“Should I switch to solar energy?” It’s a question that many people have likely asked themselves. While you may know about some of the benefits, you may not feel like you know enough to seriously consider it. Maybe it sounds like a hassle, maybe it seems confusing, or maybe it just seems too expensive. But the question might be stuck in the back of your mind.
When it comes to deciding whether you should switch to solar energy, there are a few other questions you can ask yourself that may help you with your decision.
Ask yourself:
Do I Want to Save Money on My Electric Bill?
If you’re like most people, the answer to this is a no-brainer. Yes, of course, you want to save money on your electric bill. Who wouldn’t?
According to EnergySage, the average American family spent $1,408 on electricity in 2019. And as the pandemic impacted nearly all of 2020, energy costs rose as more people stayed home and worked remotely. Energy costs for the average family increased nearly 10% in one year. Which means U.S. energy customers paid an additional $1.21 billion overall.
By installing home solar panels, you’re going to save money on electricity. While at first, you may just see a decrease in cost — which is still pretty great — you may eventually see your electric bills disappear altogether. EnergySage states that a solar customer in the Kansas City area save an average of $30,152 over 20 years by switching to solar.
Do I Want to Become Energy Independent?
The unprecedented winter storm in Texas in February 2021 had wide-reaching effects, far beyond Texas residents. In fact, many Missouri and Kansas businesses and residents were impacted by the Texas power grid failure.
Because Texas relies heavily on natural gas energy to produce electricity, consistently sub-freezing temperatures froze the wells. Many customers were left with power. Others, such as the Kansas City International Airport, were left with astronomically high electric bills for the month — to the tune of $2.4 million.
Install solar panels, and you become energy independent. You aren’t depending on any utility company to produce electricity for you, so you aren’t subject to their frequent price increases.
Do I Want to Make a Good Investment?
When it comes to making the switch to solar power, one thing you may hear a lot about is the Return on Investment. This is because solar panels are truly an investment. And like most investments, they aren’t something you’re going to see the return on immediately.
Does that mean a solar energy system isn’t a good investment? Not at all. In fact, solar panels are one of the most stable investments you can make. With solar, you know for a fact you’re going to get that return, and you can even pinpoint about how long it will take. Other investments in life are often much more volatile. Getting a return is a matter of “if,” not “when.”
With solar panels, on the other hand, you can expect to see your return on investment in about 8-10 years. That means that, after these 8 or 10 years pass, you will have totally paid off your upfront costs for installing solar. Past that point, money is only going into your pocket.
Do I Want to Increase My Home’s Value?
Even if you want to make a great investment, you might be concerned about making the switch to solar for a couple of reasons. Like, what if you aren’t planning to stay in the same home forever? Whether you’re in your starter home, you have a growing family and are expecting to upgrade in the next few years, or you’re planning to move during retirement.
It’s a fair concern to wonder how solar panels could be a good idea in these situations where you’re not in your “forever” home. However, the truth is that solar increases your home’s value — potentially even beyond the cost of installation.
Energy.gov and Berkeley Lab have found that homebuyers are consistently willing to spend more for a home equipped with solar panels. This is because solar panels are seen as home upgrades, similar to an updated kitchen or finished basement.
And a National Association of Realtors study showed that more than one-third of home buyers were willing to pay an extra $10,000 for a home that saved $1,000 on electricity costs annually. They were willing to pay even more for homes that saved more on electricity
Do I Want to Make a Positive Impact on the Environment?
Of course, there’s another question you should ask yourself when it comes to going solar: Do you want to do your part to live an eco-friendly lifestyle? Solar panels are one way to make a positive impact on the environment, as well as your local community.
Fossil fuels were responsible for 80% of domestic energy production and consumption in the U.S. in 2019. However, solar panels — which are a renewable energy source — are one step toward a greener future for us all. When compared to fossil fuels, solar energy produces far lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants.
And according to Energy.gov, putting solar panels on just 0.6% of the United States’ total land area could supply enough electricity to power the entire country. As we think about leaving our planet to younger generations, each of us can do our part to hand it over in the best condition we can.
Should You Switch to Solar Energy?
If you are looking for the best solar company in Kansas City, look no further than KC Solar. They are your local Kansas City solar panel installation experts. Once you schedule a no-pressure site visit, our experts will help you understand what solar system specifications would be best for your home or business.
KC Solar is the only local solar company in Kansas City with KC natives who own and operate the daily activities of the business. What does that mean for you? We care about you because we care about this city, and we only want the best for it.
And be sure to download our Free Solar Panel Buying Guide for more information.
We look forward to serving you!
