Solar energy is simply energy gotten from the sun via radiation. It is used in generating heat, inducing chemical reactions, and generating electricity. These days solar power is generated freely via the use of solar panels that convert daylight into electricity. Solar panels also use the sun’s heat energy for heating and ventilation of systems that can be used in the home or office. In addition, solar panels are eco-friendly; they can effectively and continuously cater to the energy need of people in the coming years.
SMART EXPORT GUARANTEE VS FEED-IN-TARIFF
Despite the benefits that solar panel offers, so many solar energy users are still asking a simple but all-important question, which is, are solar panels still worth it? In recent times, the question has sprung up due to the replacement of the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
With the FIT plan, solar panel owners were paid for energy generated at home while SEG pays households for the excess renewable electricity generated and contributed to the grid. Under the new schemes, homes that contribute excess electricity into the grid are guaranteed payment for their contribution. However, solar panel users must sign up to SEG tariff with a company or risk losing some money as the excess energy will be exported to the National Grid for free.
In addition, SEF tariffs rates are fixed by companies alone, and payment is made based on the amount of electricity contributed to the grid. While with the FIT plan, payment is made for all electricity generated.
Due to this development, so many solar energy users feel that investing in solar panels is no longer worth it because they are only paid for the total amount of electricity transported to the grid. However, investing in solar panels is worth it in all ramifications. Of a truth, the initial investment required to switch to solar might be overwhelming due to the incredible tax incentives and various lending programs, but solar panels still offer so many benefits which include:
INCREASES HOME VALUE:
Solar panels installations increase the value of your home. Research even shows that homes equipped with solar panels sold around 17% more than homes without it. It was also found that homes that ran on solar sold 20% faster than those that ran on electricity. Both instances reveal that the value of the property increases in proportion to the number of solar panels installed. The reason is that these “green” homes will benefit from a “solar” premium since such homes come with financial “gifts” for the buyer.
For example, there is an average increase in the resale value for each kilowatt of solar installed. When that is factored in, the value of the property increases. However, there are a few things to take into account. Namely, the location, size of the installation, and the current value of your home. These factors all play different roles in how much value your property gets. Whichever way you look at it, solar panel adds equity to your property.
COST-EFFECTIVE:
While this fact does not always reveal itself at the beginning when solar PV panels are to be installed, in the long run, it becomes as obvious as daylight. Investing in solar saves you the worries of unstable utility bills (light and heating bills). With that taken out of the way, there is some measure of financial leeway that you can explore in achieving financial independence. The best part is that these installations are a one-off thing that pays dividends for as long as you want it to. Compare paying utility bills for the rest of your life as against not having to do so for the same length of time. The consensus would be that reducing or eliminating utility bill trumps its counterpart by far.
AS FAR AS SAVING COSTS GO, SWITCHING TO SOLAR POWER IS ONE OF THE BEST INVESTMENTS POSSIBLE IN MODERN TIMES.
MAXIMUM USAGE:
You can ensure the energy you create gets maximum usage and further reduces your dependence on the grid by using smart technology alongside the panel such as smart heating control, led lighting, smarts voltage and most importantly smart batteries. You can also maximum usage further by integrating the usage of smart batteries with time of use tariff, for example, agile octopus tariff’s customers receive 24 hours notifications in advance so they can see when is the best time to use electricity but also charge their smart batteries.
The screenshot from Agile Octopus tariff shows the electricity rate for each hour.
ECO- FRIENDLY:
Solar energy is a form of renewable and clean energy that does not place unnecessary strain on the planet’s resources. Unlike with fossil fuels and the like, there are no air pollutants, toxic run-off, or other issues when the source of energy is solar power.
The use of solar panels also helps to counter the effects of global warming, which is now a threat to the planet. This is because its use reduces the consumption of those natural raw materials, which are normally used to generate electricity. A reduction in the exploration and use of these raw materials lead to a decrease in the generation of those harmful substances that cause global warming. This reduction in mining activities reduces the number of mishaps that lead to the loss of lives and natural habitats. The environment is preserved, and the planet is saved.
LOW MAINTENANCE:
Solar panels are very durable equipment that can handle the vagaries of nature. Rainfall simply washes off any dust that collects on the panel’s surface, cleaning it in the process. Even in the desert, all you need is to spray the panels down once a year and watch them produce energy like you just installed them. While it is widely known that your solar panel needs to be 100% to function optimally, they only lose less than 10% efficiency when they are dirty. Better still since there are mechanical parts, the risk of damage to the equipment is less.
With lowered risk damage comes a reduced need for repairs and maintenance. Quality solar panels can last for at least twenty years when properly installed. They are also known to be able to withstand hail, snowfall, and heavy rainfall as they are stronger than regular roofs. Since they are rigorously tested to withstand extreme weather conditions, this means that you can get away with little maintenance in the time they serve as both roof and generator of solar energy. Most times, they come with long-lasting warranties that cover serious damages to them. No matter what happens, you do not really spend a ton of solar panels in the long run.
NET METERING:
Did you know that once your solar panel is installed, excess power generated flows into the grid, and you receive a credit from your utility company for that power? This is called net metering, a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the power added to the grid. This way, you even get paid for using solar energy! Imagine going on a vacation and your solar panel keeps generating solar power in your absence.
CONCLUSION
Solar panels are totally worth investing in. It offers a clean and reliable source of energy that saves you money by reducing or eliminating utility bills. Don’t be left out, switch to solar, and become a part of this movement aimed at making the earth a better place.