Renewable energy is becoming more widely used every year, and 21.4% of the electricity generated in the US in 2023 came from renewable resources.
People are constantly looking for ways to make their homes more sustainable, and solar energy is one of the most popular solutions. More people are adding solar panels to their homes so they can generate electricity without relying on fossil fuels.
One of the challenges some homeowners face is installing them. A potential solution to this is to install a pergola with solar panels on your property.
Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of installing a pergola with solar panels.
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Generate Renewable Energy
The first (and most obvious) benefit of installing a pergola with solar panels is it will give you access to renewable energy. This wasn’t entirely viable in the past as older solar cells were quite inefficient. With the technology constantly improving, however, modern solar cells are a lot more suitable.
Depending on how much space you have available, you could have a fairly large pergola with several solar panels. When installing a solar energy system, you can get a solar battery that will hold excess power. You can then use this during the evening after the sun sets.
Depending on the efficiency of your system, you may generate even more energy than you need or can store. In this case, it can be sold back to the grid.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
People are always looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s clear we’re having quite a significant impact on the environment, and going solar can be a great way to minimize your contribution.
There are other types of renewable energy available such as wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. Solar energy is one of the most efficient solutions, and it’s almost always the most viable for a home installation.
Of all the ways you can reduce your carbon footprint, moving to solar is one of the most effective and sustainable. For many people, the environmental benefits alone are enough reason to install a solar energy system on their property.
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Save Money in the Long Run
Installing both a pergola and a solar energy system will come at a cost, and this is what prevents many people from taking action. Despite this fact, it’s typically a very cost-effective decision in the long run.
This is because the solar energy you generate will reduce your monthly energy bills. You’ll save money every month, and after a time, you’ll have made the money back that the installation costs. You can then continue to enjoy the savings knowing you’ve made the right choice.
It’s important to get your solar installation from a reliable company. Consider things like the cost, company reputation, and warranties to ensure you get a system that will last. You can go to Blue Raven Solar, for example, and discuss their solutions with them.
It’s worth noting while many people opt to have solar panels on their roofs, a pergola can actually be a cheaper option. This is even more likely to be the case if you’re simply putting solar panels on an existing pergola rather than having a new one installed. Consider consulting with experienced roofers to assess the feasibility of installing solar panels on your existing structure.
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Increase Property Value
One thing that’s true for all homeowners is they want their property to increase in value. Various factors can influence house prices. Some of these are out of your control, so it can be a good idea to capitalize where possible.
There are all kinds of upgrades you can make to your home, and adding a pergola with solar panels is a great example. It enhances the outdoor space of the property and provides a source of renewable energy.
This can be very appealing to buyers, so if you decide to sell your home you should be able to get a better price. Sustainability is more important to younger generations, and they’re starting to make up more of the market, so this can have an even larger impact.
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Weather Resistance
Both pergolas and solar panels are designed to be weather-resistant, making them ideal for your backyard. The climate can change a lot across the US, but if your installation is done by a reliable company, you shouldn’t have too many issues.
It will be able to stand up to wind, snow, and rain conformably. Solar panels will only generate electricity when the sun is out, but they have waterproof casing to protect them from poor conditions.
While a pergola with solar panels can be quite durable, Mother Nature can also be very powerful. Extreme weather such as hurricanes and tornados could be an issue just as they’re likely to be to the rest of your home.
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Less Reliance on the Grid
The majority of people rely on the grid for all of their electricity. Most of the time, this suits them fine, but blackouts can be highly inconvenient.
If you have a solar energy system, your home can still receive power even if the grid goes down. This means you can keep everything in your home running at all times.
For example, the fridge and freezer won’t turn off so you won’t be at risk of all of your food going bad. Some people rely on medical devices in their homes which require constant power, so being able to use solar energy can be very important here.
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Minimal Maintenance Required
It’s important to note that photovoltaic cells become less efficient with time, so they won’t last forever. They generally have a useful lifespan of about 20-25 years if they’re properly maintained.
Thankfully, maintenance is very simple. All you need to do is keep them clean so they can get as much sunlight as possible. You can simply rinse them with a hose every now and then to prevent a buildup of dirt and they’ll keep functioning properly.
Getting a Pergola With Solar Panels
A pergola with solar panels can be a great addition to your home and can generate renewable energy to reduce your carbon footprint. It can help you save money, increase the value of your property, and reduce your reliance on the grid.
For more lifestyle articles, take a look at some of our other blog posts.
