Do Solar Panels Really Help You Save Money?

 You probably already know that solar panels and other green energy initiatives can help save the environment. We desperately need to find clean, renewable energy sources to combat the effects of climate change. The over-use of fossil fuels has led to longer droughts, destroyed ecosystems, shorter growing seasons, extinct species of plants and animals, and more.

However, home solar systems aren't cheap. So the question we need to answer is, are solar installations worth it? Do you really save money with solar panels?

We're here to provide some answers. Keep reading for everything you need to know about solar panel costs and savings.

Energy Savings

First, let's take a look at your energy bill. The average American pays $115 a month.

When you outfit your home with a solar system, you can eliminate this bill. In other words, you can save about $1,400 a year.

On the low end, a whole home solar system will cost $15,000. Based on these numbers, you can pay off your solar system in a decade with your energy savings alone.

Tax Savings

If you're wondering, "Do solar panels save you money on your taxes?" the answer is yes. Throughout 2022, you can get up to 26% of your solar costs back through tax credits. Using the example above ($15,000), you would get almost $4,000 back.

This would reduce your total costs to just $11,000, making it even easier to pay off your total expense. Some states also offer property tax exemptions. You won't be penalized on your property taxes by adding value to your home through solar system installations.

Check out https://blueravensolar.com/texas/top-solar-panel-installer-in-el-paso/ to find more answers to "How much money do solar panels save?"

SRECs and Net Metering

Aside from your solar panel utility bill reduction, you can actually earn money with home solar systems. For example, most states offer net metering programs where you stay connected to the power grid.

When you create more energy than you use, you can sell it to the power company in exchange for credits. You can cash in on these credits to get free electricity from the power company during periods of low sunlight.

There are also SREC programs that pay homeowners based on how many megawatt-hours of energy they produce each year. You're not going to make thousands of dollars through this program, but you will get free money just for going solar.

Home Equity

Finally, if you're asking, "Do solar panels save you money?" consider what a solar system will do for your home equity. Home solar systems can increase property values by as much as 4.1%.

If your home is worth $350,000, adding solar panels could increase that figure to $364,350. If you're not planning on selling your home anytime soon, you can use that positive equity to take out a HELOC, pay off debt, and more.

Are You Still Asking, "Do Solar Panels Save You Money?"

There are multiple ways in which the answer to "Do solar panels save you money?" is yes. What solar panel incentives have got you excited? Contact your local solar company to learn more about the incentives specific to your hometown.

And if you're looking for more ways to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or live a better life, we've got you covered. Feel free to explore the rest of our blog to find more insightful articles.

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SARODA Solar Power Bank Review, The Solar Phone Charger I Bought

It's exactly two weeks I bought this Solar Power Bank which also works as a solar phone charger and light. I decided to write this review about the device now because I wanted to test it and confirm how it works.

The name of the solar device is actually Saroda Solar Power Kit. It is a multipurpose rechargeable device that serves as a power bank, a phone charger, camera charger, a touch light and room LED bulb controller.

This smart electrical device will be suitable for some developing countries where there is no steady power supply so we need to harness the free natural energy from the sun to charge our phones. Technology is fast exploding to something else and it's for our own benefit.

The device is different from other Solar phone charger because it supports dual charging technology. I mean, you can charge it via the sun ☀ or via electricity so if there is no sunshine, you still have the option to charge it with Power supply from PHCN or with your Generator.

Note: this device is not like the MTN Lumos solar power kit that you need to recharge every month just as you pay for PHCN bills, it's yellow in color. Once you buy this device, it's totally yours and no more payments.

The device also have an 8000mAh battery backup hence, it's called a power bank. You can charge it during the day and use it at night to charge your phone. In this post, I will reveal my whole experience with it, the advantages and disadvantages of the device, the price and if it's advisable to have it or not.

USER INFORMATION
This Solar Power Kit is made in China and it's well designed and light-duty. I always turn off the switch when I am not using the device either as a charger or touch light. This helps to save and prolong the power consumption and extend usage time.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
✔ SIZE: 160(l) X 30(w) X 110(h)mm
✔️ Lead acid battery: 4V, 8000mAh
✔️ Adapter charging: 5V 1000mAh
✔️ DC Solar input charging: 6V solar panel.
✔️ USB output discharging: DC 5V, 1000mAh
✔️ Output discharging: DC 6V
✔️ Operating Temperature: 0-50°c
✔️ Electricity Charging time: AC 110-240V, 50/60Hz: 8hrs
✔️ DC Solar Panel charging time under available sunlight: 8 - 10hrs
✔️ Operating Time:
👉 front light (high) 59hrs
👉 1 LED bulb: 65hrs
👉 2 LED bulbs: 35hrs
👉 Front light (high) + 2LED bulbs: 21hrs

ITEMS INSIDE THE CARTON
There are several items you will find inside the pack when you buy this device, I have listed them below.
✔️ 6V, 5W solar panel
✔️ 5 in 1 USB charging cable
✔️ Two High intensity LED bulbs with long 5 meters of wire and individual switches
✔️ DC adapter for charging the phone from PHCN power (national grid) or from your power generator.
✔️ The power bank itself which is an 8000mAh multipurpose battery.

