If you are hesitant to install solar panels on your property, here are some reasons why you really should consider it. If the expense is what you fear, the cost of installation can be a tax write-off and your own community may have incentive programs. In the long run, solar power will give you back in savings whatever you spent on installation.

1. Less Global Warming

Fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are contributing to the global warming problem. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the major culprit in global warming and it is produced when fossil fuels are burned to heat our homes and power our vehicles.

Global warming is responsible for today's extreme weather conditions and will eventually cause the extinction of many species that are dependent on specific environmental conditions.

Solar power, on the other hand, produces no such negative effects on the environment.

2. Improved Community Health

Many common diseases are not fully traceable back to environmental conditions. However, with a little detective work we can see the connection between areas with high levels of pollution and equivalent high levels of such things as respiratory disease.

In fact, it is believed by experts that ailments like heart conditions, breathing problems and even cancer can be directly linked to the amount of coal and natural gas usage in the surrounding area.

Solar energy produces no such harmful pollutants, which over time, should show a sharp decrease in respiratory conditions in areas utilizing solar energy.

3. Local Jobs

Increased community support for solar energy means that more solar panels are being installed. Happily, humans are needed to install the panels so towns that promote their installation will provide many jobs.

There are many new careers for those with degrees in sustainable energy, including solar power.

4. A Forever Form of Energy

One day the earth's supply of fossil fuels will be exhausted. When that happens, those who have continued to utilize these exhaustible sources will be in trouble.

Now is the time to convert to solar energy before the other options are gone. Although some areas of the United States cannot guarantee over 300 sunny days a year, there are places in this country that are always sunny.

Eventually solar energy will combine its forces, and the country as a whole will be contributing energy to the national grid, instead of separate communities contributing power to just themselves.

5. Using Less Water

Most forms of non-renewable electricity production use vast quantities of water. 

Since water is essential for both plant, animal and human life on our planet, it stands to reason that large quantities of it (thousands of liters a year) should not be constantly in use solely for our energy needs.

6. Rates Will Not Fluctuate

Those with vehicles already know that gasoline prices are never the same two weeks in a row; they ricochet back and forth continuously and are dependent upon many things. Let's say there's an oil spill somewhere: gas prices will go up. If people are staying close to home instead of going on long road trips, though, gas prices will go down to try and entice people to travel.

Solar power, on the other hand, tends to be very stable in price, contributing to a predictable energy bill.

As you can see, there are many reasons to switch to a sustainable energy source rather than continuing to be dependent on fossil fuels. After the initial setup, solar power is free, renewable and does not contribute to global warming. Do both your wallet and the planet a favor and convert your home to solar energy.