The year is finally coming to an end. We got to watch the postponed Tokyo Olympics, Walt Disney World celebrated its 50th anniversary, and there’s been a great push towards sustainable living. And after the year we’ve all had, we can’t help but take time this holiday season and ponder all the things we’re thankful for.
And of course, we’ve always got solar at the top of our list.
Top 7 Reasons to Be Thankful for Solar
Solar had a great year and there’s still more to come. Let’s check out some of the ways solar has been benefiting families all across the globe. Here’s our top 7 reasons to be thankful for solar energy.
1. Solar rebates and financial incentives help homeowners save money.
The verdict is in: solar saves money. As one of the major reasons people choose solar, the many financial incentives must make the list. Through the federal solar tax credit, people have been deducting up to 30% the cost of solar from their income taxes all year long.* Check out what other solar rebates your state might have to offer here.
And that’s not all! Solar has been proven to increase your home value. When you’re selling your home, a home solar system boosts your home’s value by contributing to a higher purchasing cost of about an additional $10,000. If you’re buying a home with solar, solar panels add about $20 of value to your home for every $1 you save on your utility bill. Speaking of your utility bill, solar has been punching down electric bills all over the U.S. Through a unique partnership with your utility company, called net metering, going solar could create a negative balance on your electric bill.
2. Solar boosts the nation’s economy.
The job market is soaring with solar energy jobs. As one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S, there are over 230,000 people employed in solar. The field is also a very diverse field, employing about 30% of individuals identifying as female and significant increases in the employment of various ethnicities. Also, the solar field is a great option for veterans and companies are creating partnerships that encourage employment of those who’ve served the nation.
More importantly, the greatest thing about solar is that the more people go solar, the more the industry creates employment opportunities. This includes extensive training programs that are willing to invest in knowledgeable employees that desire a lifelong career in solar. Don’t believe us? Take a look at how one of our customers was swayed to join the team.
3. Solar is there when the lights go out.
You don’t have to deal with blackouts from the old-school Texas power grid or the wild natural disasters of California to know all about power outages. Power outages are a long way from being an old problem. The fact of the matter is, the way we consume power is not only outdated, but it’s less effective.
In 2021, America got a whopping C- when the American Society of Civil Engineers graded our energy infrastructure. The high demand for energy isn’t slowing down anytime soon, but the grid can no longer handle the critical loads this nation requires. Coupled with increasingly unpredictable weather brought on by climate change, power outages are more common every day.
Many people are looking to alternative energy sources (like solar) for a reliable way to power their homes. That’s why we’re thankful for solar power. Solar continues to come through when the power grid fails, and homeowners don’t have to wonder what happens when the lights go out.
4. A brighter future with solar.
Talk about a great ball of fire! The sun has been blazing the trail for reliable renewable energy. Which is why you should consider teaching your kids about solar energy.
For as long as the sun’s been up in the sky, ancient civilizations have known of its importance. They studied various ways to incorporate the sun into their society. Over time, we’ve built a great way to harness the sun’s energy to power our homes. In fact, we’ve only scratched the surface.
There’s still so many technological advancements on the way, including space-based solar power initiatives, but we’re getting there. It’s through innovation and education that people all over the world have been able to use solar in many different ways. If knowledge is power, solar knowledge is the ultimate power!
5. 100% renewable energy goals popping up all over the U.S.
The U.S. is a heavy-hitter when it comes to consuming tons of “dirty” fossil fuels. Currently, fossil fuels dominate energy generation for the entire country. The problem is power generation this way contributes to massive pollution — like, 1356 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Luckily, this year, there have been many cities adopting 100% renewable energy goals. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg! The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports substantial renewable power capacity growth in countries all over the world. And solar has been instrumental in helping clean energy take over power generation. Solar is a clean and renewable source of energy. It’s the abundant answer to all of our energy woes! And it does a great deal to lower your carbon footprint. Cheers to all of the environmental benefits of solar energy!
6. Solar pushes back on big electric companies.
As mentioned above, electric companies like their dirty energy. They’re avid about keeping the pollution going and the money flowing out of your pocket. And we’re not in the clear yet, there’s still plans for fossil fuel expansion, supported by $500 billion in subsidies that keep this well oiled (literally) machine working. Moreover, there’s so many tactics that utilities companies use. Some of these include time of use and many commonly unknown charges that could keep you in the dark about your bill. That’s why it’s a great idea to learn more about how to read your electric bill to find out what all the charges mean.
This year, many homeowners made the switch and found a reason to be thankful for solar. They took their first steps towards energy independence. They decided it was time to finally push back against those greedy utility companies and take their power back!
7. More solar on its way!
Currently, solar is generating electricity for about 3% of the nation with an anticipated increase of 20% solar installations by the year 2050. As mentioned above, renewable energy is headed for the big leagues with the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. The bill designated about $80 million to solar projects and about $355 million over the course of 4 years for energy storage demonstration projects.
Learn more about what the bill has in store for the world around you.
This has been a phenomenal year for solar! Contact your local Solar Energy Specialist to find out how your home can soar with solar energy for years to come.
*Tax and credits or incentives including those provided by federal, state, or local governments may change or end. This can impact the amount of money you might save. Consult a tax professional to understand any tax liability or eligibility for any tax credits that may result from the purchase of your solar system.
**If you have taxable income and own the system, you may qualify for the federal investment tax credit (ITC). It is your responsibility to determine your eligibility and to apply. Consult a qualified tax professional for assistance and details.
