A new study shows that small, plug-in solar systems could be the future of energy in the United States.
The study by nonprofit Bright Saver, as reported on by Fox40, shows how these systems have already been adopted by more than 4 million homes in Europe. Because they don't require rooftop panels to be installed, they can be used by those who live in apartments or rent their homes.
Solar is one of the world's cleanest forms of energy, and it can reduce your reliance on dirty, pollution-causing fuels while also lowering monthly energy bills.
But for others who can't install panels on their roof, plug-in systems could be an easy, affordable alternative. In order for that to happen, the study argues, American policymakers need to remove hurdles and restrictions and make it simple to purchase these systems.
"We are at a decisive inflection point for energy affordability in this country," study author Cora Stryker said in a release. "Millions of Americans will adopt it within the next few years because they'll no longer see it as a long-term investment but rather a cost-saving appliance that will pay for itself as fast as an energy-efficient refrigerator or LED lighting."
Solar energy can totally transform your electricity bills, bringing them down in some cases to nearly $0 a month. For people who want to get started with installing rooftop panels, check out TCD's Solar Explorer to get competitive estimates and compare quotes.
The Solar Explorer helps homeowners save up to $10,000 on their solar purchase and installation. And if you want rooftop panels without the upfront cost, consider leasing options available through the Explorer, like Palmetto's LightReach program.
By leasing panels through LightReach, you get all of the environmental benefits of choosing clean, solar energy, plus locked-in low rates, all with no money down. But if you've decided to buy a system outright, another Explorer partner, EnergySage, provides free resources on getting quotes and snagging incentives.
No matter how you get your solar energy, you can maximize the environmental and financial benefits of it by pairing solar with electric appliances. A heat pump, for example, can transform your home's heating and cooling by making it more energy-efficient — and our HVAC Explorer makes it easy to find the right system and installer for your home and budget.
Finally, if you're trying to maximize the amount of cash you want to save on home energy, consider checking out the free Palmetto Home app, which can help you unlock nearly $5,000 in rewards for actions you'd take anyways.
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If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
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