Let’s Be Thankful to Solar Energy this Thanksgiving Day!
We celebrate Thanksgiving Day each year, but do you know where this concept comes from?
Thanksgiving days have been an important concept that has existed for centuries in Europe and North America. The origins of American Thanksgiving Day, as per history and some legends, go back to 1620, the year the Pilgrims set foot on American soil. Unaware of the local fishing, hunting, and harvest techniques, many of them couldn’t endure the harsh climate and perished—with about 50 surviving. A Native American later taught them how to cultivate corn, make soup, catch fish, and avoid poisonous plants. With the winter gone and the harvest good, William Bradford, the governor, hosted Wampanoag—a Native American tribe—in November 1621 and celebrated the bounties and blessings of the past year. These celebrations continued for three days and so a tradition was set in force that still exists—and will be there for times to come.
Unlike today, when we can be sure of the exact day and date of Thanksgiving, every state and colony had its own Thanksgiving Day back then. It was not up until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation, making Thanksgiving Day a national holiday. The underlying rationale behind making it a national day was unity—that days like Thanksgiving should be a unifying force rather than divisive. Since 1941, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, the day falls on November 26.
On Thanksgiving Day 2020, let’s pay our gratitude to solar energy. Below are some of the reasons that will underscore why should we be thankful for solar energy.
- It is clean energy
Back in the winter of 1620, it was nature—the harsh northern climate—that hurt the Pilgrims. Four hundred years later, we are still at the mercy of nature. Climate change is taking its toll on us and our lifestyles, and one of the significant reasons behind this fast-changing climate is the use of fossil fuels. If we have to survive and if we want our posterity to survive, we have to turn over a new leaf and respond to the coming changes in ways that will ensure our survival. Can we do that? Thankfully, yes, we can—and not at the cost of billions but much less than that. But how? By turning to renewable energy resources, the most cost-effective and impactful of which is solar energy.
If you decide to go solar, you not only reduce your carbon emissions, but also offset the effects of these emissions in many ways. For instance, this study says, if you install a solar energy system on your rooftop, it is akin to planting 150 trees every year. Doesn’t it call for a Thanksgiving Day? It does! Thank you, Solar Energy!
- It is free!
Another reason we should be thankful for the sun is that this energy is free—courtesy of nature. True, how to harvest it does incur a cost but that is a one-time investment and a lifetime of benefits. You do not need to drill to exploit solar energy and no one is taxing you for it. In fact, you are being incentivized for going solar. There are incentives offered by the federal and state governments which further diminishes your upfront cost.
- It is limitless!
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is the most sustainable of known renewable energy resources. If we go forward with the same pace, these fossil fuels will run out in 53 years, a study conducted by the Millennium Alliance for Humanity and the Biosphere (MAHB) predicts. So as solar energy is concerned, it is limitless, having no expiry date. We’ll see the sun rising every day. It is here and will be here a thousand years later too. Granted that there come clouds but we can be sure that in a day or two, the sun will reclaim its spotlight.
- Savings
Last but most important of all is, going solar ensures your future. How does it do so?
First of all, installing a solar system eliminates your bill altogether—if you install a system matching your demand. Even if you draw a little power from the grid, your bill is drastically reduced owing to the tiered rate structure. That is energy independence!
Secondly, solar panels are durable—and can last up to 30 years. That means that the electric bills you would pay over the next 30 years are much higher than your system’s total cost. As we said, there are incentives such as the Federal Income Tax Credit which gives the homeowners 26% back in the form of a tax credit. And maybe your state is offering rebates too.
Lastly, a solar system on your rooftop increases the value of your home by 3-4%, according to a report by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. A typical system of 5kW can add $20,000 to your home’s resale value.
But can you go solar if you lack the upfront cost? Yes, you can. Many flexible financing options facilitate you to install a solar system. If you have a decent credit score, you can go solar with as little as $0 Down Payment. If you are not willing to obtain the loan, you can switch to solar energy through lease and power purchase agreement programs. Through the latter two options, you can save 10 to 30% every month on your electricity bills. Real Savings!
Want to avail these benefits—and more? Fill in this form (hyperlink form) and one of our energy advisors will offer a customized plan to you.
And yes, a very happy Thanksgiving Day to you all! Savor the food, enjoy your drink, and save for your future with Solar Econo!
