The cost of energy is continually going up. You've found some wonderful Atlanta homes for sale, but once you move in, will you be able to afford the energy bills? It might be a good idea to invest in solar panels. Some people are hesitant to take the plunge, but it's one of the best decisions you can make for your home. They can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and more. Here are a few of the benefits of going solar in 2023.

• Energy Savings. This is the most important reason to go solar. With solar panels providing your electricity, your energy bills go way down. On average, American homeowners with solar panels save about $1,500 per year on their energy bills. And with energy costs on the rise, your savings will only increase.
  
  
• Energy Independence. Depending on how many panels you install and how you use them, you can eliminate your reliance on grid power. Your energy bills will drop to zero, and you're covered even during power outages. By supplementing your solar panels with solar batteries, you can store any extra energy you collect at night, on cloudy days, or any other time that's not conducive to catching sunlight.
  
  
• Longevity. The biggest hindrance to getting solar panels for most people is the cost. It can be expensive, but it's a worthwhile investment. Solar panels can pay for themselves in as little as six years—and rarely more than 10. But the panels will typically last you at least 20 years. They're also designed to remain efficient with almost no maintenance. Some are even self-cleaning!
  
  
• Tax Credits. Your solar panels will pay for themselves even faster if you take advantage of the federal tax credits. To incentivize clean and renewable energy, the federal government offers a 22% tax credit on all solar panels placed in service in your home before the end of 2023. That includes the cost of both purchase and installation, so whatever you pay to put the system in, you can take that 22% directly off your next tax bill.
  
  
• Extra Money. Not only can you save money with your solar panels, but you can also make some money. If you generate more electricity than you need, some power companies will let you sell that extra energy back to the grid. You can either get a check or have the amount applied as a credit to a future energy bill if, during another month, you don't generate as much. To qualify for this, you'll need to apply with your power company, and of course, you'll need to stay connected to the grid.
  
  
• Increased Home Value. Once you've bought your new home, an energy upgrade can increase its value significantly. It's estimated that every dollar off your energy bill increases your home's value by $20. Also, homes with solar panels, on average, have a resale value 4% higher than homes without them.
  
  
• Technology Is Improving. Every year, solar panels get more efficient and able to generate more power than the same size panel could just a couple of years before. Not only that, but the upfront costs are decreasing. So essentially, there's never been a better time to go solar than right now.

If you don't want to go through the hassle of installing solar panels, you could look for a home that already has them. Our real estate agents can help you on that front. Contact us to find the home that's right for you and can meet your energy needs.