IMPORTANT USAGE INFORMATION (CAUTION ⚠)
Before using thia device for the first time, ensure you go through this cautions for your own good and for those around you and also for optimal performance.

1. The charge indicator will be green when it's being charged, the working indicator will be green when the switch turns on, the battery indicator will turn green to red when low battery and please charge it in time in this case.

2. It is normal that the product might be heated when charging or discharging.

3. The charging time shall not exceed 24 hours

4. Don't use it while charging otherwise it may damage the components inside

5. For safety sake, please take away from children, physical disable of mentally disordered people

6. Keep it away from fire or overheat, otherwise it may cause explosion

7. Keep it away from water or moisture since it is not water-proof

8. Do not demolish or assemble it by yourself unless you are a qualified technician.

9. Avoid direct eye exposure to LED lighting when in use (children should use this product under guidance of adults).

10. Charge it once every 2 - 3 months

11. Please use it properly according to instructions. The makers say they are not responsible for any improper usage or man-made damage.

MY TWO WEEKS EXPERIENCE USING THIS DEVICE
It is a great device especially if you are using a phone with battery capacity not bigger than 4000mAh. But those using phones with monster battery capacity should not expect this solar power bank to fully charge your phone to 100% with the stored energy.

For instance, it only charges my Gionee M6 which uses 5000mAh Battery from 0-67% but when i used it with other phones with lower battery, it gave it full charge.

Also for your phone to charge faster, don't operate the phone while it's charging otherwise it may take longer time to charge.

However, if you are using the lighting features of this device, wow! It will last you up to 4 days of uninterrupted lightning.

In summary, it's a decent device that will be useful to someone that don't usually have steady power supply but the same time want his or her mobile phone to be online 24/7.

Please pardon me for the low image quality. My camera is faulty so I used one poor camera like that for taking the pictures.

AVAILABILITY, PRICE AND WHERE TO BUY
The Saroda Solar Power Bank and kits is available In China, India, Nigeria for now. These are the regions I'm sure of. It could be available somewhere else though. The official price for the original Saroda Solar Power Kit is just N10,000 and if you are interested, you can contact me on whatsapp via this number 0.8.0.62276490. It is also available in some top online stores like Jumia, Konga, Payporte, Yudala, etc at cheaper price. Is it the best solar phone charger?

SEE ALSO: Meet World's First Solar Panel Expressway

When you get me, please go straight to the point and state your location. Thanks.

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El-Rufai Inaugurates Solar Power Assembly Plant In Kaduna

Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has inaugurated Blue Camel Renewable Solar Power Assembly Plant and Renewable Energy Training Academy in Kaduna.

The governor said at the launch in Kaduna that the plant was important to the Kaduna State Government “because we believe that renewable energy and solar energy were the future of the developing world.

“The world today has become mobile, personal, decentralised and aggregated with the rapid drop in components required to make solar energy.”

The governor said that with the present development, every home could generate it’s own electricity, adding that it was one of the reasons why solar project was important to the state and to Nigeria as a whole.

He explained that “today, we laid the foundation for the democratisation of electric energy to every home and every school in Kaduna State.”

According to him, solar energy is the future of electricity supply, it is cost effective and easier to ensure that every home gets supply.

“It is possible and we are going to show that it is possible in Kaduna State because Blue Camel will not only energise street lights but also schools and primary health centres,” he added.

The Managing Director and Founder of Blue Camel, Mr Yusuf Suleiman, said the power assembly plant and training academy was initiated and completed within eight months.

Suleiman said the rapid completion of the project was achieved due to support of the Kaduna State Government, which provided the company with land within 24 hours of request.

According to him, the project has the capacity to assemble over 10,000 units of different solar products in a year and train over 3,000 youths in different renewable energy entrepreneurship skills.

He said that the company was ready to lead in solving energy related problems across different sectors of the economy.

He revealed that so far, the company had invested over one million dollars and would be investing another five million dollars within 24 months to ensure the delivery of solar generated power to factories.

He added that the development of the projects would help and also impact on Federal Government’s economic recovery and growth, especially in areas of skills and capacity development technology transfer, entrepreneurship and job creation.

The managing director said the project was proof that the private sector was willing to invest if given enough support by government.

He called on agencies and the Ministry of Power to match it’s drive of incremental power with policies that would encourage local content investment.

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