Save the Environment.
Greenhouse gas emissions are the primary cause of the current climate change crisis. These gases pollute the atmosphere and prevent heat from the Sun from being able to bounce back intolerable space after it reaches Earth. Since these greenhouse gases make it more difficult for this radiation to return to space, they facilitate the rise of average global temperatures rise, worsening the global warming and climate change problems. If the average global temperature rises 1.5°C past preindustrial levels, there will be devastating consequences across the globe—even worse, almost apocalyptic-seeming, scenarios will occur if the average global temperature rises 2°C past preindustrial levels. In order to prevent world-wide catastrophe, the world needs to reduce global carbon emissions about 50% by 2030. Keep in mind, this is no small feat. However, YOU have the power to help prevent the world from reaching such a state, and it all starts by changing the way you get energy supplied to your home.
| Source | Metric tons of CO2 (millions) | Share of Sector Total |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 973 | 60% |
| Natural Gas | 619 | 38% |
| Petroleum | 16 | 1% |
| Other | 11 | <1% |
| Total | 1,619 | ~100% |
| Source: https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=77&t=11 | ||
One major contributor to the climate crisis is likely the way you get the electricity and energy to power your home: coal and fossil fuels. Consider the table shown above. In 2019, the Coal sector was responsible for the larges amount of these emissions. It created about 973 million metric tons of CO2 emissions which is about 60% of all the CO2 emissions in the electric power sector alone. In addition, fossil fuels, which make up 38% of the emissions in the electric power sector, added another 619 million metric tons of CO2 to the atmosphere. Just these two sources account for about 98% of all CO2 emissions in the electric power sector. Evidently, they are some of the major culprits in the climate crisis and must be reduced. Switching to solar energy do just that!
Save Money.
Not only does switching to solar for your home help save the environment but it can also provide you with multiple financial benefits. These benefits include but are not limited to the following:
- A study carried out by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that adding solar panels can increase the value of your home $3 for every watt that your solar system can generate. For example, a standard solar panel system produces 5 kW (5,000 watts), so that means the system would add an additional $15,000 to your home's value!
- In addition to increasing the value of your home, a solar panel system can increase the likelihood that someone purchases your home. According to a survey conducted by the NAHB, 61% of the survey respondents said that, when buying a home, having a solar system is an desirable or essential home feature.
- Solar panels can completely cover the cost of your electricity bill each month depending on the system you purchase! Also, if your system manages to produce more watts of energy than you use in a month, that energy can get sent to the grid so it can be used by others, and you can receive solar bill credit for your contributions. To see what system is best for your home, click HERE to be sent to a calculator!
- Sources: https://www.energysage.com/solar/101/net-metering-for-home-solar-panels/, https://www.energysage.com/solar/101/net-metering-for-home-solar-panels/, http://eyeonhousing.org/2016/05/home-buyer-preferences-for-green-features-remain-stable/