In the past 100 years, we’ve gone from oil and coal power to nuclear and gas. But now, as the climate changes and the world becomes more tech-savvy, our energy needs are evolving. Luckily, there are alternative energy sources that can help power our world, and one of the most reliable and effective renewable energy sources is solar energy.
Though still relatively new to the market, the clean power of the sun has been used for centuries. Thanks to technological advances and growing interest in sustainable energy sources, solar power is now cheaper than ever before. So much so that we’re currently facing an energy crisis, as our demand for power continues to rise while our supply remains stagnant. In 2022, the global market for solar energy is projected to be worth $24.9 billion.
That’s a lot of money. And that’s probably why, in recent years, we’ve seen a surge in people choosing to invest in solar power. If you’re interested, here are some of the best reasons why you should consider installing solar energy.
Cost Effective
It’s well-established that solar energy is one of the most cost-effective energy sources available. The cost of creating a solar-powered electricity system can be relatively low, compared to other sources of energy, and the savings are considerable. On average, homeowners have reported annual energy cost savings of $60-$90 per year. And let’s not forget about the environmental benefits of solar power.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2020, the total cost of installing solar panels and related equipment will be around $12.64 per watt, with large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems costing around $16 per watt. Compare that to the cost of electricity from fossil fuels and nuclear power, which range from $55 to $75 per watt, and you’ll see why many people are turning to solar energy.
No More Pollution
Thanks to advancements in technology and increased consumer demand, we’re seeing more and more people interested in going green. A lot of which has to do with the environment. With solar energy, there is no pollution. That’s right, no waste. Because no energy is being destroyed, we are avoiding the creation of new toxins and hazardous materials. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
In a world filled with toxic waste and scarce natural resources, we need all the help we can get to avoid further damage. For years, we’ve relied on polluting energy sources to power our homes and businesses, and climate change is a direct result of that. While we still have a lot to learn about sustainable energy, one thing is for sure: going solar is a step in the right direction.
Increased Security
In today’s world, security is a big issue. From national security to personal security, we’re always looking for ways to be more secure. Installing solar energy improves your home’s security significantly. Not only does it provide you with power when needed, but the panels also offer a physical barrier between you and intruders. In fact, many security experts report that adding solar energy to your home actually makes it more resistant to burglars.
There are many reasons why this is so. First off, it requires a substantial investment. Second, it prevents energy theft, because it’s difficult to steal power unless you have the necessary equipment to do so. Third, it prevents power outages, because the sun doesn’t always shine, and when it doesn’t, you may not have electricity to run your appliances or to operate your devices.
More Freedom
Though you must abide by the rules and regulations that come along with being a citizen of the country you live in, you have the freedom to choose the type of energy that powers your home. In most countries, you have the freedom to choose which electrical energy company you want to work with, as there is only one national energy company that supplies all major utilities. However, in some countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore, you don’t have that choice, as the government controls which utility providers can access the grid. So in those countries, if you don’t work for the government-approved company, you can’t purchase energy from the grid. That’s a huge disadvantage, as it limits your freedom of choice. Install solar energy, and you’ll never have to worry about being denied energy again.
With solar energy, you have the freedom to choose the source of your power, which means you can optimize the system to produce as much energy as possible, depending on your needs. The only limiting factor is your available roof space, which determines how much energy you can produce.
More Productivity
Productivity is increased when we have more energy. Whether you work in an office or at home, being able to operate appliances such as computers and laptops more efficiently leads to increased productivity. While there are still limitations to how much power these devices can consume, they are more efficient when operated on solar energy. This makes them more powerful and, therefore, more productive than when operated on other forms of energy.
According to research, productivity increases by 15% when using solar energy versus fossil fuels for computer operations. That’s a significant improvement, even if it is only for a limited amount of time, as using fossil fuels for longer than 10 minutes decreases productivity significantly. So if you want to get some work done, install solar energy to take advantage of the extra capacity it provides.
Reduced Energy Costs
Every year, we pay more and more for our energy bills. Whether you live in a large city or a small town, prices keep going up. That’s because, unfortunately, the cost of generating energy continues to increase while the price of oil and gas decrease slightly. Though clean energy is getting more affordable, it still costs significantly more than traditional modes of energy production.
Thanks to advancements in technology and increased interest in sustainable energy sources, we’re seeing more and more people interested in going green. And, for those interested in solar power, the cost is more accessible than ever before. If you’re interested in reducing your energy costs and becoming more eco-friendly, consider going solar.