Solar power is used to generate electricity for millions of homes and businesses around the world without using electricity from sources harmful to the environment.
Energy from the sun is converted into electricity using solar PV panel systems, which capture the energy and convert it into electricity to power appliances and machinery. The owner of the solar panel system can be reimbursed for any excess electricity which is fed back into the national grid.
The introduction of Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) meant homeowners had more options when it came to solar panels. Many solar panel installers would provide the systems for free, as long as they were given the rights to the FiT and the money it generated over time. Meanwhile the homeowner would be generating free electricity, saving them over £100/$200 a year and cutting their dependence on big energy companies burning fossil fuels for power.
At one time, homeowners were put off by the look of older solar panels systems, however there has been significant advances in technology in the solar industry and the new generation of panels are far superior, both in look and performance. Solar panels can now be built into the roof, blended in to the roof in the form of tiles or produced in different colours to lessen the visual impact.
There have been studies in the US which show that installing solar panels can actually increase the value of a house, making it more appealing to potential buyers and setting it apart from other houses in the area. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory compared the sale prices of 2000 homes with solar power and 70,000 homes without solar in California sold between 2000 and 2009. Their studies revealed that the resale value of homes with solar power increased by $17000 in comparison with non-solar homes.
Many estate agents or realtors are unaware of the potential energy savings and the high value of self-sufficient homes, and fail to take it into account when discussing a house with prospective buyers. Having a word with them about the benefits your solar panel system has provided you with will let them know how valuable your house is and could be the selling point which sets your house apart from others in the area.
Solar power is the best way to cut down your carbon footprint and end your reliance on devious energy companies by getting your electricity from a clean, free and widely available source. In many countries you will be guaranteed payments on your excess energy for the next 25 years and make massive savings on utility bills in times of uncertainty over energy sources.