Electricity…
Most people have no actual idea how solar electricity works. But in actuality, most people have no real idea how grid electricity is produced either. The concept of grid electricity is simply more familiar. Let’s face it, we all grew up with it, and that in itself is part of the problem; it’s a concept that came out in 1881… over 140 years ago! This is very old technology. Here are other factors to consider…
The U.S. electric grid is vulnerable to cyberattacks that could result in catastrophic, widespread, lengthy blackouts and other loss of electrical services. Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China currently have the capability to launch cyberattacks that could disrupt critical infrastructure.
Trees and other plants near the wires have to be maintained to keep them from touching the wires. On some power line corridors, herbicides are used to control vegetation. When power lines and their access roads are placed in undeveloped areas, they can disturb forests, wetlands, and other natural areas.
Like everything else, it’s safe to assume that the cost of grid electricity is going to go up year after year. Below are some of the reasons why.
The electric companies are still dependent on fossil for electricity production in many locations.
Due to inflation, pay increases, and infrastructure maintenance and growth, the cost of doing business for the electric companies is a never-ending and unpredictable money pit; with the consumer footing the bill.
According to the EPA, nearly all parts of the electricity system can affect the environment, and the size of these impacts will depend on how and where the electricity is generated and delivered. In general, the environmental effects can include:
- Emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, especially when a fuel is burned.
- Use of water resources to produce steam, provide cooling, and serve other functions.
- Discharges of pollution into water bodies, including thermal pollution (water that is hotter than the original temperature of the water body).
- Generation of solid waste, which may include hazardous waste.
- Land use for fuel production, power generation, and transmission and distribution lines.
- Effects on plants, animals, and ecosystems that result from the air, water, waste, and land impacts above.
Some of these environmental effects can also potentially affect human health, particularly if they result in people being exposed to pollutants in air, water, or soil.
Visit www.epa.gov for more info.
Solar…
Solar energy is sustainable, renewable, and plentiful. As the cost of using solar to produce electricity goes down each year, many Americans are increasingly switching to solar. Now, there are over a million solar installations across the country. Below are additional benefits of switching to solar electricity.
- Reduces or eliminates your electric bill.
- Renewable and sustainable source of energy. (No power outages, even in times of disaster.)
- It is pollution free and reduces your carbon footprint.
- Reduces dependency on foreign oil and fossil fuels
- You own the electricity, and it can be stored or sold.
- This is a growing market and the way of the future.
- Texas is a perfect solar state.
- Tax credits are available.
A solar electric system provides an opportunity for anyone who is looking to reduce monthly utility bills and make a long-term, low-risk investment.
Visit www.energy.gov for more info.
Home Value
Solar panels are viewed as upgrades, like a renovated kitchen or a finished basement, so purchasing a Solar Energy system will likely increase your home’s value. Studies show that homeowners pay a premium for a solar home; one study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory showed that on average, solar increased the value of a home by about $15,000. Although market factors like electricity rates and system size may impact the size of the premium, solar homes can sell for more than homes without PV.
In fact, one study confirmed that solar installations increase a home’s resale value by up to $5,911 for each kilowatt of solar panels installed. Another study shows a 4.1% increase of a home’s value nationally.