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Australia has some of the best conditions in the world for producing solar energy. It has been estimated that up to 60% of Australia’s energy needs could be met with solar power.
There is also a growing body of public support for solar power as the energy source of the future, due to its numerous benefits for the household and the planet. So why should you choose solar panels for your home? Here are the main reasons to invest in solar panels are:
- Easier to afford (due to government rebate)
- Lower electricity bills
- Increased Value to Your Home
- Renewable Energy Source
- Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
- Diverse Application
- Low Maintenance
1. Solar Panels Are Financially Beneficial
Despite the initial costs of installing solar panels, they are a great long-term investment.
Lower Electricity Bills
Prices for electricity provided by traditional energy sources such as coal and gas are on the rise. Solar panels, however, are generating their own electricity and bringing your energy bills down. There are also schemes that allow electricity to be sold back to the grid when solar panels generate more electricity than required by the household, and then credited to you by your electricity provider. It’s estimated that a 5KW solar panel system will save households approximately $500 a quarter on electricity, and almost $50,000 over 25 years.
Increased Value to Your Home
As electricity prices rise for traditional energy sources, solar panels are increasingly seen as an asset to home-buyers. Though early solar panels may have been considered an eyesore, modern panels have an attractive design and minimal impact on the overall appearance of the house.
See Solar installers Brisbane page if you need more information on getting solar panel installation.
2. Solar Panels Are Eco-Friendly
Renewable Energy Source
Having solar panels installed is a great way to decrease your household’s reliance on fossil fuels. While resources such as coal are finite, solar power is abundant, making it a more stable energy source for the future.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Solar energy is one of the cleanest energy sources around. Producing solar energy does not release harmful gasses, and the electricity used to manufacture solar panels is negligible compared to its impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
When you use solar energy, you reduce the need for energy from traditional sources to be produced on your behalf. It’s estimated that for households in mainlands Australia, every megawatt of solar energy offsets between ½ tonne and 1 tonne of carbon dioxide.
3. Solar Panels are a Practical Solution
Diverse Application
Solar energy can be used for a diverse range of purposes. Photovoltaic solar systems produce electricity from the sunlight, while solar thermal systems can be used to heat air or water. While solar thermal systems need to be physically large in order to operate and are commonly used for commercial buildings, photovoltaic systems can operate at a range of sizes, making them ideal for a private home.
Low Maintenance
Solar panels generally last 25-30 years with little to low maintenance. The only recommended routine maintenance for rooftop solar panels is that they are cleaned 2-4 times per year. This basic cleaning, which can be easily achieved with a garden hose, is enough to ensure that the collection of energy from the sun is not inhibited by dirt or dust.