As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, more and more households are switching to clean, renewable electricity sources. Among the most affordable and abundant of these is residential solar. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association,1solar generated $17 billion in investments for the U.S. economy in 2018.
Solar power is a 100% clean, renewable energy source. It reduces reliance on oil, coal and natural gas for electricity production. These fossil fuels produce harmful emissions that affect the quality of air, water and soil, and are responsible for global warming. It’s estimated that between 2000 and 2065, the Earth will lose more species of plants and animals to extinction than in the previous 65 million years combined.2 That’s a staggering statistic and one driven significantly by the effects of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels.
In contrast, solar energy produces no pollution. The sun's abundant power offers an unlimited source of energy that does not strip the landscape or harm the ozone layer. Residential solar energy systems represent an investment in the future of the planet, conserving non-renewable energy sources and protecting the environment.
Thanks so much! We'll call you shortly.
Sorry, we are not taking new customers in your area yet
Refer a Friend. Get $1000
U.S. households have experienced a steady increase in both frequency and duration of power outages over the last 15 years, according to research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.4 The United States has the highest number of power-outage minutes of any developed nation. Our electricity grid is 100 years old and was not built for today’s vastly increased population and extreme weather events. California’s largest utility, PG&E, estimates it will need $75 billion to $150 billion over several years to make the grid more secure, a cost that will be passed on to customers.7
Our grid needs to be modernized to meet the increasing demands of a plugged-in society. Adding a home battery unit powered by residential solar panels can store enough electricity to power homes through peak usage hours, thereby giving households the freedom to control their family’s electricity.
BrightboxTM home batteries along with solar panels are also a viable buffer against the rolling blackouts introduced by electric companies for wildfire prevention. Today’s antiquated grid means that even communities not directly threatened by wildfires will experience power outages. All PG&E customers are at risk of losing power this summer, impacting up to 16 million people.
With a residential solar system, your home is powered by rooftop solar panels during the day and by energy stored in the battery at night. By installing solar panels, you gain energy independence.
Solar panels and home batteries are becoming more affordable, accessible, resilient and efficient. They provide peace of mind and energy security for households when the power goes out or the next storm strikes. Sunrun’s Brightbox home battery system replenishes with energy generated from the sun and removes the inconvenience, uncertainty and expense of refueling a gas or diesel-powered generator. The clean and silent Brightbox battery is a preferred alternative for many families to a traditional backup generator.
If you’re facing rising home energy expenses, home solar panels can offset your costs.
Savings can even accrue on cloudy days, since the sun emits energy through clear and cloudy skies. Solar offers year-round efficiency and savings, even in colder, cloudy climates. Depending on their size, efficiency and orientation relative to the sun, some solar panels actually generate more electricity than your home consumes. This could reduce your monthly electric bill to zero. In some areas, you may actually qualify for a rebate if your residential solar power system produces excess electricity. Check with your area’s solar power guidelines.
Most utility bills are rising every year. With Sunrun’s solar service plan, customers pay predictable rates for the next 25 years.
Another factor in the increasing affordability of solar panels is the availability of federal, state and local tax breaks. For exampe, the federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. Currently, the residential federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 26% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. This benefit exists through December 31, 2022. In 2023 the residential tax credit will step down step down to 22%. In 2024, the tax credit for residential solar ends. 3
In addition, purchased residential solar panels can improve the resale value of your home. According to Zillow Economic research, homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power. For the median-valued home, that translates to an additional $9,274.4
The cost of solar has dropped dramatically in recent years, falling more than 70% in just the last decade.5 You’ll save money on maintenance too, since there are no moving parts to break down. In addition, the cost of home solar batteries have dropped substantially as well. The benchmark levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for lithium-ion batteries has fallen 35% to $187 per megawatt-hour since the first half of 2018, according to research company BloombergNEF (BNEF). 8
The time for solar is now. See if it is right for you. We’re here to help every step of the way. Contact our Sunrun solar advisers for a complimentary solar battery storage quote today.
Sources:
1. https://www.seia.org/solar-industry-research-data
2. https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/elements_of_bi...
3. https://news.energysage.com/congress-extends-the-solar-tax-credit/
4. https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/
5. https://www.seia.org/solar-industry-research-data
6. https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/lbnl-188741.pdf
7. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pg-e-us-wildfire-idUSKCN1PI00P
8. https://about.bnef.com/blog/battery-powers-latest-plunge-costs-threatens...
5 Tips to Help You Monitor Your Home Solar System’s Performance Whether you have...
Many of the areas of the country that are most populated are also the most susceptible to...
Solar power is our most abundant sustainable energy source. It’s as reliable as the sun. Today’s...
Panels that are able to produce electricity from sunlight.
Sunrun has hundreds of thousands customers powering their homes with renewable energy each month. Locate solar services in your state.
Find the best home solar plan within your budget today. You can go solar and save for little to $0 down with Sunrun.
Brightbox™ Battery makes storing and managing clean affordable solar energy simple and easy.
Solar power is yours for the making. Sunrun creates home solar panel systems that optimize for efficiency, durability, service, and value.
From solar news to smart home energy saving tips, learn how solar is helping thousands save on rising energy costs.
Learn how to go solar simply with Sunrun’s solar education center, including articles, videos & FAQs.
As electricity rates are rising the cost of solar panels have never been lower. Switch to home solar and save with Sunrun.
Find out more on how to lower your electric bill, how to read your electric bill once you go solar, and which green initiatives your utility is focused on today.