There’s no doubt about it: solar energy is on the rise in Australia. More than 3.5 million solar panels were installed in homes in 2017 and it’s expected that by 2050, more than 50% of homes will be powered by solar. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch to solar there’s no better time to do it than at the start of a fresh new year. However, you may be wondering “what are the advantages of solar energy?” and whether changing your energy system is a worthwhile endeavour. To help you determine whether solar panels are right for you, we’ve rounded up the 7 biggest advantages of solar energy.
The 7 biggest advantages of solar energy
It reduces your electricity bills
One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it helps save you money on your electricity bills. After the installation, the energy you generate from solar power is free. You are also protected from the carbon tax, as well as the rising cost of electricity. An average household saves over $2,000 yearly after installation of a residential solar system. Investing in residential solar power can reduce home energy costs as well as your carbon footprint with the most popular battery-ready 5kw system.
It’s a renewable energy source
Solar power is a form of renewable energy, meaning it is sustainable, endless and inexhaustible. It’s powered by the heat and light of the sun, a resource which will never run out. As long as the sun exists, there will always be an endless supply of solar energy. This is compared to an energy source like fossil fuels which are non-renewable and are expected to run out by 2080.
It’s better for the environment
Switching to solar energy is an easy way to be kinder to the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. Unlike man-made energy sources like fossil fuels, solar energy does not release greenhouses gases, carcinogens and CO2 — which all wreak havoc on the environment and contribute to greenhouse gases. The creation of solar panels also has minimal little environmental impact, as they are made from sustainable and non-polluting materials.
You can gain government incentives
The government rewards people who use solar energy by offering large financial incentives. The solar rebate lowers the cost of rooftop solar to households and businesses through Small-scale Technology Certificates, or STCs. These are a form of renewable energy currency, a kind of carbon credit that represents a unit of renewable energy. The amount of STCs you accumulate depends on the kilowatts of your system and how much electricity it is expected to generate, as well as location you’re in. If you have solar panels on your roof, you’ll receive approximately nineteen STC per kilowatt of solar power installed. You’ll receive them in advance – when your panels are being installed – and most people choose to use their STCs to get a discount on their installation costs.
From January 1 of 2017, the solar rebate has begun to be phased out across Australia, slowly putting an end to the cost-reductions it produced for solar panel installation. Each year, the rebate is planned to reduce by one-fifteenth on January 1 until 2030, ending on last day of that year. So, if you’re thinking of changing to solar power, now is the time!
It can increase the value of your home
With the demand for sustainable, energy-efficient houses growing in Australia, investing in solar panels can increase the value of your home. Research shows that the more solar panels there are on the roof, the higher the value of the home – with an estimated increase of almost $6000 dollars per kilowatt of solar power. This indicates a rise of over $29,000 in the retail value of the home for a 5kW installation. By investing in solar power, you are investing in your home and therefore, your future.
You can earn money from it
Not only can you reduce your electricity bill, gain government incentives and increase the value of your home, but you can also earn extra income on the side from having solar panels. If you are generating large amounts of solar energy, you can sell the excess to energy companies, or to other individuals through peer-to-peer solar energy trading.
It’s low maintenance
Solar panels are a far lower maintenance than many other renewable energy sources, such as wind or hydro-power. Not only do they require an easier and smaller set-up, but they have virtually no maintenance apart from an annual clean. With no moving parts, they so are less likely to become broken or faulty. At Solar Naturally, we use only the best, highest performing equipment in our solar power systems.
It reduces air pollution
Solar energy is not only better for your wallet and the environment, but it can actually improve your health. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows widespread solar adoption would significantly reduce nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions. They found that the use of solar power results in fewer cases of chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and lost workdays related to health issues.
Are you ready to make the switch to solar panels, now that you’ve heard a few of the advantages of solar energy? Book a consultation with us today to get a free quote.
5 Comments
Archer Jamison
May, 17, 2023The blog post on Solar Naturally about the advantages of solar energy is a comprehensive and informative resource that highlights the numerous benefits of harnessing solar power.
I appreciate how the article starts by outlining the environmental advantages of solar energy. It emphasizes that solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, producing no greenhouse gas emissions and significantly reducing our carbon footprint. This aligns with the global efforts to combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy solutions.
The article goes on to discuss the economic benefits of solar energy. It rightly points out that solar power can lead to significant cost savings on electricity bills, especially in the long run. The ability to generate electricity on-site and potentially even sell excess power back to the grid through net metering is a valuable aspect of solar energy that can contribute to financial sustainability.
I also appreciate the mention of energy independence and security. Solar power allows homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and the associated price fluctuations. This aspect of self-sufficiency is empowering and can provide peace of mind in times of energy disruptions or grid outages.
Furthermore, the article discusses the job creation potential of the solar industry. It highlights the growth of employment opportunities in solar installation, manufacturing, and maintenance. This showcases the positive economic impact of solar energy on job markets and local communities.
The inclusion of real-life examples and success stories adds credibility and relatability to the article. By sharing case studies of individuals and businesses benefiting from solar energy, readers can better understand the practical implications and potential for positive change.
Overall, the blog post from Solar Naturally effectively communicates the advantages of solar energy. It covers environmental, economic, and social aspects, providing readers with a holistic view of the benefits. Well done to Solar Naturally for promoting the advantages of solar energy and contributing to the awareness and adoption of sustainable power sources!
Archer Jamison
May, 22, 2023The blog post on Solar Naturally highlighting the advantages of solar energy is a concise and informative resource. It effectively outlines the key benefits of solar power, including environmental sustainability, cost savings, and energy independence. The article emphasizes how solar energy helps reduce carbon emissions, combat climate change, and promote a cleaner future. It also highlights the financial advantages of solar energy, such as long-term savings on electricity bills and potential government incentives. Furthermore, the article mentions the societal benefits, such as job creation and energy security. Overall, it is a valuable read for those interested in understanding the positive impacts of solar energy adoption. Well done to Solar Naturally for providing this informative resource!
Jim H
Sep, 25, 2023Thank you for sharing these insightful advantages of solar energy. It’s fascinating how solar power can benefit us in so many ways. In addition to the points you mentioned, there’s another noteworthy application of solar energy worth mentioning: solar-powered HVAC systems. These systems are truly innovative and offer several advantages. They operate efficiently, reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint. By harnessing the sun’s energy to heat or cool your home, they provide a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional HVAC systems. So, not only do they contribute to the benefits you’ve listed, but they also make our homes more comfortable and environmentally friendly.
Ace
Oct, 16, 2023Great piece! Not to mention that solar power can be generated in remote areas where traditional power sources are not feasible. This is especially important for providing electricity to off-grid locations. Thank you for sharing!
Gilman
Jun, 24, 2024If you have a solar water heating system, it’s important to periodically check for leaks in the connections and pipes. Leaks not only reduce efficiency but can also lead to significant water waste. Inspect the system for any signs of corrosion or wear, especially around joints and fittings, and address any issues promptly. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your solar water heating system.