As oil prices continue to rise, more people are looking for ways to save money, and for those who can afford it, the opportunity to invest in rooftop solar power is a no-brainer.
Rooftop solar power is a form of renewable energy that generates electricity from solar radiation, which is free and available almost anywhere.
The sun shines brighter and more steadily in Austin, TX, than almost anywhere else in the country. The perfect weather means that residents can take advantage of the sun’s free energy and power loads of devices without worrying about running out of electricity.
If you’re interested in saving some money, you can get started with Austin Energy’s Solar Program. This program provides customers with the panels and financing for a rooftop system, as well as supporting environmental initiatives through green energy.
Here’s how you can get started and save thousands of dollars with the Austin Energy Solar Program:
Take Advantage of Free Energy
The sun is free, so you won’t need to pay for energy generated by the solar system. The Texas sun is so powerful that even though you’ll only use a small fraction of it, you’ll still generate more electricity than you need.
Since the energy is free, you won’t need to buy expensive energy-saving appliances to take advantage of it. You can use just about any device you want without worrying about the cost of energy.
In addition, you don’t need to buy extra energy when the sun is shining, so you’ll cut down on your electricity bills. The more you use, the more you’ll generate, and therefore the cheaper it will be.
Avoid Extra Costs From Other Sources
One of the biggest costs associated with regular electricity usage is heat loss. The majority of the electricity you use is lost as heat, so instead of heating your home, you’re actually wasting money. This is why it’s important to only use as much electricity as you need.
If you live in a hot climate like Austin, you might want to consider extra measures to keep your home cool. You could install an air conditioner or get a pool installed. You can also look into getting a solar water heater, which can reduce your reliance on electricity for hot water.
Also, since you’ll be using more energy to power your electronics than you need, you’ll end up producing more heat than you need. This can cause damage to your devices and shorten their lifespan. Instead of spending money on expensive electronics, you can replace them with less-expensive ones that are designed to work in extreme temperatures. For example, you could get a Chromebook that is more resistant to extreme temperatures. This way, you’ll avoid spending money on equipment that is likely to break down more quickly than others.
Cut Back on Your Electricity Bills
Even if you generate more electricity than you need, you’ll still need to purchase it from the utility company. When you use more energy than you produce, you either have to buy it or get it free. However, if you want to save money, you might want to consider getting rid of some of the energy you produce so you don’t have to purchase it. This is where having a solar energy system comes in handy.
Instead of buying expensive appliances to save energy, you can install some of those items yourself. For example, you can get a low-cost electric water heater that is highly efficient and also takes care of the pumping for your plumbing. Also, since you’ll be generating your own electricity, you can control when you use it and prevent any unwanted utility bills. You won’t need to get a solar power system to benefit from this option.
Conserve Natural Resources
There’s also the environmental factor to consider. When you generate your own electricity, you’re not relying on other power plants to generate it for you. This means you don’t have to worry about the effect that it has on the environment. Instead of buying power from coal-fired power plants, you can be certain that you’re not affecting the environment in any way.
When you use less energy, you’re cutting back on your carbon footprint. This means you’re helping to conserve natural resources and protect the environment. However, you’ll still need a place to store all of this energy, so you can’t eliminate your carbon footprint completely. This is why it’s important to use only what you need and generate as little as possible. It’s a win-win situation when you consider everything.
If you live in Austin and are interested in slashing your energy bills, considering a rooftop solar energy system is the perfect solution. This is one of the best parts of living in Texas – not having to worry about power outages or being able to provide for your family’s needs because you can’t afford electricity.