20 Reasons To Go Solar

So, you're interested in making the switch to solar energy? Good choice.

Residential solar energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States economy, with good reason, and it isn't slowing down any time soon. In fact, the solar market is growing at such a rapid pace that a new solar panel system is installed every four minutes.

But you might be wondering: why is solar growing so quickly? What benefits do other people see that you might be missing? To help you decide whether switching is the right move, we've compiled a list of the 20 best reasons to make the switch to solar — yesterday.

1. Solar can save you tens of thousands of dollars

Investing in solar panels can bring monthly savings of well over $100. Extend that over two decades — significantly less than the length of the average solar panel warranty — and it translates to more than $30,000 in savings.

2. You can start saving immediately

The most common objection we hear is that panels are simply “too expensive.” We get it. But numerous financing options let you capture the savings and benefits of solar without paying upfront. We always recommend paying in cash if possible, but financing makes solar affordable for almost everyone.

3. Enjoy a fast ROI

If you pay for your system upfront, you won’t wait long to recoup your investment. In some markets it takes the average homeowner only 60 months before the monthly savings pay off the entire price tag — half as long as it would take to double a stock market investment at an average rate of return.

4. Solar tax incentives that save you serious cash

You get 30% of total system costs — both equipment and installation — meaning you’d save $7,500 on a $25,000 system. Combine that with local and state rebates and Solar Renewable Energy Credits and the total cost drops dramatically. Tax laws change regularly, so there’s no guarantee these incentives stick around.

5. You can dramatically increase the value of your home

According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar panels sell 20% faster and for 17% more money than homes without them. On a $200,000 home, that’s selling in under 52 days for more than $234,000.

6. You’re protecting the environment and reducing your carbon footprint

The financial incentive pushes most homeowners to switch, but solar isn’t just good for your wallet. We all have a responsibility to leave the planet better than we found it so our children and grandchildren get to enjoy it too.

7. Decrease U.S. dependency on foreign oil

The U.S. relies on net imports for about 40% of crude oil and petroleum products, and the pace isn’t slowing down until more people switch to solar. Going solar strengthens the American economy and increases domestic employment.

8. No more “random” utility price jumps

If you’ve owned a home for any length of time, you’ve been on the receiving end of energy companies raising rates. With solar panels, your energy costs stay the same.

9. Guaranteed performance

Solar panel manufacturers include a 20- to 25-year warranty, also known as a performance guarantee. The industry standard guarantees 80% performance after 25 years, and panels will likely keep generating electricity for 35–40 years. The average car costs more than a solar installation and comes with a warranty only 25% as long.

10. Switching to solar is easier than ever before

Shopping for solar used to be a long and arduous process — weeks to find the right company and weeks more negotiating. Those days are behind us. Our team helps you sort through options and find the best solution for your home, and the consultation is free.

11. Solar prices have never been lower

Since 2010, the price to install a set of solar panels has dropped by more than 70%.

12. No more power outages from bad weather

With the increase in adverse weather, we’ve seen how unpredictable the grid can be — in some areas outages from inclement weather last more than two weeks. With the proper battery storage system, you’ll still have power when the utility grid goes down.

13. Solar panels are highly versatile

You can go as big or small as you want. Panels don’t have to go on your roof and they don’t have to cover your entire home. As long as you have a location with access to direct sunlight, you’re good to go.

14. You’re leading by example

By choosing to invest in solar energy, you’re serving your community and the planet, not to mention your budget. The more panels installed, the more homeowners join the movement for a cleaner tomorrow.

15. You’re creating more jobs

Nearly 250,000 Americans work in solar — more than double the number in 2012 — at more than 9,000 companies in every U.S. state. Switching supports your local economy and encourages job growth.

16. Energy maintenance is a thing of the past

With few moving parts and highly durable designs, solar panels are virtually maintenance-free — clean, renewable energy without the hassle.

17. Access to energy anytime you need it

Switching to solar doesn’t mean you only have energy during the day. With net metering you feed the grid excess power during the day, then pull consistent, reliable energy at night or on dark and rainy days.

18. Solar tax credits won’t last forever

Federal incentive levels are set by legislation and have been stepped down and revived several times. Now is the time to go solar — if you wait much longer, your net price could jump.

19. Solar panels are not going away

Our oil reserves decrease every year, and conservative estimates suggest we have only about 55 years of supply left assuming consumption doesn’t increase. It’s entirely possible solar will be mandatory during your lifetime, so stay ahead of the curve while incentives and opportunities to save still exist.

20. Qualify your property in minutes

The process starts by speaking with one of our experts and providing your property address and current energy usage. Once we understand your energy needs, we provide a full estimate of costs, outline your savings potential, and lay out your financing options.

Steven Weaver

Steven is the founder of Solar Wave and has dedicated the last seven years of his career to the solar industry. After consulting for multiple solar companies across the US he founded Solar Wave in Denver, Colorado. Solar Wave is on a mission to continue the rapid deployment of residential and commercial solar in Colorado by offering the best solar equipment and installation services at the lowest prices possible.