Solar power is not a new concept. Ever since ancient times, people have used skylights and windows to light their homes, used passive solar collectors such as stone or cement to warm chilly nights, and located rain barrels in sunny areas to heat water for bathing. More recently, technology has produced new and efficient ways to collect, store, and use solar energy to power individual homes and businesses. Solar energy has many benefits. Here are five of the best.

Lower Utility Bills

A solar system can begin lowering your power bills the day it is installed. Even a small system will take a solid bite out of your electric bill, and a properly sized and installed system can provide nearly three quarters of your home’s power. That is free energy that no one can make you pay for. Solar photovoltaic systems can last as long as 30 years or more and typically pay for themselves within 5-10 years if you live in a state that offers rebates or credits for solar power installation. Even if your state does not participate, the federal government has generous programs that help offset the cost of a new solar power system.

Increased Home Value

Solar power is one of a small set of home improvements that can actually raise your home’s value by more than its own cost. Additionally, a solar system will make your home more attractive to potential home buyers, giving you a distinct advantage over other sellers even in a tight housing market. To sweeten the deal even further, most states will not increase your property taxes when you install a solar power system even though your home’s property valuation will almost certainly go up. Check out Legend Solar for more information about solar power in Utah.

Clean, Effort-Free Energy

Solar panels require little to no maintenance because they have no mechanical parts to break down. Once your system is installed, there is not much for you to do but sit back and enjoy the security of knowing that you will have environmentally responsible, quiet, free energy for many years to come.

Independence from the Power Company

For years, you have been at the mercy of the power company’s whims. If they decided to raise rates, you paid more of your hard-earned money. If they took days or weeks to restore power after an outage, you waited patiently for their employees to get around to your neighborhood. With solar power, your electric bill can be reduced to a fraction of what you pay now. Even better, many states now allow you to save the excess energy your system provides during peak hours and use that energy later. A large number of states even allow you to sell your extra power to the power company. These strategies can result in a zero balance on your utility bill month after month.

Sustainability

Solar energy is an incredibly abundant resource. Solar does no damage to the earth or its inhabitants. It is the ultimate in renewable resources. When you choose solar power, you are not just providing a more solid financial future for you and your children, you are also preserving the earth and its limited resources for your children and grandchildren.

Thanks to modern solar technology, you can now harness the sun’s power to an extent that was unimaginable throughout most of history. Installing a solar photovoltaic system is more than just a wise financial decision. It is also an investment in your own future and the future of all humans.