Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, with nearly two million households now embracing the technology and reaping the benefits. Thankfully, over the years, adding solar panels to your building has become so much more economical and well within the reach of the average household. As a society, we are finally realising the enormous benefits solar panels have on our homes and our surroundings.
The benefits of solar panels to you
By far the biggest plus for a household installing solar panels is reduced energy bills. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) figures indicate a 63 per cent increase in our electricity prices in the past 10 years, and it is not looking like they will head backwards any time soon.
We have all experienced that ‘bill shock’, particularly in the height of summer when we have our air conditioners maxed out, or when we are going through a cold snap and heating is essential. Wouldn’t it be nice to open up the bill to little more than a minor service fee?!
While you are still up for the initial outlay of your solar power system, the reduction in monthly electricity costs will be a welcome relief. Finder.com.au estimated these savings will pay off the entire system in between 6-10 years, with a potential saving over 25 years of up to $94,273.
If this sounds like a long time, don’t worry. Even if you aren’t in your home for that long, having solar panels is likely to increase your property value or likelihood of sale when you are ready to move. Solar-powered homes are becoming well-favoured amongst the general population as many of us are pushing to create a more eco-home, and buyers will be thankful their energy bills will be slashed once they are settled in!
There are many options available for home solar panel systems, from smaller 2kW systems to the larger 6kW depending on your building size and energy needs, with varying prices and payment plans. You are sure to find one that suits your custom home and budget.
The benefits of solar panels to your surroundings
As well as these immediate benefits to you, the homeowner, there are many well-publicised and important benefits in the uptake of solar energy to the environment. Electricity is generated by oil and coal – both finite fossil sources.
Once we have worked our way through these resources, there aren’t any more. Sunlight, on the other hand, is plentiful and infinite. In fact, according to the Australian Government’s Australian Energy Resource Assessment, 10,000 times the energy we need in one year lands (quite literally) at our doorstep through solar radiation.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency states that this country has the highest average per square metre of solar radiation than anywhere else in the world. It is only logical to harness this renewable source to run our daily lives. In fact, we would be mad not to!
The other major environmental benefit of solar panel technology is the massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Creating electricity from fossil sources such as coal and oil creates harmful by-products, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxides and sulphur dioxide. It is these chemicals that are largely blamed for climate change, air pollution and contaminated waterways.
Creating the infrastructure for solar power is cleaner and greener than the traditional fossil fuel method and once up and running, no harmful by-products are emitted from solar energy production at all.
As you can see, there are many solid reasons to invest in solar panels for your custom home. Not only will they save you money in the long run, but you can rest assured knowing you are doing your bit to simultaneously help your surroundings through the powerful environmental benefits this clean energy source has to offer.
Author’s Bio
Alex Morrison has worked with a range of businesses giving him an in-depth understanding of many different industries including home improvement, financial support and health care. He has used his knowledge and experience to work for clients as diverse as Hale Corp, Cloud Server Australia and Models &Hobbies 4 U to help them reach their business goals.
