Solar energy is quickly becoming a popular and cost-effective alternative to traditional power sources like fossil fuels. In Australia, residential solar installations consistently set new records for growth. Thanks to increased adoption, the price of solar technology has significantly decreased in recent years.
With more people looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint (and their electricity bills), solar energy is highly attractive. But beyond the obvious benefit of solar providing clean, renewable energy, it has many additional benefits for individual homeowners, the economy, and the planet.
Learn about the benefits of solar energy to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you and your family.
1. Renewable Energy Source
One of the main benefits of solar energy is that it is a renewable energy source. Renewable means that, unlike other forms of generating energy, such as fossil fuels or nuclear power, we can use it without depleting precious natural resources for fuel.
2. Environmentally Friendly
The clean, renewable nature of solar energy also makes it environmentally friendly. It’s non-polluting and doesn’t emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Additionally, adding mountable solar panels to your home can reduce — or even eliminate — reliance on your local electrical grid and protect your family from power outages.
Sustainability is the number one reason people switch to solar, and it’s becoming increasingly accessible for homeowners looking to do their part to protect the environment.
3. Reduced Electricity Bills
Using solar energy to generate electricity can reduce your electricity bills significantly and help pay back your initial investment in a residential solar power system over time. It may even eliminate your bills depending on how much electricity you use and how much power your solar array can generate.
4. Tax Credits and Net Metering
In addition to savings on utility bills, Australian homeowners can often receive tax incentives and credits.
With achieving net-zero carbon emission goals becoming an urgent priority, the government is constantly coming up with ways to make solar energy even more cost-effective in the long run.
Net metering is another program that incentivises the switch to the sun’s power. If you have a grid-tied solar power system, net metering programs let you sell unused electricity back to your utility company. Likewise, if you consume more electricity than you generate, you can tap into the grid whenever you need it, like at night or in extremely inclement weather.
5. Increased Home Value
Installing solar panels on your home can increase its value, especially if you’ve already paid the array off. Not only does this mean that you can enjoy reduced electricity bills while living in your home, but you’ll also benefit from increased equity when it comes time to sell.
In the US, according to Forbes, “every dollar a solar panel saves you on your electrical bills increases the value of your home by $20.”
6. Power During Outages and Disasters
In a power outage, off-grid solar energy can keep essential appliances and devices running. Access to off-grid power is becoming a necessity as more areas become prone to extreme weather events and natural disasters. A combination of ageing infrastructure, severe weather, and increased demand can disrupt grid power for days or weeks.
Even if you don’t have an entirely off-grid solar power system, you can install a backup system like the DELTA Pro Solar Generator to provide a whole home backup power solution when the next blackout strikes.
7. Increasingly Affordable (With Quick and High ROI)
The cost of renewable energy technology has decreased significantly in recent years, making it much more affordable for the average consumer. While there’s still a significant upfront investment, costs continue to fall. Many customers recoup their initial investments within 5 to 10 years, depending on usage, government incentives, and financing.
8. Low Maintenance Costs
Once installed, most solar panel systems require minimal upkeep or maintenance costs over their life since they are self-sufficient in generating power from sunlight alone. Additionally, many manufacturers offer multi-year warranties that cover parts, labour, and repairs if anything goes wrong.
9. Smart Home Integration
Smart technology is transforming how we regulate temperature inside the home, monitor who is at the doorstep, and even control light and air conditioner levels — and you can do it all remotely using a smartphone.
The latest advances in solar energy are keeping pace with these technologies, and you can build an entire smart home ecosystem that you can control from an app on your phone. Say goodbye to outdated power sources and hello to the future of energy efficiency.
10. Suitable for Remote Locations and Diverse Applications
Harnessing the sun’s power is ideal for remote locations where access to traditional forms of electricity may be limited or unreliable. Solar technology is highly versatile, and you can generate power independent of the grid under virtually any conditions.
11. Portability
Solar energy is highly portable. EcoFlow provides systems of varying sizes, from Power Kits that power motorhomes and tiny homes to the RIVER 2 Portable Solar Generator, perfect for camping and outdoor adventures.
It’s not just the power station that’s portable, either. EcoFlow’s portable solar panels let you take your renewable energy system anywhere.
12. Long-Term Electricity Savings
Using the sun’s power is more cost-effective than other energy forms in the long run. While the upfront investment for equipment and installation is higher than connecting to the traditional power grid, you’ll likely start seeing returns on your investment within five to ten years. After that initial “payback” period, the power produced is virtually free.
13. Energy Independence
Solar power allows you to become your own electricity provider, ensuring you’re not at the whims of utility companies or unstable global energy markets. Being energy independent can provide comfort and cost savings in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about rising electricity rates or unreliable service.
14. Solar Energy Supports the Economy
The increasing popularity of solar power means more jobs in the renewable energy sector, which helps to grow and support local economies. Additionally, many governments offer tax credits and incentives for homes or businesses that switch to solar. More incentives spur further growth and development in the industry and boost job creation.
Is Solar Energy the Right Option for You?
Overall, switching to solar energy has numerous benefits, including reduced electricity bills, tax credits, net metering opportunities, increased home value, and low maintenance costs.
Now that you know the benefits of the sun’s energy, you can decide if it’s the right option for your home or business. Investing in solar panels and a solar generator is the lowest-cost option for those not ready to transition fully. With research and planning, you can get the most out of your solar energy system and enjoy its benefits.For an environmentally friendly way to reduce your reliance on the grid, consider EcoFlow. Our range of smart technologies, portable power stations, solar panels, and more makes switching to solar easy and affordable.