Embrace Solar Power: 5 Compelling Reasons to Make the Switch

Going solar is more accessible and affordable than ever. Hesitant to take the leap? Below are five reasons why you should consider making the switch to solar today:  

1. Going Solar Can Save You Money

Energy costs are rising nationwide. According to Energy Department data, the average U.S. household electricity bill is about 7% higher than last year and 32% higher than five years ago.

Programs like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) take this a step further. Homeowners with solar and battery storage can share excess energy with the grid and earn rewards, adding ongoing value beyond bill savings.

Innovative financing options, like those offered by GoodLeap, make the switch to solar accessible without upfront costs. By spreading payments over time, homeowners can start saving on energy bills immediately.

2. Solar Can Make Your Home More Resilient 

We’ve seen extreme weather events devastate communities across the country, which can be exacerbated by prolonged power outages. Blackouts can be harmful for countless reasons, some of which are food and medication spoiling, loss of air conditioning amid extreme heat, and loss of communication in emergencies.

Putting solar on your roof, with the added support of a home battery, can keep the lights on when the power grid goes out. Solar-plus-storage systems are designed to operate independently, providing your home with critical backup power when you need it most. Last year, Florida residents experienced this firsthand, as Hurricane Ian hit large swaths of the state, knocking out power to tens of thousands of homes – learn more about how solar kept many Florida residents safe and comfortable here.

3. Solar Panels Can Increase Your Home’s Resale Value 

When it comes to paying your monthly utility bills, dollars only flow in one direction: out of your bank account. Whereas investing in residential solar can produce a return over time. Not only can you save money every month, but solar can also increase the value of your home.  

A variety of studies support this claim. A Department of Energy study found that installing solar panels can increase the resale value of a home by up to $15,000, Forbes recently reported, “Every dollar that a solar panel saves you on your electrical bills increases the value of your home by $20,” and the real estate marketplace Zillow shared that “homes with solar panels sell for four percent more than those without them.” Investing in solar panels makes you money.  

4. Modernize Your Home with Solar 

New “smart home” technologies make it easier and more convenient to keep our homes running, increasing comfort and saving money in the process. Solar systems can work in concert with other smart technologies, putting the control of your home in the palm of your hand. Innovations in residential solar technology enable homeowners to manage their smart appliances and monitor their power output in real time, maximizing usage when the sun is shining.   

Smart home technology is also cost-effective, particularly in locations where electricity rates change throughout the day. For example, when pre-cooling your home with solar power in the afternoon, you can avoid paying high on-peak electricity rates in the evening. Mobile apps help you manage and automate all of your smart home devices in one place. 

5. Solar Will Lower Your Carbon Footprint

For many Americans, solar adoption often begins as a commitment to combat climate change. Going solar empowers homeowners to cut carbon emissions, especially significant as more than 40% of U.S. carbon emissions originate from home-related choices.

Between 2018 and 2023, GoodLeap-financed solar systems have offset over 12 million metric tons of CO2—that’s equal to removing 2.5 million gas-powered vehicles for a year!

On a local scale, solar adoption diminishes our dependence on emission-heavy energy sources, reducing harmful air pollutants. Residential solar directly benefits our communities' health and the planet.

Install Solar Now

If you’re considering residential solar and energy storage - act now. Between new federal tax incentives, rapidly improving smart home technology, and the growing environmental impact, there has never been a better time. Not sure how to pay? Reach out to your local solar installer to see if they offer GoodLeap’s flexible financing options.