There’s a good chance that you’ve heard the words “solar power” at least once in recent years. Installing solar panels on your home provides you with an alternative energy source, reducing your dependence on nonrenewable resources. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 6% of homeowners have already installed solar panels. Another 46% are giving serious thought to installing them. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, here are five reasons why you should go ahead and do it.

Lower Your Energy Bills

Your energy bills are likely your biggest expense as a homeowner. Your home requires energy to power your lights and your appliances. Energy is required to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.

There are several things that you can do to reduce your energy costs, such as install energy-efficient appliances, change your light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs, and unplug appliances you don’t need. All of these changes can help, but one of the biggest ways to reduce your energy bills is to install solar panels.

Some people wonder, “So how do solar panels work?” The panels absorb the sun’s rays (which are free) and convert them into energy. The energy you create is then used to run the things in your home that you normally rely on traditional energy for. The more solar power you create, the less traditional energy you use. This can save you a significant amount each month on energy bills.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Solar power is a completely clean energy source. It doesn’t create any carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, or other air pollutants. It doesn’t require the use of any water. It’s also completely renewable. When you reduce the amount of traditional energy that your home consumes, you reduce your carbon footprint. For those looking to live a greener lifestyle (or ways to make their homes greener), solar panels are the perfect addition to achieving that goal.

Increase the Value of Your House

If you’re considering selling your home, you might be looking for ways to increase its value. Many people will renovate the kitchen, update the bath, or install new appliances. All of these things help to boost both the value and the attractiveness of the property, bringing in more interested parties.

Another great way to boost your home’s value is to add solar panels. Since they decrease your home’s monthly energy bills, your home will look more attractive to potential buyers. Many buyers are willing to pay more for the things that they want in a home, including solar panels.

Receive Tax Breaks

Installing solar panels on your home qualifies you for tax credits. The federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct a percentage of the total cost of installing the panels from your federal taxes. For solar panels installed before December 2019, the tax credit is 30%. Panels installed in 2020 qualify for a 26% credit and installing panels in 2021 qualifies you for a 22% credit.

Low Maintenance Costs

Solar panels are designed to be low maintenance. In many cases, they can go months without maintenance, only getting washed by the rain. They’re fairly durable and made to last. In most cases, they can last 25 years or more.

When your solar panels do require maintenance, you may be able to do it yourself. You can also hire a professional to do the job for you. If a panel does require repair or replacement, you should also call in a professional to ensure it’s done properly.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills or trying to find ways to go green, installing solar panels provides many incredible benefits. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, there’s no better time than now to get started.