International Sun Day: Celebrate Solar!

If you missed Solar Appreciation Day on March 10 this year, don’t fret because you can celebrate National Renewable Energy Day on March 21 and break out the SPF 60 on May 3 to bask in the rays of International Sun Day.

When it comes to Florida solar power, International Sun Day is truly an appropriate day to celebrate the clean energy source as American engineer, lawyer, environmental activist, and early proponent of solar energy, Denis Hayes, created the holiday as an offshoot to the first Earth Day, held in 1970.

Renewable Energy Sources to Provide Heating, Cooling, and Power

When U.S. President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first “Sun Day” in 1978, he said that “the need to develop and expand renewable energy sources that can provide heating, cooling, and power for homes, farms, and factories is greater than at any other time in our Nation's history.”

These words ring even more true 45 years later as the United Nations warns of climate change indicators such as greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat, and ocean acidification requiring a planetary response.

“The good news is that the lifeline is right in front of us,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing that renewable energy technologies like wind and solar already exist today and in most cases, are cheaper than coal and other fossil fuels.  “We now need to put them to work, urgently, at scale and speed.”

The U.N. says that solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy weather. The rate at which the Earth intercepts solar energy is about 10,000 times greater than the rate at which humankind consumes energy.

“Solar technologies can deliver heat, cooling, natural lighting, electricity, and fuels for a host of applications. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation,” says the U.N. “

International Sun Day: Good for the Planet, Good for the Homeowner

The beauty of solar energy is that it is not only good for the planet, but it’s good for the homeowner.

“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,” says the U.S. Department of Energy.

Here are the top reasons why you should consider solar energy for your home:

• Lower Energy Costs: Solar panels can help you reduce your electricity bills significantly. By generating your own electricity, you can rely less on your utility company and potentially save money on your energy bills. Energy.gov says that “financial returns and lower monthly utility bills are major incentives for going solar.” The exact savings you will see with solar depends on the following:
  • Electricity consumption
  • Solar energy system size
  • Whether you purchase or lease your system
  • Direct hours of daily sunlight
  • Size and angle of rook
  • Local electricity rates
    
    

Click here to read more about the average cost of solar panels in Florida.

Forbes Homes estimates that the average U.S. household could see savings of up to $1,500 annually by going solar.  However, some of our clients have seen even more significant savings. And those savings are only going to increase now Florida energy prices are set to rise yet again.

• Increased Home Value: Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar panels installed sell for more than those without. The study found that homebuyers want green features in general, especially solar. 
• Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that produces no harmful emissions or pollutants. By using solar energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. Solar energy also reduces water consumption which is an important topic in many areas of the U.S. where water resources are dwindling.
• Energy Independence: Solar panels provide a measure of energy independence, which can be particularly useful in areas with unreliable or expensive electricity grids. Homeowners can go completely “off-grid” when they supplement with a solar battery system to maintain power during non-daylight hours.
• Long-Term Savings: While the upfront cost of solar panel installation may seem high, over the long term, you will likely save money on your energy bills. Solar panels have a lifespan of around 25 years and require very little maintenance, making them a worthwhile investment. Some estimate the cost savings with solar energy will pay for their initial investment within 6 to 10 years.
• Tax Incentives: The government offers several tax incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. These incentives can help to offset the upfront costs of installation and make solar energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners. Pew Research said that President Joe Biden recently signed new legislation that includes larger investments in renewable energy and measures to address climate change. Among its provisions is a 30 percent solar tax credit that could spur more Americans to “go solar” over the next decade.
• Low Maintenance: Solar panels require very little maintenance as there are no moving parts and no rust issues, which means you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without having to spend a lot of time or money on upkeep. Forbes Home says that professional service for your solar panels can cost between $140 and $180, while an annual inspection or cleaning can cost about $150. Some solar panel warranties may cover the costs of maintenance visits.
• Energy Security: By generating your own electricity, you can protect yourself from power outages and other energy-related disruptions. This can be particularly useful in areas prone to extreme weather events or other natural disasters.
• Technology is Improving and Prices are Dropping: There has never been a better time to install solar energy in your home as technology is improving, and prices are dropping. Forbes Homes says “Technology has improved tremendously since the early days of solar power, and advancements continue to be made every day. Better yet, despite these advancements, solar’s ubiquity appears to have driven its cost down, making solar more accessible to more consumers.”

“Solar panel installation costs are way down,” said Energy.gov. “New solar technologies are capturing more and more of the sun’s rays.”