6 reasons to switch to solar

You’ve likely heard about the benefits of adding solar power to your home, from saving the planet to saving your wallet. Perhaps you’ve considered making the switch and have done some research or maybe you’re just starting out.

No matter where you are in the process, consider these six reasons to switch to solar.

Lower summer costs

Summer is a time for long days, vacations, barbecues — and hefty bills from running your air conditioner. Fortunately, switching to solar power can help.

“Going solar can eliminate your electric bill completely or reduce it so dramatically that electricity costs are no longer a significant factor in your budget,” according to EnergySage.

Protection against fluctuating bills

One of the worst feelings is opening a bill and seeing a number much higher than expected. Utility costs can change for a variety of reasons. In addition to seasonal changes, trends show that electricity rates are only going to get higher.

“With solar you produce your own energy, so it takes away the anxiety associated with rising and fluctuating energy prices,” according to EnergySage.

Backup plan

Power outages are never convenient, and while having solar power doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have power during a blackout, it does mean you can have options. For example, you could use a battery system or a solar-powered generator.

“A typical home solar installation is designed to shut down during a power outage to protect utility workers and prevent the grid from running at low efficiency,” according to SolarReviews. “To keep power on during a blackout, add a backup generator, solar batteries, or a new kind of solar inverter that can offer some power to keep essential appliances running.”

Increased home value

Just like any market, real estate sees trends that could make your home more appealing to buyers. While popular flooring types or paint colors may change, solar power is a home improvement you can count on to add value to your home for years to come.

“To calculate the solar panel return on investment you can expect, you need to get a customized quote for your specific installation,” according to SolarReviews. “Regardless of individual circumstances, however, the savings are significant.”

Clean energy

As more people migrate to clean energy sources, such as solar power, the environment benefits. That’s because electricity traditionally comes from fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas.

“When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they emit harmful gases that are the primary cause of air pollution and global climate change,” according to the U.S. Green Building Council. “Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, but they are also a finite resource.”

Tax and local incentives

The federal Investment Tax Credit lets you claim 22% of the cost of your solar system as a credit when filing your income taxes.

“A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “For example, claiming a $1,000 federal tax credit reduces your federal income taxes due by $1,000.”

Additionally, Arizona has encouraged the use of renewable energy by requiring regulated electric utility companies to generate 15% of their energy from renewable resources by 2025, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

You can ask about all the available incentives when you get a quote. To find out if your home is qualified, visit SunUpAmerica.com.