Are you ready to make the switch from electricity to solar energy? You may be wondering: is solar energy worth it? Below, Alexandria solar experts at Lombardi Electric break down the top 7 benefits of solar energy you’ll reap after your solar panel installation in Alexandria.
Buying and installing solar panels can be a very lengthy and confusing process, which is why it’s best to hire Alexandria solar experts at Lombardi Electric. We strive to make the switch to solar as easy and affordable as possible so that you can begin saving money on your monthly electricity bill all while saving the planet. Call 318-545-7575 to speak to one of our experts or get a free solar quote in Louisiana.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that uses sunlight to produce electricity. In fact, solar power is considered the cleanest and most abundant form of renewable energy source that we have thus far, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
This is how solar panels work: they create electrons when exposed to sunlight, and these electrons flow through a circuit to generate electricity. This electricity can power as much, or even more, than the average electric grid. It can power homes, businesses, and even cities, depending on how large the solar energy system is.
7 Benefits of Solar Energy
If you’re considering getting solar panels installed, it’s important to read up on different types of solar panels, as well as solar energy advantages and solar energy disadvantages so that you can make the best decision for your goals and needs.
Today, we’re here to break down the top 7 benefits of solar energy, and how solar power experts at Lombardi Electric can help you make the switch from electricity to solar power.
Eco-Friendly
Solar power is also referred to as “clean energy,” and for good reason. It does not pollute our water supply or create greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases are created by fossil fuels – such as oil, coal, and natural gas – which trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to global warming. Carbon dioxide makes up the majority of these greenhouse gasses.
Most people don’t realize that electricity production leads to a significant amount of carbon emissions as well. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that 1,539 million metric tons (MMmt) of carbon dioxide was produced in 2022 just from the U.S. power sector. To put this in perspective, our country’s total carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 was nearly 5,000 million metric tons.
Generating electricity with solar energy instead can greatly reduce our nation’s carbon footprint, because solar panels don’t create any air pollution or greenhouse gasses.
Save Money on Energy Costs
Another one of the many advantages of solar energy is that it reduces electricity bills over time.
Basically, when you invest in a solar system for your home, you will be creating your own electricity instead of buying it from utility companies/power plants. If you break down the monthly cost of your solar panels and compare it to the amount of electricity generated, you’ll be able to see that the cost per kWh for electricity from solar panels is much cheaper than electricity from your utility company.
Additionally, solar panels can produce excess energy at times, which you can sell to your electric grid. This is known as a net metering billing mechanism with your utility company. Finally, solar systems tend to have low maintenance costs unless they’re obviously damaged. All of these things put together can not only reduce your energy bills, but help you make a bit of money from solar energy as well.
Increased Solar Energy Affordability
How much do solar panels cost?
It’s true, the initial cost of buying and installing solar panels is very expensive. But the government is making residential solar energy systems more affordable than ever with the help of tax credits. Taxpayers who invest in solar power systems can now claim a 30% tax credit on their income taxes as long as they install them before January 1, 2033. After this date, the tax credit is set to decrease to 26%.
Energy Production During Peak Daylight Hours
Energy demand is usually the highest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when energy costs peak. These are also the hours that UV rays are the strongest during the day, so a home solar system can produce the most electricity during this time.
This means that electricity produced within that daily time frame is worth more than if it were produced in the evening hours. The more people in a community that install solar panels, the lower electricity costs will be during those peak hours.
Increased Home Value
It’s no secret that solar panels are definitely an expensive investment. But think of a solar energy system as an upgrade to your entire home that will, in turn, increase your home’s value if you choose to sell later. Many homebuyers are willing to pay extra for a home that runs on solar power already.
Decreased Energy Loss During Transport
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 5% of electricity was lost during the transmission and distribution (T&D) in the U.S. between the years of 2017 to 2021. This may not seem like a very big loss, but when you think about electricity generation’s poor environmental impact, every bit of electricity matters.
This kind of energy loss does not happen when you rely on a solar panel system. Energy efficiency is one of the many solar energy pros to keep in mind.
Power Stays on During Power Outages
If you’re a resident of Northwest Louisiana especially, you know that all it takes is one bad storm to knock out the power for at least a day, maybe even longer. Investing in a solar panel system leads to greater energy independence, which means that if the power in the whole city gets knocked out, your power will stay on. If you also invest in solar energy storage battery technology, you could have backup power for several days or weeks, regardless of the stormy and dark weather outside.
Get Started on Your Solar Journey – Call Lombardi Electric Today
If you’re ready to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your electric bill, you’ve come to the right place. Alexandria solar experts at Lombardi Electric are the best team to call when you’re ready to make the switch from electricity to solar technology. We’re a residential and commercial solar company in Alexandria and are ready to assist!
If you’re ready to buy solar panels in Alexandria, our electricians can help you with solar panel maintenance in Alexandria, and so much more. Call 318-545-7575 to speak with one of our solar experts.
