Solar energy is a viable alternative because it’s renewable, plentiful, and cost-effective. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and volatile, solar comes from a source that rises every single day. It doesn’t need fuel, doesn’t release carbon when it runs, and it’s already saving homeowners real money. Even so, maybe you’re not convinced, and a part of you might still be wondering: Is solar really as great as they say? Or is it just another one of those things that looks good on paper but isn’t as practical as it seems? Let’s walk through the facts together and get into the real reasons solar is more than just a trend.
Solar Power is Renewable and Practically Limitless
This may sound wild, but the fact is this: The sun beams down more energy in one hour than the world uses in an entire year.
One hundred seventy-four Petawatts (PW) of solar energy are received by Earth every second. In one hour, that’s 622 Exawatts (EW) of energy. In 2023, the world consumed around 172,222 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy — or about 172 exawatt-hours (EWh), according to the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy.
To bring it all together, that means just one hour of sunlight delivers over three times more energy to Earth than humanity consumes in a year.
So, if you’ve ever wondered why it feels like we’re not using more of it, it’s not because we’re short on sunlight. We’re just short on ways to capture it.
Solar Energy is Clean and Eco-Friendly
Solar energy is what experts call “clean energy”, meaning it produces electricity without releasing pollutants into the air or water.
Unlike fossil fuels, it doesn’t require drilling, mining, or burning, which means no greenhouse gases, no toxic runoff, and no smoke-spewing smokestacks.
In fact, according to an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, over its full lifecycle, solar leaves behind a carbon footprint 20 times smaller than coal — an energy source that remains one of the most widely used, yet also one of the dirtiest.
This helps slow climate change, reduces air pollution, and, just as important, gives nature some breathing room from all the strain we’ve put on it.
Solar Is a Proven, Long-Term Energy Solution
Solar isn’t new, and it’s definitely not some fringe movement. In fact, globally, solar PV has been the fastest-growing source of electricity for the 18th consecutive year, growing 24% in 2022 alone.
Here in the U.S., solar isn’t slowing down either. Over the last decade, solar electricity generation has grown 7.8-fold, and more than 4 million solar systems have been installed on homes across the country.
These aren’t test pilots or early experiments. They’re fully functioning, long-term energy systems used by everyday homeowners.
I know, I know. I’ve thrown a lot of numbers your way. But that’s the point. If solar weren’t a proven solution, we’d be seeing a drop in installations and slowing growth. Instead, the opposite is happening, and year after year, the numbers keep climbing.
And if all that growth doesn’t prove solar is here to stay, consider that most panels last 25 to 30 years, and many come with warranties that guarantee their performance for just as long.
Solar Works in Cloudy or Snowy Climates
Think you need Arizona sunshine to make solar work? Think again.
Take New York, one of the cloudiest states in the U.S., for example. Despite seeing more cloudy days than clear ones, it remains one of the most solar-active states.
That’s because panels don’t need direct, blazing sunlight to work. On cloudy days, they still capture diffuse light, operating at 75% to 85% of their usual output.
And snow? Believe it or not, it can actually help your system perform better. Fresh snow reflects more sunlight onto your panels (via the albedo effect), and cold temperatures keep them operating efficiently.
If you’re worried about damage, solar panels are built to withstand heavy snow loads (even hail), pouring rain, and high winds. Most are installed at just the right angle to let snow slide off naturally.
Solar is One of the Most Cost-Effective Energy Options Today
Let’s talk money, because, at the end of the day, one of the biggest factors in going solar comes down to the cost. And there are really three things worth knowing here:
- Once installed, solar has near-zero operating costs.
No need for fuel and no need for constant upkeep. After you’ve made the upfront investment, the cost to produce electricity is practically zero. That’s a big contrast from fossil fuels, which come with ongoing fuel expenses and operational overhead.
- Solar reduces peak time energy costs.
