The Importance of Switching to Clean Energy
You can help protect the environment now and for future generations by producing your own clean solar energy. Every solar system install decreases the amount of fossil fuels needed to generate electricity, which in turn reduces the pollutants contributing to global warming. Solar power is an environmentally friendly decision that saves on your electricity bill, reduces the need for constructing additional generating plants, and gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are significantly benefiting the environment. Renewable solar energy also contributes to reducing our country’s dependence on foreign fuel, making solar a positive contribution to our country’s economy.
Fossil fuels are becoming increasingly more expensive as they are gradually depleted. As we look to the future, it is wise to consider how much utility rates may increase over the next decade. In the Pacific Northwest, utility rates have increased an average of 13% annually over the past five years, especially in the Puget Sound area. As demand for power rises and power generation resources are depleted, utility company rates will inevitably increase. Installing a solar power system now hedges against future rate increases by utilizing renewable energy to supplement your electric power needs. Your utility company will even thank you by paying you for every kilowatt of electricity you produce.
With your grid-tied solar electric system, you can sell any excess power back to the power company, effectively allowing you to spin your electric meter backwards. Additionally, many utility companies offer a production incentive allowing you to get paid for the electricity you generate and use in your own home!
Another benefit of a solar power electric system is the increased value of your home. As energy costs continue to rise, a home with a built-in renewable energy source will be increasingly sought after by all types of home buyers. In addition, when you add up the benefits from tax credits, production incentives, and increased home resale value, you could recoup as much as 157% of your costs of installing a solar energy system, according to California-based power analyst Andrew Black. A study in The Appraisal Journal and reported on SmartEnergyLiving.org notes that the selling price of homes increased by $20.73 for every $1 decrease in energy bills they were able to demonstrate.
In conclusion, there are a number of reasons why it is important that we begin to incorporate clean energy practices into our everyday lives. Among them are to preserve our diminishing resources for generations to come and to do our part by leading future generations by our example. In 2017, InsideClimateNews.com reported that twice as many Americans now work in the wind industry than in coal mining, and solar employs even more. At Northwest Wind & Solar, we are changing the way we think, use, and create energy. This is our commitment to the freedom of sustainability.
Kara brings to the table a combined 25 years of customer service and administrative experience. Although an avid Crimson Tide fan hailing from Mobile, AL, Kara has been proud to call Seattle home since 2010 and is excited to join the Clean Energy Movement here in the PNW. She enjoys creating breakthrough customer service experiences and says, “I believe it is important to treat every customer like your only customer.” Kara loves to attend music festivals and concerts whenever possible. You can also catch her gardening or getting away to the ocean and mountains with her family and friends.
