Residential solar panels are no longer limited to techies and environmentalists. Suburban residences, rural farms, and even city townhouses are starting to appear everywhere. And with good cause. Every day, the sun provides us with free energy. Why not capture some?

Let’s get right to the point. Although it’s a nice bonus, installing solar isn’t simply about protecting the environment. The goal is to save money. When those panels are installed, your electricity costs skyrocket. Some people even eradicate them entirely. Imagine saying, “No thanks, I have my own supply,” to the power company.

The worst part is that solar isn’t universal. You might not be able to use your neighbor’s setup. Local weather, shade, and roof angle are all important. Installing panels is not enough for a competent installation. They will measure the amount of sunlight that reaches your roof, the location of shadows, and even the energy consumption of your house.

Money? Don’t worry about it. You do not require a large sum of money up front. There are ways to go solar without going over budget, such as through leasing, financing, and power purchase agreements. What about tax credits? They’re your friends, I see. You essentially get paid by the government to switch.

Let’s talk about batteries now. They function similarly to your power’s rainy-day fund. A blackout? No issue. While everyone else scrambles for candles, your lights remain on. Additionally, batteries allow you to store rather than sell excess energy that you transmit back to the grid, assuming your utility pays for it. More savings result from that.

It’s easy to maintain. Most dirt is washed away by rain. Headaches are reduced when there are no moving parts. Just a quick check to make sure everything is going smoothly.

Are you still undecided? Imagine that every kilowatt produced by your panels is one fewer than a coal plant would produce. You’re doing more than just saving money. You’re reducing carbon emissions. And that is cause for celebration.

Is solar worth it, then? Definitely for the majority. There is no bill from the sun. Perhaps it’s time for you to stop as well.