Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular source of energy for residents around California. Factors such as high insolation, community support, declining solar cost, and the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires that 33% of California’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2020, have made this a popular choice among commercial property owners. However, private and residential property are also strong candidates for solar installation.
Switching to solar energy allows your home to become more sustainable while putting a few extra dollars back in your wallet. When you go solar, monthly costs are immediately lower. As soon as you switch over, your carbon footprint shrinks. This is great news for southern California homeowners who feel that sustainability is important but don’t have the funds to make massive renovations.
In the past decade, residential electricity costs have increased steadily. In fact, the average U.S. residential electricity price is expected to rise more than two percent annually in the next few years. To that end, buildings contribute 39% of all carbon emissions in the United States; going solar, especially in large numbers (such as in the state of California), can have a huge impact on that number. An average residential solar panel system eliminates three to four tons of carbon emissions each year.
Southern California residents can expect to see additional pay-off from solar energy. The demand for properties equipped with solar panel systems will only continue to grow. In fact, a study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratory found that solar panels added an average of $17,000 to sales prices. In an oversaturated market such as Southern California’s, this is a big draw.
California has always been at the forefront of the solar energy movement, and sunny southern California is a great place to install solar panels. If you are thinking seriously about making the switch, we recommend browsing the Southern CA Solar Energy website for additional information and consultation directions.