The split design of the solar system was made possible with microinverters and a complete home energy storage system enables the homeowners to enjoy electricity at night. You can even watch how much this award winning house generates energy daily, made possible by monitoring devices and software.
5. Be Responsible
By choosing to go solar, you help prevent the on-going pollution that occurs with conventional energy production such as coal-fired plants as well as oil and gas extraction. Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to changes in the climate and extreme weather changes, like drought and flooding. Globally, rising temperatures have been recorded, largely due to human activities. Important animal species are increasingly under threat because of such unprecedented climate change, and some sadly have gone extinct. So in opting for solar for heating or cooling at home, you are doing yourself, your children and Mother Nature a big favor! In the case of Mike’s solar-powered home and Bed & Breakfast accommodation, as much as 13 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions are avoided each year. Being responsible to the environment by going solar is easy.
6. Plan Ahead
The future has never looked brighter with solar on your rooftop! Long lasting, durable and reliable, solar PV modules can be used for 10, 20 even 50 years.Yingli Solar PV modules come with a limited product warranty of 10 years; a limited power warranty of 10 years at 91.2% of the minimal rated power output; and 25 years at 80.7% of the minimal rated power output – all subject to the warranty terms and conditions. This means that the investment you made now will see you through well into retirement where you don’t have to worry about paying huge electricity bills. With regular maintenance and occasional replacement of parts, solar PV systems are a wise long-term purchase to make now. So the sooner you go solar, the better!
