The Big Bright Solar sunshine is always FREE to all of us. Converting this sunshine into our independent electricity through the solar panel system has many benefits — financial, environmental, and even practical. Here's a breakdown of the main advantages:
1. Lower Electricity Bills while U.S. Electricity Demand Rapidly Increases
- The U.S. EIA data (www.eia.gov/electricity/data/browser) shows that Texas electricity cost increased about 7.3% EVERY YEAR just over the last 3 years.
It has increased nationwide. Electricity demand is expected to sharply increase over the next 5 years and beyond due to the data centers, the use of EV cars and other vehicles, resurgence in industrial reshoring or manufacturing, and more residences and commercial establishments going full electric due to safety, convenience, and other reasons. According to Deloitte, the electricity wholesale prices are projected to increase by 19% on average between 2025 and 2028 (https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/power-and-utilities/power-and-utilities-industry-outlook.html) - It is estimated that by 2029 alone, we would need additional electricity greater than the annual consumption of the United Kingdom or California! The cost of installing additional generation and transmission capacity will be passed on to all the consumers. Therefore, everyone expects the electricity cost to increase.
- Installing your own solar system to generate electricity helps you beat the rising cost and lowers your electricity costs.
2. Beat Electricity Outages – Solar gives you Security & Comfort
- Extreme weather events causing electricity disruptions are on the rise. According to a recent Deloitte report, a record $53 billion was spent in the United States between January and August 2024, roughly double that of the entire 2023. This undoubtedly places additional strain on grid infrastructure and finances. One example is that Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is putting transmission lines underground to make them more resilient. This obviously has a high cost, which they will expect to recover from the future electricity prices.
- Increasing summer temperature, increasing probability of extreme weather events, expected surge in repair and maintenance together enhance the possibility of our electricity outage.
- Having your own solar system not only gives you energy independence and lower costs but assures you of uninterrupted electricity supply for all your critical appliances, your internet, the security system, the air conditioning, the TV, etc., that ensures your security and comfort.
3. Time to go Solar is NOW – Solar costs have come down + Tax Credit Incentives
- The solar technology and supply have rapidly advanced. This gives us the consumer an unparalleled choice. The solar system price is therefore considerably lower than it was 5 years ago.
- Combining the lower prices with existing tax credit incentives is a perfect combination for you to lock in these savings today and start saving. Big Bright Solar will work with you to maximize your tax credit savings.
- No wonder, the EIA has reported that ‘Solar will supply most of the increase in electricity consumption’ (https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=64264)
4. Low Maintenance – Solar Systems are Designed for Long Periods
- Most systems require little maintenance beyond periodic cleaning.
- Panels usually have warranties of 20–25 years, and the battery system of around 10 years.
- The system is essentially free of any moving parts, leading to its low-maintenance nature.
5. Increases Property Value – Solar Homes sell Faster – Texas Protects you from Property Tax increase
- Several studies now conclude that properties with solar installation have higher appraised values and sell faster. The Forbes article (https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/does-solar-increase-home-value/) cites the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study that estimates that each dollar saved on electricity bills through solar panel usage correlates with a $20 increase in a home’s value. The article also cites a study from Zillow (https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/) that indicates that homes with solar panels increase their value by around 4% more than those without them.
- Texas law provides a property tax exemption that prevents property taxes from increasing due to the added value of a solar or wind-powered energy device. This exemption applies to both residential and commercial installations. The exemption is for 100% of the appraised value increase attributed to the solar system (https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/173 )
6. Environmentally Friendly
- Solar power is renewable and clean—no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. Studies show that solar power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13% in 2030 and 18% in 2050, which translates to billions of dollars in reduced climate damages. Additionally, solar power can reduce water use by power plants and prevent premature deaths from air pollution.
- Per SEIA, more than a third of U.S. green house gases emissions result from the burning of fossil fuels for electricity usage in buildings and homes. Solar energy produces clean, emissions-free electricity and can feed this electricity directly into the homes and the U.S. electric grid. The cumulative installed U.S solar electric capacity is enough to power more than 36 million average American homes, and offset more than 222 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Here are some additional data from scientific research published in 2024 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949790624001654)
- • United States wind and solar power cut CO2 emissions by 900 million metric tons from 2019–2022
- • This wind and solar power cut SO2 and NOx emissions by 1 million metric tons
- • These emission reductions provided $249 billion of climate and health benefits
- • The average 2022 climate and health benefits from the solar adoption were $100/MWh.
7. Solar Reduces our Reliance on Foreign Oil Imports
- Every watt of solar electricity produced has the potential to reduce foreign oil imports, aiding our Energy Independence.
- In 2024, the United States imported over 2.3 billion barrels of crude oil (https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/)
- To produce 1 megawatt-hour (MWh), which is 1000 kWh, one needs roughly 80 gallons of petroleum liquids.
- Per SEIA reporting, in 2024, the U.S. generated 303,167 GWh of Solar electricity. This was a 27% increase compared to 2023. (https://seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight/)
- Thus, we were able to offset about 0.57 billion barrels or about 20% of foreign oil imports!
8. Scalability & Flexibility
- You can start small and add more panels and batteries in multiple steps.
- Solar works for homes, businesses, and even remote locations with no access to the grid.
