Residential renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and water heaters, small wind turbines, microhydropower systems, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, as well as biomass stoves and boilers, can be significant purchases. However, they’re worth the expense for these seven practical benefits.

1. Lowering Your Utility Bill

A solar, wind or hydropower system pays for itself by generating and storing your electricity and relying less on the grid. How much you can save depends on your equipment’s capacity. If you install a system designed to produce the power you consume yearly, and you live in a net-zero home, you’ll never pay for electricity again.

All states — except Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota, which consider net metering not beneficial to the public —- compensate you for generating surplus energy. Earning credit whenever you sell power back to the grid means more savings.

2. Heating Your Pool

Buying a solar pool heater can extend your swimming season and make nighttime dips therapeutic since warm baths are a form of hydrotherapy. It can have one or more solar collectors through which the water passes for sun-aided heating. In a hot climate, you can use your solar system to cool your pool by circulating the water at night.

3. Charging Your Electric Vehicle (EV)

Driving an EV is essential for commuting without generating air and noise pollutants. However, emission-free motoring isn’t entirely environment-friendly when your vehicle’s power comes from a dirty source.

In 2023, 60% of the utility-scale electricity generated in the United States came from fossil fuels. When you charge at home, the electricity flowing through your EV battery likely contributes to global warming. You must generate electric power using a renewable source to guarantee your emission-free vehicle runs on clean energy.

4. Promoting Self-Sufficiency

Incorporating renewables into your home design allows you to live off the grid without giving up electric appliances. Enjoying your life with one less bill to worry about can be liberating.

If you pursue homesteading, you must be able to do basic maintenance tasks to keep your equipment in good condition. Like heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, solar PV models are prone to corrosion, which can lead to deposition and biofouling. Regular cleanup is vital to preventing performance issues and premature failure.

5. Enjoying a Tax Credit

The American government encourages homeowners to go solar by subsidizing PV system upgrades through tax incentives. You can claim 30% of the cost through the Investment Tax Credit to reduce your federal tax liability. The sooner you add a solar system to your home, the higher the credit you can receive.

This financial incentive is on top of any state rebate or tax credit for which you might qualify. Claiming a state tax credit doesn’t reduce your federal tax credit. However, having less state income tax to deduct may increase your taxable income when paying federal taxes.

6. Keeping the Lights on During Outages

Losing electricity for an extended period can make your home uncomfortable and unsafe. Areas prone to extreme weather and natural disasters experience outages more frequently.

Climate change-induced droughts can drain water resources and negatively impact the production capacity of hydroelectric dams. When more facilities shut down due to low water supply, outages can affect more households.

Investing in a renewable power system helps you be more resilient to climate change. The earlier you install one, the faster you can familiarize yourself with its operation and better prepare yourself for dry spells.

7. Increasing Your Property’s Value

Sustainable home features are in vogue. Adding a renewable energy system is a surefire asset, especially for when you decide to part ways with your house, as you’ll be able to get more money when selling.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 45% of consumers are very or somewhat interested in green home features. Solar PV systems increase the perceived value of about 31% of houses, attracting higher offers from environmentally conscious buyers.

Embrace Renewables to Reap Their Sustainable Benefits

Renewable electricity doesn’t discriminate — it benefits green-minded individuals and non-eco-warriors alike. Regardless of how you feel about sustainability, using solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass sources to power your home improves your life, increases your savings and helps protect the environment.