NC is the 2nd largest solar state in the US. There are many reasons to install a solar panel system in North Carolina.
The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant — it is conserved over time. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it transforms from one form to another. Fossil fuels and solar are two sides of the same coin, the only difference being that traditional fossil fuels are being used to harness energy gleaned from the sun millions of years ago while photovoltaic systems tap into the same energy in real time.
The world owes a collective debt to fossil fuels – without these sources of energy we would not have achieved the industrial revolution and created our mega cities. In fact most of the world’s energy needs are met by fossil fuels. However, we are now at the dawn of a new energy revolution, where previously unused and untapped energy sources are now achieving parity with traditional power sources. We need to lead the world once again by heralding in this new age of limitless clean energy. Discover the most Frequently Asked Questions concerning solar energy!
Read on to learn about the top benefits of solar energy and why using solar panels are beneficial for both the environment and your home and finances.
It’s Renewable and Inexhaustible
One of the biggest pros of solar energy is that sunlight is a renewable and inexhaustible resource to provide your electricity. When we use oil for energy, we take the oil from the earth, and then it’s gone. But the sun continuously produces solar energy, so the rays can be used for energy over and over without problems. Because solar energy is renewable, it’s also an inexhaustible resource for electricity. So long as the sun continues to generate energy, solar energy can be used to power homes and businesses. The key is having enough sunlight to collect enough solar energy.
North Carolina Has Ample Sunlight!
Arguably sunny Carolinas might be the best place to put solar modules and panels in the entire USA. As we know there is plenty of sun here but Texas and Florida are sunny too, you might say! There is a difference, the temperature is a little milder in the Carolinas and that helps the silicon cells to produce energy more efficiently. Also, compared to other states like Arizona or New Mexico, there isn’t a problem of soiling on the solar module’s surface. That’s when dust accumulates and hinders the production. So North Carolina is the perfect place to balance sunlight with the right conditions. These ideal conditions help make sunlight an inexhaustible resource for electricity and energy.
Beneficial for the Environment
One of the most commonly discussed benefits of solar energy is its positive effects on the environment. Solar panel systems are non-polluting, which helps keep the air clear and helps fight climate change. Additionally, solar panels can also reduce water usage and help conserve that valuable but limited resource. Traditional energy uses a large amount of water for processing, refining, transporting, and cooling. Solar energy reduces this demand and helps conserve water. Using a solar panel system can help reduce your energy footprint on the environment and the harmful effects of other energy solutions.
Solar costs have come down
Cost of solar has almost dropped in half in recent years. While it used to be extremely expensive to install and maintain a solar system, that is no longer the case. Benefiting the environment (and saving on electricity costs) no longer has to be a costly investment. It can be extremely affordable. On top of the low costs, we still have federal and local rebates along with the Duke Energy Rebate (for select customers) present to sweeten the deal further. We are now generating power more cleanly, efficiently and at cheaper costs than fossil fuels through solar energy. 8MSolar specializes in harnessing solar power in Cary NC, which has several advantages over traditional energy sources.
Helps you save on your electric bill
Going solar has an immediate return on investment. You will notice this in your monthly electric bills. Depending on the size of your system you can notice up to a 100% reduction in your electric bill! In fact, any time you are not using all the energy your system creates, it sells it back to the electric utility!
Also, utility prices keep rising every year, while your solar cost will stay uniform through the years. So not only will solar save you on your electric bill immediately, it will help save you over time as well. Saving on electricity is one of the major advantages of solar energy that makes the transition to solar worth it.
An example of the savings expected from solar can be seen in the bill from one of our customers below:
Benefit from the Federal Tax incentive
There is a 30% federal tax credit on all qualified expenses towards a solar photovoltaic system . For example, if you get a $15,000 solar system, your tax credit will be $4,500. Bringing your net cost down to $10,500. How a credit works is that if you owed say $8,000 in total taxes that year, after the solar credit you will only pay $3,500. Now, if you don’t have enough tax liability to use the credit in year one, you may spread the credit over 3 years.
Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
Traditional fossil fuels have limited reserves. These fuels aren’t renewable or inexhaustible. They are tough to extract and produce harmful emissions and waste products when burnt. We depend on foreign countries to fulfill our energy needs. Solar energy provides an opportunity to reduce all these harmful effects on the environment. Using solar energy will reduce your individual dependence on these fuels as well. When there are fossil fuel shortages, you won’t have to worry about the prices or shortages. You will be able to produce renewable energy from the sun, no matter the current situation.
Scalable
A solar system is easily scaled in size to meet any energy requirements. If you need a lot of energy or only a little bit, our solar systems are easily scalable. We can also upgrade your existing solar footprint and merge seamlessly to provide clean limitless energy. Our solar experts can easily add to your system in the future. So, you don’t have to do it all at once and can break up going solar into two to three chunks. That way if you have a greater need for energy down the road, your system can be added to. Scalability is a solar energy benefit that makes this energy solution so flexible.
Reducing overall grid load
A properly designed photovoltaic system will produce maximum energy during most sunlight hours. These invariably coincide with peak demand time during summers, therefore solar has the added benefit of reducing load on an overtaxed grid and preserving our national infrastructure.
Can provide emergency backup power
When using traditional power, power outages and grid glitches can leave your home in the dark and even cause freezers to defrost. But a benefit of a solar panel system is that it can provide emergency backup power that can keep your home running and food cold. Solar panels when paired with a battery can provide the necessary backup power that helps you stay prepared for anything that might happen, whether it’s a power outage or another crisis.
Boost your home’s property value
Adding a small 20 module 5kW system to an average sized home can boost its property value by an estimated $29,555! Contact us today for solar panel system installation!
The Overall Benefits of Solar Energy
- Renewable
- Inexhaustible
- Scalable
- Affordable
- Tax incentives
- Reduced dependency
- Reduced electric bills
- Emergency power backup
Together these benefits make solar energy a modern, renewable, and beneficial energy solution for your home.
