More than 75 percent of United States citizens believe the U.S. should prioritize development of alternative energy sources, like solar power, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Furthermore, nearly half of all surveyed homeowners are investigating how they might install solar panels for private use, Pew reports.

They are doing so for good reason. Solar power offsets more than 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. That’s the equivalent of planting more than 1.2 billion trees. Concerns about how best to install and maintain solar panels remain, however. Others worry that the alternative energy technology might not be as safe as it seems. Technology has come a long way, however, and installation and maintenance has never been easier. Here are three reasons why now is the right time to consider solar energy for your home:

1.  Solar Panels and Home Safety

Homeowners considering solar panel installation often express concern about installing heavy electrical equipment on the house’s roof or the roof of an out building. Could the equipment start a fire? Is it too heavy to rest on the roof for an extended period of time? What damage could a faulty system cause? The evolution of solar panel technology is producing lighter, more efficient solar panels than ever before. While panels are, at their heart, electrical machinery, the components are no more dangerous than other major appliances in the home, like the furnace, stove or refrigerator. Redundant systems also ensure there are plenty of safety measures in place to reduce or eliminate any possible electrical danger. Solar technicians are also well trained in determining the exact panel quantity that will ensure safe installation. As with most technology, components have become smaller and more efficient, making installation even simpler.

2. Solar Panel and Environmental Safety

The environmental impact of solar energy is well documented. Beyond the big numbers stated at the beginning of this article, solar panels produce no air pollution or greenhouse gases, keeping air quality clean in the communities where they are installed. Solar panels aren’t 100 percent environmentally friendly, however. The panels’ photovoltaic cells are constructed of toxic materials, and some systems use fluid to assist in the transfer of heat to electricity. Both the fluid and the material could contaminate ground water if improperly disposed of.

That said, the environmental danger posed by solar panels is rarely more than any other, similarly built appliance, like a refrigerator or lawn mower. With proper maintenance, solar panels are one of the safest ways to draw energy from the world around us.

3.  Solar Panels are Easy to Install

Not too long ago, finding the right team to properly install solar panels on a home could be time consuming and expensive, simply because not a lot of people did the work. Today, solar panel installation is a growing industry filled with capable technicians. With some simple research, it is as easy to find a certified installer as it is to hire someone to remodel your kitchen. When searching for the right company, do some homework. Make sure the organizations you speak to carry the right insurance and its technicians are properly trained and licensed. Ask for references and visit other properties where the company has completed installations. Before long, you will know exactly who you want to work with. While installation is easy, make sure you are prepared for the time it will take good installers to create your solar panel array. A typical installation can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on a number of factors. If a company suggests the work will take far more time - or far less time - consider that a potential red flag.

Choosing solar energy for your home has never been safer or easier to do. As long as you take the right amount of time to do the right amount of research, you will discover the right industry partner for your solar project.