Benefits Of Solar in Florida - Solar Energy Solutions of America

BENEFITS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR

In recent years, many homeowners and business owners have hopped on the solar electric bandwagon. There are numerous benefits to doing so, which we will share more about in this guide. If you are still on the fence about making the switch, you can find out more about the many benefits you stand to gain when you make use of solar electricity.

ECO-FRIENDLY ADVANTAGES

Did you know that solar energy has the most negligible negative impact on the environment than any other energy source? It does not produce greenhouse gases and requires 20 times less water than nuclear power plants to maintain. In addition, it does not generate any noise or water pollution, making it a perfect choice for the environmentally conscious home or business owner. As long as there is sunlight, solar electricity can be generated and used anywhere. This is excellent news for remote and/or impoverished regions with no other access to electricity. This is just one of many ways solar electricity has the power to improve lives worldwide. As just one example, solar electricity can and has been used to power up boats and spacecraft.

Cuts Down on Costs: Looking to become more self-reliant when it comes to energy production? This is one significant benefit solar electricity can bring you. Depending on how much power your solar panel system generates, you can significantly reduce or even completely eliminate energy bills.
Decreased Energy Loss: It’s a fact that between 3 to 5% of energy is lost during long-distance transport. The further the distances between the supply and production points, the more energy gets lost. Although this loss may not seem significant at first glance, it can enormously impact densely populated areas. With solar electricity, this distance can be significantly reduced, maximizing the efficiency of the solar panels while decreasing energy loss.
Better Grid Security: We all know that a grid with power plants that are spread out is less vulnerable to blackouts. When you get a grid with a high concentration of solar electricity, this means that you get more energy production centers spread out over an area. This comes with the benefit of improved security during a disaster, whether manmade or natural.
Creating More Jobs: If there’s one thing that can go a long way in boosting local communities and economies, it’s the creation of new jobs. Solar panel installation will require trained and knowledgeable employees to do the job; this opens up a whole new industry with plenty of jobs for the taking.

SHOULD YOU GO SOLAR?

Given how many solar installations there are throughout the country, you may already be able to envision what a good fit for solar looks like. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when installing solar panels and switching to a more eco-friendly energy source. Several factors are worth considering to help determine if your home or business is a good candidate for solar:

How much do you pay for electricity? Many factors go into how much you can save with solar, but none are as impactful as what you presently spend on electricity. Whether your utility rates are high or low, you can save with solar. Of course, the more electricity you use and pay for it, the more you can save by going solar!
What kind of residence do you live in, and do you own it? The additional most significant factor in determining whether you are a good fit for solar is the type of home and whether you own or rent your house. It’s much more complicated to install solar panels on your residence if you don’t own the structure. For that exact reason, if you live in a multi-family property, whether renting or owning an apartment or in a condo building, it may be challenging to take advantage of on-site solar.
Take advantage of solar incentives? Currently, the best financial incentive for going solar is the Solar Federal Investment Tax Credit or ITC. Notably: the ITC, which returns more than 20 percent of the total you spend for your solar directly to your pocket as a tax credit, is solely available to individuals with enough tax liability. It is advised to speak with an accountant to confirm your eligibility.
Is your roof suitable for solar? A few key aspects influence whether your roof is ideal for solar: age, material, space, shading, tilt, and orientation:

How old is your roof? Photovoltaic solar systems can last for three decades, so if your roof is close to the end of its lifetime, it’s certainly worth considering replacing it before installing solar. If your roof is currently in good condition, excellent!
What material is your roof made of? You can install photovoltaic solar panels on nearly any roof material, but some materials are certainly easier to install on than others.
How big is your roof? Some roofs are better for solar than others. Larger wide-open roofs with significant square footage and free of larger obstacles are best for fitting solar panels. Still, even if you have a uniquely shaped roof with limited space, dormers, and many obstructions, you might be able to install fewer high-efficiency panels to produce as much power as you can with the area you do have available.
Does your roof experience lots of shading? No matter the size of your roof, if you have a ton of unavoidable shade on your roof all day, unfortunately, you’re not a good fit for solar. If your home is shaded with trees for most of the day, trimming or removing trees to install solar panels and get the best energy production can be worth it.
What is the angle of your roof? Roofs with an angle of 30 to 45 degrees are optimal for most solar panel systems. Thankfully, that’s the typical angle of most standard roofs in the US! Solar panels that are installed on a remarkably steep roof usually produce less electricity and are more challenging to install, while installing solar panels on a flat roof generally requires more area and makes more sense for more significant installations (e.g., on top of factories).
What direction does your roof face? The orientation of your roof impacts how much electricity your solar panel system will produce. Ideally, it is best for solar panels to face south to acquire the most exposure to sunlight (in the Northern hemisphere, that is). However, although south-facing is superior, it’s certainly not a condition for going solar: panels facing east and west usually acquire more than enough sunshine to make solar an advantageous investment.

IS PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR A GOOD INVESTMENT?

While there are different ways of obtaining solar power for your home, adding your own solar system to your own residence is an investment that not only pays off instantly by decreasing your electricity bill but also pays off in the future as the value of the system adds to your residence’s overall value.

Many customers pay off their initial investment within 10-12 years with many different financing options available. After that period, your home has a sustainable, predictable energy option that pays back your initial investment numerous times over.

When you’re looking to buy a home, you’re probably comparing neighborhoods, outlining preferences, and taking steps to define your budget and long-term goals. It is a thrilling chapter in your life AND the ideal time to embrace renewable energy! A solar energy system can quickly improve the return on your investment by adding value, convenience, and savings to your home.

Solar power is also a promising investment in the future of our planet. An average-sized residence solar power system helps eliminate three to four tons of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to planting more than 100 trees. As a source of clean energy, solar power doesn’t produce greenhouse gasses and other toxic emissions that can be harmful to the environment, so your financial investment can even be an investment in the health and safety of coming generations. It’s a win-win for you and your family!