In Columbus, Ohio, there are a lot of advantages of transitioning to solar power for your home. Ohio is a state that offers several incentives and rewards for people who make the switch.
Obviously, outfitting your home with a full solar system means cutting out your energy bill, but what other advantages come with solar energy? Is it worth the costs?
We believe the answer is yes, and we’re going to tell you why. Keep reading for the top 10 advantages of Installing Columbus, Ohio solar panels.
1. Lower Energy Bills
First, as noted above, investing in a solar home upgrade means reducing your energy bill or getting rid of it entirely. Ultimately, it depends on how big of a solar system you install in your home. Running your entire home off of solar will take a large system capable of handling high-energy appliances like microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, and more.
However, you can always start small. Only run small electronics off your system and systematically increase your power over time.
2. Sustainability
Climate change is a serious issue facing our planet. In the last few decades, it’s led to the extinction of countless animal species and several destroyed habitats. Furthermore, if things don’t change soon, civilizations around the world will start to feel the impact of global warming.
By investing in Columbus, Ohio solar panels, you’re making a positive step to help protect the planet. Using green, renewable energy doesn’t require the burning of fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels has created a hole in our ozone layer, which allows more of the sun’s harmful UV rays into our atmosphere.
3. Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Depending on where you live, your state may have programs in place to incentivize the implementation of solar energy for homes and businesses. For example, Ohio has an SREC program that allows you to earn money for excess energy produced by your system. You can give it back to the utility companies for cash.
In Ohio, each SREC (solar renewable energy credit) is worth about $15, though this number fluctuates. An SREC is equal to a megawatt-hour or 1000 kilowatt-hours.
If you have a decent solar system, these numbers can add up quickly.
4. Availability
Next, you may be wondering about affordability. Solar panels, batteries, and inverters aren’t cheap. How can you pay for all this?
Fortunately, you can finance the installation of Columbus, Ohio solar panels. You don’t have to pay for it all upfront.
Some companies have in-house financing options. Alternatively, you can take out a personal loan or use a HELOC (home equity line of credit).
If you find the right company, you can find extraordinary deals. For example, Blue Raven Solar offers 18 months of free solar with no upfront costs.
5. Affordability
As discussed, environmentally conscious states make great efforts to reward home and business owners who convert to solar energy. They provide incentives and price reductions for people who invest in green, renewable energy.
The Renewable Portfolio Standard in each state mandates a certain level of renewable electricity production, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. This is slowly increasing the power we generate in our country without using fossil fuels. The goal is to eventually transition completely to green energy.
As a result, Columbus, Ohio solar panels are becoming more common. This means solar installation is becoming more affordable. As more and more people have made the switch, solar manufacturing and installation companies have been able to lower their prices.
6. Tax Credits
Your incentives to switching to solar energy don’t end with the state, Uncle Sam also has something to say about it. After investing in solar power for your home or business, you can recoup up to 26% of your costs.
When you file your taxes, make sure you list your solar expenses to receive the tax credit. We recommend working with an accountant or CPA to make sure you get the maximum amount on your return.
7. The Way of the Future
It’s important to understand that green energy is the way of the future. As noted earlier, more and more states are adopting Renewable Portfolio Standards.
Just as importantly, we have limited time left with fossil fuels. Scientists suggest that we only have 30 years of oil, 40 years of gas, and 70 years of coal. After a time, we won’t have a choice in the matter.
Buildings like the Solar Carve are ahead of their time. This futuristic office building is engineered for maximum solar exposure and easily integrates with the surrounding buildings.
8. Off-Grid Capabilities
For some people, one of the biggest perks of investing in a solar system is that it allows them to get off the grid. They’re no longer dependent on city or county power. They won’t be subjected to power outages or any other issues.
However, there are other reasons one might want off-grid power. For example, if you build a home in a remote location.
You may also want to travel full time in a van or RV. While generators are decent for producing mobile power, solar is a much more efficient and reliable way to go.
9. Interest Reduction
Ohio offers an interesting initiative for people who invest in solar energy. You can apply to receive a 3% interest reduction on your bank loans for up to seven years.
This may not sound like a big deal but do the math. A $10,000 loan over seven years with an 8% interest rate will cost you nearly $3,100 in interest. The same loan with only 5% interest will only cost you $1,900 in interest.
10. Durability
Finally, you may be wondering about the durability of your solar panels. After all, you don’t want to invest a bunch of money in a solar system if the next hail storm is going to render it obsolete.
Fortunately, solar panels, by nature, are designed to be outside. As such, they’re incredibly resilient to the elements, including rain, wind, snow, ice, and hail. As with anything, the more you maintain your solar panels, the longer they’ll last.
Looking for Columbus, Ohio Solar Panels?
Are you in the market for Columbus, Ohio solar panels? If so, you can clearly see all the advantages of making the switch. Take your time, find the right installer, and do your homework to find the right system for your home and budget.
And if you’re looking for more homeownership advice, take a look at some of our other articles while you’re here. Our blog is full of great information for making the most out of your home. Thanks to blueravensolar.com for consulting.
