Solar Energy and Sustainability: Everything You Need to Know

Summer is practically here! The longest day of the year – June 21st – is soon approaching, and with each passing day the daylight hours are extended by a few minutes. Luckily for our readers that enjoy solar power, this means even higher yields of energy.

Here at Solar Smart Living, we are passionate about sharing the powerful technology of solar energy with our communities to promote all of the social, environmental, and financial benefits it offers. We understand how important renewable energy is for the health and healing of our planet, and how influential both residential and commercial solar panel installations are in changing our future. Plus – the generous incentives and benefits associated with the Inflation Reduction Act make solar energy good for you AND your wallet. As we officially transition into Summer this month, we thought, what better topic to focus on than the technology that best harnesses the powerful Southwestern sun?

We are excited to deep dive into what exactly solar energy is, and most importantly, why its environmental benefits make it such a groundbreaking, influential technology.

What is Solar Energy?

Although solar energy has been harnessed for quite some time now, some intricacies remain. Simply defined, solar power is a renewable source of energy that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Solar panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power homes, businesses, and even entire cities. This technology is not only environmentally friendly but offers long-term financial sustainability.

So, what are some of the key benefits of solar energy as it relates to environmental health, sustainability, and long-term financial health?

Benefits of Solar Energy

1. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes pollution
   Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that doesn’t produce harmful emissions like traditional fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a major source of air and water pollution, and are quickly destroying many of our planet’s natural environments. Fossil fuels exude nitrogen oxides and ammonia when they are burned, harming the air and atmosphere. When fumes from fossil fuels are present in our atmosphere, they eventually absorb into the land and contaminate our water ways. The negative effects associated with these chemicals are abundant, and fortunately, a powerful solution for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is solar energy.
   

2. Conserves natural resources
   Solar energy production does not require the use of any water resources, or coal, oil, or gas. Many traditional energy sources, such as coal-fired power plants, require large amounts of water for cooling and other processes. This can put a strain on water resources, especially in regions that already experience water scarcity. By using solar energy, we can help to conserve natural resources and protect the environment for future generations.
   

3. Promotes energy independence
   Dependence on traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, can have significant economic and geopolitical implications. For example, changes in global oil prices can have a significant impact on the domestic economy, and geopolitical tensions can disrupt the supply of energy from certain regions. Solar energy allows homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid. Notably, solar batteries are an essential component in promoting energy independence. They enable households to store excess energy that is produced by solar panels during the day, which can be used at night or even during power outages. By using stored energy from solar batteries, families can reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources and decrease their overall energy costs.
   

4. Creates jobs
   The solar industry is a growing sector that creates jobs and greatly boosts the economy. By investing in solar energy, we can create new job opportunities that have a positive impact on our community and overall economic health, while also benefiting you and your wallet.
   

5. Solar panels are financially sustainable
   Since the cost of solar panels have significantly decreased in recent years, the upfront costs of installing solar panels are becoming more affordable for homeowners and businesses. Even better, once solar panels are installed, they require very little maintenance and have a lifespan of up to 25 years or more. Think about the long-term cost savings! In addition, working with a trusted solar company can allow for accessible financing options to make the transition to solar even more easeful. Check out Solar Smart Living’s financing options here!
   

6. The Inflation Reduction Act and Solar Tax Credit makes solar energy financially sustainable
   The Inflation Reduction Act allows businesses and homeowners to receive a hefty solar tax credit. This tax credit totals 30 percent of the expenses of purchasing and installing solar panels that can then go toward federal income taxes. This benefit is huge, and can make investing in solar energy accessible, affordable, and highly appealing to those on the fence.
   

The sustainability benefits of solar energy are undeniable. Plus, with over 348 days of sunlight here in the Southwest, solar power is one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources available. In a world where energy costs are rising and the need for renewable energy is becoming more urgent, solar panels offer both financially and environmentally sustainable benefits. It is clear that solar energy is a smart investment for homeowners and businesses alike.

If you are interested in reducing your energy costs, increasing your property value, and contributing to a more sustainable future, please reach out to our team at Solar Smart Living to learn more about our services, and how we can support you to make the switch to clean, renewable energy. Take action now and join the growing number of people who are taking control of their energy usage and making a positive impact on the environment (and their pocket books)!