It’s never easy being on a budget, but when you’re trying to save as much money as you can, there are a few areas where you can focus your attention to make a difference. One of those areas is going green and trying to reduce your impact on the world by using less resources. Now, more and more people are realizing the importance of being environmentally conscious, and as a result, more and more are going green in an effort to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
One way to save money while going green is by using solar energy. Not only does solar energy help to reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s also free. You won’t need to purchase any additional items to make it function; all you need is the sun and some panels to get started. The sun will provide all the energy you need to power your home, and beyond that, it’s free. All you need to do is make sure that you keep the panels clean by cleaning them with a cloth or using an appropriate cleaner once a week at least.
The Benefits Of Using Solar Energy
Let’s be honest, the most significant benefit of using solar energy is the impact it has on the environment. By reducing your dependence on non-renewable resources, you’re helping to alleviate the burden that the ever-increasing demand is causing. Not only that, but you’re also reducing your carbon footprint.
The global environment is becoming more stressed than ever before, and the fact that there are more people relying on non-renewable resources such as oil and coal for energy has greatly contributed to that. The good news is that more and more people are realizing the damage that those resources are causing, and as a result, more and more are trying to go green.
One of the best parts about using solar energy is that it doesn’t require a lot of upfront investment. All you need to start is a few panels and some wiggly wires that you can get for free from your local electronics store. From there, all you need is sunshine to keep the electricity flowing.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Green?
If you want to go green, reducing your reliance on non-renewable resources and minimizing your carbon footprint are some of the most significant ways to save money. Luckily for you, we’ve looked into this and determined the estimated cost of going green via solar energy. Before you get started, it’s important to note that this is an overall estimated cost that includes both monetary and tangible values. As always, budgetary constraints and financial uncertainty are factors that you need to consider before committing to any costs.
The overall estimated cost of going green with solar energy is around $12,700, not including the value of the land that the panels would be built on. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to expect an increase in your savings of approximately 30% once you incorporate solar energy into your overall plan.
The Difference Between Monetization and Affiliation
When you’re deciding to go green and try to reduce your costs as much as you can, there are a few options that you have to choose between: monetization or affiliation. One of the most significant differences between the two is how they affect your tax liability. Depending on which one you decide to go with, your savings could change significantly. It’s best to consider the implications of both before making a decision.
With monetization, you lease the equipment and then pay for it in full at the end of the year. In some instances, you may be able to deduct the cost of the equipment as a business expense. This is generally considered a more favorable option for business owners since it allows for more flexibility as far as financial planning is concerned. You won’t be stuck with a huge expenditure that you have to plan for in advance.
With affiliation, you purchase the equipment and then become liable for the cost of operation and maintenance. This can be a more significant financial commitment since you’re typically responsible for paying for the electricity that the equipment generates whether you use it or not. In addition, some companies require a significant investment in order to obtain the level of service that they offer (e.g., buy-in requirements for electricity or natural gas). In a lot of instances, the cost of operation and maintenance can be passed on to the customer in the form of higher electricity rates. This is generally considered a less favorable option for business owners since it limits their ability to plan financially.
The Difference Between Fixed And Adjustable Rates
Another difference between a fixed rate and an adjustable rate is how they affect your mortgage obligation. If you have a fixed rate mortgage, then you know what you’re getting into. However, if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, then the bank or lender has the ability to change the rate periodically as long as they continue to service your loan. This can be a mixed blessing since it allows for some financial flexibility while also placing you in the uncomfortable position of having to constantly adjust your budgeting and financial planning depending on how the rate changes.
Generally speaking, it’s best to look at the pros and cons of both before making a decision. If you’re planning to use solar energy to help reduce your costs, then it’s important to consider how you’ll pay for it since there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Be sure to look at all of your options before committing to any one of them since this could end up being one of the most significant financial decisions that you’ll ever make.
The Difference Between Net Metering And Unmetered Service
Another significant difference between net metering and unmetered service is how they affect the billing that you receive at the end of the month. With net metering, you have a connection with the utility company and they bill you on a per-kWh basis. The amount that they bill you is determined by the amount of energy that you consume minus whatever you generate (e.g., via solar energy). In a nutshell, you get credited for what you use and pay for what you don’t use. This can be a more favorable option for consumers since it reduces their power bills to some degree and allows them to become more mindful of their energy usage.
With unmetered service, you have no connection with the utility company and they do not give you credit for what you generate. Instead, you pay for every kWh that you consume whether you use or generate any energy. The cost of electricity is typically higher with unmetered service so be sure to consider this before making a decision.
As you can see, there are a few ways to save money by using solar energy. Not only does solar energy help to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy costs, but it’s also free. If you’re looking for a way to save money without hurting your wallet too much, then you can’t miss out on the opportunity that solar energy offers.