Solar panels on a house wit a gabled roof | REenergizeCO

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels?

The benefits of solar panels are immense. Solar power is a critical part of Colorado’s renewable energy grid, which generates more than one-third of the state’s electricity. Homeowners can also enjoy a number of benefits when they install solar panels.

REenergizeCO has helped thousands of customers in Denver, Fort Collins, and the Front Range save money and go green with solar energy. Learn more about the benefits of solar panels below, or contact us today for a free estimate.

1. Saving You Money

Once solar panels are installed on your roof and the system is activated, you will begin producing your own energy. This will result in a lower monthly energy bill almost immediately. (Or you can eliminate your energy bill entirely if you go “off the grid.”)

How substantial are the savings? It depends on factors such as:

  • The size of your panels
  • How they’re installed
  • How much energy you use
  • How much sunlight you get where you live
    • NOTE: Solar panels can draw significant energy from the sun even on cloudy days.

Depending on these and other factors, your solar panels might even produce more electricity than your household uses. Local utilities offer a number of incentives (such as net metering) that credit homeowners who give power back to the grid, resulting in additional savings each month.

2. Energy Independence

From severe weather to cyberattacks, the Colorado power grid is expected to face a number of challenges in the years to come. Homeowners who invest in solar panels are in the best position to “ride out” any power outages, blackouts, and interruptions to service.

The sun will provide you with electricity during the day. Installing a solar battery will enable you to store additional electricity to power your home at night, on days when less power is produced, and in the event of an outage.

3. Adding Value to Your Home

Homes with solar panels are a hot commodity. They appeal to buyers who want to save money on electricity and those who want to minimize their carbon footprint—these sentiments often overlap.

If you sell your house after installing solar panels, you are likely to sell in less time and for above the asking price (usually between 4–5%). That translates to an additional $10–$15k in a real estate market like Denver.

Read More: Does Solar Increase Home Value?

4. Tax Benefits

Recent changes in federal law have created enormous tax benefits for solar panels. Homeowners who install a solar energy system from 2022–2032 qualify for a 30% tax credit.

A tax credit reduces what you have to pay in taxes. You can claim all expenses related to the installation and activation of the system on your tax return. This includes the cost of all equipment, labor costs, and more. Doing so can result in substantial savings on your taxes for the year.

5. Optimal Power Generation

According to Xcel Energy, the demand for electricity (and, therefore, the cost to customers) is greatest between the hours of 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Most power utilities consider these the peak hours as well.

The benefits of solar panels become clear when you consider that the sun tends to shine brightest during these peak hours. While other customers are paying a premium to power their homes at this time, homeowners with solar will actually be able to save money.

Read More: How to Maximize Solar Energy

6. Long-Term Electricity for Your Home

Solar panels are built to last. They can withstand direct hits from hail and heavy snow accumulation. After 20 years of continuous operation, A-rated solar panels will still be operating at 90% of their original capacity. This makes them a cost-effective investment in the long term, as you will be able to save on electricity for years or even decades.

7. Little to No Maintenance

Bottom line: Once the solar panels are installed and the system is turned on, you will not have to get up on the roof to clean or maintain the panels. In fact, REenergizeCO doesn’t want you to have to go up on the roof at all.

That is why we provide our customers a 25-year warranty on the solar panel systems we install. Our team handles all inspection and maintenance duties so you don’t have to!

Read More: What Is the Average Lifespan of Solar Panels?

8. Powering Your Vehicle

Most people associate the benefits of solar panels with cutting down on household electricity use. Innovations in electric vehicles (EVs), however, also make it possible for a residential solar energy system to serve as a fuel source for your car.

The popularity of EVs is on the rise. Drivers want to spend less on gas, and they want to cut down on their car’s emissions. One of the major obstacles has been the difficulty of charging the vehicle; you can’t just go to the gas station, after all.

Now, equipment such as the SolarEdge Smart EV Charger can help you go green at home and on the road. A knowledgeable solar contractor can ensure that whatever EV charger you choose is compatible with your solar panel system.

9. Good for the Planet

In addition to the benefits of solar panels for your home, opting for solar energy is a win for the greater good as well. Experts consider solar to be one of the safest and most environmentally friendly alternative energy sources for the following reasons:

  • Solar energy produces zero greenhouse gases
  • It is sustainable and endlessly renewable
  • The process of generating solar energy does not produce noise pollution
  • Solar energy is not toxic to human health, translating to longer life expectancies and reduced health care costs
  • Solar energy requires very little water for maintenance
  • Unlike some other energy sources, solar does not contribute to water pollution
  • Solar power is not vulnerable to drought and is generally resilient to natural disasters

Solar energy won’t run out until the sun burns out, which is a very, very long time away! And here’s more good news: Installing solar panels on your home doesn’t diminish the sun one bit. Its rays are there for you to harvest freely!

10. Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Despite advances in solar power and other alternative energy sources, fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil still account for the majority of energy production. In Colorado, for example, approximately 60% of our electricity still comes from fossil fuels.

Widespread adoption of solar energy among households would reduce the demand for fossil fuels. This, in turn, could help slow down the effects of climate change.

Discover the Benefits of Solar Panels for Yourself!

Choosing a reputable and experienced solar company is a must If you are thinking about installing a residential solar panel system. REenergizeCO completes, on average, 100 interconnections every year for customers throughout the Front Range.

Before going solar, we recommend a home energy audit. Our team will review your energy bills for the last year and identify any issues that need to be addressed for the solar panels to operate at optimal capacity. If you decide to move forward, our solar team members will handle all aspects of the design, installation, and activation of your system.

Ready to find out the benefits of solar panels for your home? Contact REenergizeCO today!