Our Environment Can Be Saved by the Sun

Sophia Belnap

If there is one common truth virtually everyone in North Carolina can agree upon, it is that everyone needs to work toward reducing carbon emissions. Naturally, we think of the big industries that produce lots of exhaust. The reality, however, is that every person has a carbon footprint. Large commercial companies, livestock farms and industrial facilities are not alone in needing to curb emissions. Individuals, families and even homes have a shared burden to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Oddly enough, one of the major ways families and individuals can make a positive impact on the environment has to do with the way we supply energy to our homes. Specifically, almost every single-family dwelling in our state has the ability to install solar panels in order to offset electric energy costs and even supply power to the electric grid we share.

Achieve the Best Results

Before getting to the specifics of how solar panels can benefit the environment, mention should be made that there are a number of firms available to supply, install and service solar panels in your home. When looking for the right solar installation North Carolina offers a wide variety of choices. Make sure you look for a firm with a solid reputation, offices all over the state, and a full array of services. Can the outfit explain how solar panels work, how the financial piece benefits you and exactly what you can expect in terms of energy production? Are they able to work with your HOA to make sure your panels are in accord with the local covenants? Can they interact with your electricity provider for permits and records? The best providers should be able to check all the boxes.

Benefit the Environment

While ecology is a common concern, sometimes people are skeptical about the benefits of solar panels. There are a number of positives you can expect personally from installing solar on your home, but there are also other benefits that you will be passing on to your community and the environment as a whole. Here is a partial list:

• For you directly, most consumers see a reduction in their monthly utility bills as a result of solar panels. It is important to note that installing solar panels typically increases the net worth of your house by about 4%.
• Your solar panels will help decrease the electric company’s CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. The power company has to produce carbon to create electric power and you can mediate that. You can also decrease water pollution.
• Whether your electric utility uses nuclear, natural gas or coal to fuel its generators, these resources are limited and costly. Solar panels save fuel.
• If you have an electric vehicle, you can charge it free with the power you are creating yourself.

Achieve Net-Metering

Net Metering is not a term with which everyone is familiar. Essentially, it refers to what happens when the electricity you produce through your solar power is hooked to the electric grid, as is required by state law. Sometimes you will need to use power produced by the electric company. At other times, your panels will produce more power than you can use. That electricity goes into the grid—perhaps to run your neighbor’s kitchen appliances—and you are compensated for it in your electric bill. So, solar panels reduce your electric bill by providing the power you need and reduce your bill again when the power company pays you to use the electricity you have generated and put back into the grid.

Dispel Solar Panel Myths

As with all new, cutting-edge technology, certain false assumptions have arisen about solar panels. A professional solar panel provider can help dispel these incorrect ideas. The best way to overcome flawed information is for you to invite a solar panel expert to your home in order to evaluate your domicile for this power-saving, power-producing technology. You may be shocked at how perfect your home is to produce electricity.