If you’re on a time-of-use (TOU) pricing plan, your utility charges more during high-demand hours like late afternoons when everyone’s running their AC — that just happens to be when solar panels are working hardest!
So instead of pulling expensive electricity from the grid, your system is producing it right when you need it most.
- The cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically.
Upfront costs are the main concern for most people, because the truth is, home solar isn’t exactly cheap. On the bright side, solar is a lot more affordable now than it used to be.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) claims that “the cost to install solar has dropped by nearly 40% over the last decade”, from around $40,000 in 2010 (before incentives) to roughly $25,000 today. That means homeowners today pay way less per watt than they would’ve years back.
And speaking of value, you’ll be glad to know what’s coming next because this next point is where solar really starts making a difference for your wallet…
Solar Saves You Money and Can Even Pay You Back
Here’s the part everyone wants to know: Will solar actually save me money?
Short answer? Yes, and here’s how:
- You can claim 30% of your installation costs as a federal tax credit. So if your system costs $21,000, you could knock $6,300 right off your tax bill. Instant savings.
- You can earn extra by selling Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). For instance, New Jersey’s SREC-II program pays homeowners a fixed amount for every kilowatt-hour their system produces.
- If this program isn’t available where you are, you can take advantage of other performance-based incentives, rebates, or buyback programs available in your area.
Lastly, let’s not forget the real estate side: Homes with solar panels add value to your home and sell for up to $9,000 more, according to Zillow. That said, going solar can still be a smart route even if you’re planning to move soon or only stay for the short term.
Solar Helps Protect You From Rising Utility Rates
This, I believe, is where a lot of the value in solar really lies.
According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the average price of electricity in U.S. cities has risen from about 13.4 cents in 2020 to over 17.3 cents per kWh in 2024. That’s a jump of nearly 27% in just four years.
With solar, you’re not at the mercy of those unpredictable rate hikes. Instead, you’re locking in what you pay for power for the next couple of decades.
Sure, there may be some variability due to natural panel degradation. But even at year 25, most panels still produce around 80% of their original output — and that’s not bad at all!
What’s more is that most people hit their breakeven point somewhere between 8 to 12 years. After that, the savings keep coming in, and you’re free to enjoy electricity with little to no monthly cost.
Solar + Storage Gives You More Energy Independence
When the power goes out, most homes go dark. But not homes with solar and a battery.
If you install battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or SolarEdge Energy Bank), your system can keep running even when the grid shuts down. That’s a big deal, especially when you want to stay powered during wildfire-related blackouts or similar emergencies.
Solar Supports Local Jobs and the Economy
From the crew that installs your panels, to the local businesses that support the supply chain, to the customer service reps who walk you through your system — your solar project keeps people employed, right here at home.
In fact, more than 250,000 Americans worked in the solar industry in 2023 — a 5.9% increase from 2022, according to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). And that number is expected to keep growing, especially as more families switch to solar.
Now, you might think, “Okay, that’s nice — solar creates jobs. But what does that have to do with me?”
The more solar grows, the more stable and affordable it becomes. More demand means more competition, better pricing, and more innovation.
That said, who knows, maybe your system will soon be generating power at night or storing extra energy in compact, cube-sized batteries you can stack like Legos. Only time will tell.
Solar Is More Accessible Than Ever
Remember when only the super rich or ultra green could afford solar? That era is long gone.
Today, there are thousands of certified solar installers across the U.S. You can choose to pay upfront, finance, lease, or even join a community solar program if your roof isn’t suitable.
And thanks to efforts by the Department of Energy and state-level programs, permitting and paperwork hurdles are gradually being reduced, making it easier and faster to go solar than ever before.
That’s even more true with many solar companies also operating as EPCs — handling everything from planning and installation to maintenance.
We’re proud to offer exactly that here at Avail Solar. If you want your home solar installation handled by professionals while you stay hands-off, get in touch! Request a quote or give us a call today to speak with one of our solar experts.