The benefits of going solar: There might be more than you think

Solar panels draw their energy from the renewable resource that is our sun. Not only does installing a solar energy system reduce your reliance on fossil fuels (which improves your air quality and protects the environment), but it can also save you $25,000 to over $110,000 over its lifetime. 

Most people go solar for economic benefits, but the other benefits of solar may pleasantly surprise you. Let’s look into what you stand to gain financially and environmentally by going solar.

It reduces your electric bills

You can expect to seriously reduce or even eliminate your electric bills when you install a solar panel system. Solar panels generate free, renewable energy throughout their 25 to 30-year lifespan, meaning every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar you use to power your home is one less unit you purchase from the utility. You’ll likely still rely on utility-produced electricity at times, but far less than you would without a solar panel system. 

The energy independence you gain by going solar insulates you from tumultuous electricity costs: Over the past decade, electricity prices have increased 2.8% annually on average! Fossil fuels are still the primary source of utility power throughout the country. As long as that’s the case, electricity prices will remain volatile due to their dependence on foreign policy and other unpredictable market factors. By going solar and reducing your utility demand, you can shield yourself from rising energy costs. 

It increases your property value

Homes with solar generally sell for more than homes without (by 4% on average!). Considering that solar allows you to reduce or eliminate electricity bills, it's easy to understand why—wouldn't you rather live somewhere with cheaper monthly utility bills? 

It provides a great return on your investment

Going solar requires a significant investment, but it usually pays for itself multiple times over throughout its decades-long lifetime. 

As we mentioned, electricity costs continue to trend upward. Our EnergySage data shows that the average homeowner will pay more than $60,000 in electricity bills over the next 25 years. Compare that to the $22,670 average cost of solar, and you can save almost $50,000 over the next few decades by installing solar.

It decreases greenhouse gas emissions

Solar energy creates free, renewable power from the sun. It’s abundant and produces no carbon emissions or local air pollution. Still, about 60% of the electricity that power plants generate in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, which we know contribute to issues related to global warming and climate change.

Going solar helps reduce our reliance on carbon-emitting fossil fuels. Considering the average U.S. household uses 10,791 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, switching to solar power has the same emissions reduction effect as planting 125 trees every year or eliminating the annual production of 8,308 pounds of coal.

It reduces respiratory and cardiovascular health issues

Unlike fossil fuels, solar panels don’t emit pollutants when producing power. An analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that solar adoption results in fewer chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and fewer lost workdays related to health issues.

It boosts your home’s resiliency

Solar is increasingly used for backup power. Given how severe storms can be throughout the country, more and more people pair their solar panel systems with batteries to provide power during adverse weather. 

It creates local jobs

Going solar boosts your local economy. According to The Solar Foundation's 2022 Solar Jobs Census, the solar industry employs over a quarter million people. Local solar companies account for many of these workers, so by investing in solar, you also invest in local jobs.