2020 demonstrated many of the stressors facing the world, with none as obvious as the threats posed by climate change. By now, the issue of global warming is widely confirmed by the scientific community and is one of the biggest problems facing countries throughout the world. As a consumer, you may wonder what role you can play in helping contribute to a cleaner earth. Luckily, there are a lot of habits that you can adopt in order to do your part in cracking down on climate change.
One way that's becoming more affordable for many consumers than it used to has to do with more environmentally friendly approaches to behavior in day-to-day life. From energy-efficient appliances to a focus on renewable energy to power aspects of your home, there are a variety of ways to go about addressing climate change under your roof. Read on for a quick rundown about solar energy as well as how to find a utility company in your zip code who can act as a green energy supplier.
What are the basics of using solar energy?
One of the biggest problems with solar energy on the consumer level for a long time had to do with how much it cost customers to switch to an energy supplier capable of handling solar energy. In addition to the contract terms provided by the electric supplier, the equipment costs were expensive to cover as well. Solar energy involves the use of large solar panels which absorb heat and sunlight and convert it into an electric supply for your home. When the equipment was first pioneered, although it could cut your electric bill significantly, those savings over the course of ten or twenty years weren't enough to offset the cost of the equipment itself.
Nowadays, the cost of solar panels is much more affordable. This makes it far more likely that consumers will switch to a solar electric plan since electric rates for homes with solar power are far cheaper than traditional electric service costs. Perhaps best of all, homebuyers are willing to pay more for a house that's already been outfitted with solar panels. Between the savings in supplier costs and the added value from the sale of your home, solar energy has gotten much more affordable, and in some cases may even get you the lowest price on electrical service in your zip code!
How do you switch to a solar energy provider?
Not all regions and electric providers are able to offer solar energy, so it's important to do some research before you make the switch and buy a bunch of solar panel equipment. Helpfully, the internet has made it easier than ever to compare alternate suppliers against each other, even allowing you to search based on your current zip code or within specific date rates to better inform your calculations. When you compare electricity providers online, it's a good idea to consider price as well as the sort of service that you're looking for.
For example, while you may not be able to afford solar panel equipment now, finding an alternate supplier now who does support that kind of service means that you won't need to switch to an alternate supplier in the future when you're able to afford solar panels. Even making small decisions now and committing to making a switch from natural gas or electricity to more environmentally friendly energy options in the future can help make a difference. Especially considering how many dire warnings about climate change there've been in recent years, knowing that you have a plan to be a part of the solution can help give you peace of mind during such a tumultuous time.