The Benefits of Solar Electricity for Your Home

Photovoltaic (PV) power systems convert sunlight directly into solar electricity. A residential solar (PV) system enables a homeowner to generate some or all of their annual electrical energy needs from their own roof, exchanging daytime excess power for future energy needs (i.e. night time usage).  This type of system is commonly referred to as a Grid-Tied system.  The house remains connected to the electric utility at all times, so any power needed above what the solar system can produce is simply drawn from the electric utility.  Since your solar electric system is tied to the grid there is no need for batteries to store the power generated.  Homes with a grid-tied solar-electric system will have AC electricity both coming from and going to the electric utility grid. A bidirectional meter simultaneously keeps track of how much electricity flows in each direction.  This happens with zero emissions, noise and moving parts – it’s truly simple.

Other direct benefits of solar electricity for your home are the following:

Cash Rebates:  A cash rebate will be paid to you upon completion of installation.  The amount varies depending on your electric utility provider with the range being 15 – 40% of the total cost of the system.

• 30% Federal Tax Credit:  In addition to the lucrative cash rebate, the home owner will receive a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the total cost of the system.
• Increases Home’s Value: Your home’s value will increase on day 1, based on the size of your system and your current electric utility rate.  As rates escalate so will the value of your home.  In addition, according to an NREL study, solar homes sold 20% faster and for 17% more money.
• Protects Against Rising Electricity Rates:  Solar electric systems save you money on your electricity and act as a hedge against future price increases. Solar power systems provide owners with reliable fixed energy costs which is a key hedge against inevitable electric utility rate hikes.  Once the solar electric system pays for itself (typically within 7-10 years), the homeowner will enjoy free, clean electricity for the following 30-40 years.

Other indirect benefits:

• Clean Energy:  The electricity generated by your home solar electric system is clean, renewable and reliable. Solar electric systems offset carbon emissions and reduce greenhouse gases which are a major contributor to global climate change.
• Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil:   Using solar power helps reduce our energy reliance on fossil fuels.  It also reduces our reliance upon unstable and unfriendly oil producing nations.
• Economic Development:  For every million dollars invested in solar electricity, between 5 and 15 jobs are created. For every million dollars invested in oil and gas exploration, only 1.5 jobs are created.   A growing solar industry provides local jobs and economic development opportunities for your community.
• Reduce Grid Demand:  Using Solar Power helps your community by reducing electricity demand and providing additional electricity for the grid when you generate more than you use during the day, when the demand is highest.