Solar Panels VS Power Outages
By: Eric Huesca, SEO Content Writer
June 12, 2023
Summer heat can be brutal, and for many, a well-functioning air conditioning (A/C) unit is a necessity rather than a luxury. Yet, every time we reach for the thermostat to crank up the A/C, we’re hit with the reminder of escalating energy bills. What if there was a way to stay cool all summer without the associated costly repercussions? This is where solar energy comes into play. This article explores how you can enjoy a refreshing, cool home during the hot summer months without worrying about high energy bills, thanks to the power of solar energy.
Night view of a beautiful house with solar panels.
Compare Energy Costs and Understand Solar Energy
Solar energy is energy harnessed from the sun, a renewable and virtually inexhaustible resource. This energy is captured using solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity can then be used to power your home, including your A/C unit. You can compare how solar energy costs to produce as compared to other energy sources by using a levelized cost of energy and what that would do is measure the cost of each energy source for your lifetime of usage so you can predict your energy costs.
Beat rising energy costs by Understanding Connection Between A/C Usage and Solar Energy
Air conditioning is a significant energy consumer, particularly during the summer months. As a result, it’s also one of the primary drivers of high electricity bills. But how can solar energy offset these costs? The cost per energy kwh for solar in 2023 is about $2.95/W (before incentives).
The simple answer is that solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours – the same time when the sun is beating down, and your need for air conditioning is at its peak. This concurrent timing means that you can effectively power your A/C unit with the electricity generated by your solar panels, reducing or even eliminating your reliance on the grid during these peak hours.
Initial Investment and Long-Term Savings
While installing a solar energy system requires an upfront investment, the long-term savings can be significant. Over time, the reduction in energy bills adds up, eventually paying for the initial cost of the solar system and then continuing to save you money. The cost of energy is rising but paying for it is just an option and by acquiring solar panels, you can start to generate your own energy and own that energy source. That helps because as electrical power rises, the amount of money a solar panel can save you also rises.
The exact payback period – the time it takes for the savings to equal your initial investment – will depend on several factors. These include the cost of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your home receives, the energy efficiency of your A/C unit, and the cost of electricity in your area. However, with the average payback period in the U.S. being around six to nine years, and solar panels having a lifespan of 25-30 years, the potential for long-term savings is considerable.
Additional Financial Incentives
Aside from the energy cost savings, there are numerous financial incentives available that can make solar power an even more attractive investment. These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of installing a solar system.
In the United States, the federal government offers a solar investment tax credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct a portion of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. Many states also offer additional incentives, including tax credits, rebates, and net metering programs.
Solar and Energy-Efficient A/C Units: A Winning Combination
Pairing solar energy with an energy-efficient A/C unit can maximize your savings. Energy-efficient A/C units use less electricity to achieve the same level of cooling, meaning they can operate effectively with less power from your solar panels. This can allow you to reduce the size and cost of your solar system, or to use the excess energy for other purposes, further lowering your energy bills. Is solar energy cost effective? When you look at the amount of time it takes for solar panels to pay for themselves, you can see that you will start to make profits after 7 years of owning the solar panels, the life of solar panels averages about 25 years, so you will make a profit for the remainder of the life of the solar panels.
Boosting Your Home's Value
Beyond the energy and cost savings, a less recognized but equally important benefit of solar energy is its potential to increase your home’s value. Numerous studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than comparable homes without solar. This increase in value can further offset the cost of a solar system, particularly if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Conclusion
When it comes to staying cool in the summer, solar energy offers a solution that lets you crank up the A/C without the worry of skyrocketing energy bills. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can generate your own electricity to run your air conditioning system, providing comfort and relief from the heat.
With a solar power system, you not only gain independence from utility companies but also shield yourself from fluctuating energy costs. While there is an upfront cost to solar panel installation, the long-term savings are substantial. The cost reduction in energy bills, coupled with various federal and state incentives, shortens the payback period, making solar energy an attractive investment.
Furthermore, energy-efficient A/C units complement your solar power systemd, enhancing your savings and promoting sustainable living. As homeowners increasingly value energy efficiency, a solar power system can boost your home’s resale value, serving as a selling point to prospective buyers.
In a world grappling with climate change and resource scarcity, solar power offers a sustainable and renewable energy solution. So, the next time summer rolls around, and temperatures start to climb, you can turn up the A/C without any costly repercussions, secure in the knowledge that the sun is taking care of your cooling needs. With solar energy, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable home, lower energy bills, and contribute to a greener future.
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Solgen Power is a solar energy contractor that sells and installs solar for homeowners. Solgen Power has been recognized by INC. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. Solgen Power has grown nationwide and continues to provide excellent customer service to homeowners.
