With our planet under tremendous pressure due to a growing population and diminishing resources, we need to play our part and do what we can to relieve the burden. Renewable energy is one of the best ways we can assist. Let’s take a step back; up till now we’ve been relying on coal, gas and nuclear energy. Traditional energy sources will eventually run out, which is why we are encouraged to use renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.
Solar or photovoltaic technology is one of the cheapest and easiest forms of sustainable energy. Solar panels use light from the sun to generate power, they come in large and small sizes that provide electricity and heated water, perfect for your home.
- Cost-effective
One of the main driving forces behind convincing people to use solar energy is the amount of money it saves. With a solar panel installed, your energy comes from the sun – it’s free and you have an unlimited supply! It’s inexpensive to install and will save heaps on your electricity bill. In a technologically driven society, almost everything in our homes run on electricity, you can cut your bill by 80% by making the switch. - Rebates
Many regions and specified companies offer rebates once a solar panel is installed. You’re already saving money on your utility bills plus you receive an incentive for doing so. Solar E, based in Perth, offers rebates on various packages they install in accordance with the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STCs) and the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency schemes. - Increased resale value
Solar energy is slowly becoming a ‘must have’ in every home. The trend is not only ecological and cost effective but it will actually increase the value of your home. Real Estate agencies are using this factor as a major selling point; solar panels are beneficial to everyone living in the home and will never become redundant. - Environmentally friendly
The emergence of renewable energy was sparked by global warming. The burning of fossil fuels emits carbon, methane and other greenhouse gases into our clean fresh air. The electricity usage in our home is a direct result of this and to live a healthy lifestyle we need to keep away from as many chemicals and fossil fuel by-products as possible. - Minimal maintenance
Solar panels require little maintenance. Getting a professional in every so often for a regulation check-up is all it needs. Solar panels are usually installed on the roof where they are most exposed to the sun, they look neat and you can clean them with an everyday garden hose. - No power-shortages
A neat factor about renewable energy is that it’s completely independent from a power grid. Sometimes our lives are put on hold by unexpected blackouts brought on by many reasons such as weather, overloading the grid, or wiring issues. These factors will be a thing of the past with your photovoltaic energy. The sun has energy in abundance and even if you don’t feel the heat, the light charges your solar panel every day. - Job creation
Due to the increased demand for solar energy, the economy is benefitting as more jobs are being created in the process. From the design, to the manufacturing, the installation and maintenance – they all require skilled specialists. Not only are you profiting from the installation of solar panels, you’re helping the environment as well as the economy.
The choice is clear. Photovoltaic technology has allowed homeowners to be part of a global movement to decrease the pressure on our planet and to look after it well enough for generations to come. For a sustainable future, switch to an alternative energy source today.
Bio
Emily Ford is an Australian DIY enthusiast with a passion for creating quaint living spaces with minimal effort. Based in Perth she writes for numerous publications on Flooring, DIY, Interior Design and Property Investment. She applies her trade at Property Institute and you can find her on Google+.
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