Solar cabins continue to grow in popularity in the United States as well as abroad. Solar power appeals to more than just those concerned about protecting the environment. Keep reading to discover some of the top benefits of using solar energy to power your log cabin home.

solar cabin energy

Reduce or Eliminate Your Energy Bills
The number one reason that people want solar cabins is to slash their energy bills. Some want to live completely off the grid while others are looking to supplement an existing energy source. Depending on where you live and the size of the cabin, these savings could be substantial. Electric rates will more than likely rise, while the sun’s energy will always be free. According to NASA, the sun has about 5,000,000,000 years to go. That should cover the life of your solar cabin!

Generate Income
It is possible for solar cabins to generate more energy than needed. The owner can sell excess electricity to the utility company. It could work something like this: On sunny days, the panels supply all of a household’s electricity needs and maybe even charge a hybrid car’s battery too. Once these basics are covered, the rooftop-generated power feeds into the stationary battery until it’s full – primed for nighttime energy demand and cloudy days. Then, when the battery is topped off, the unit’s digital control system automatically redirects any excess energy into the power grid, for which the owner will be compensated by the local grid operator.

So not only are you saving money, you could actually make money every month. A homeowner earns one Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) for every 1000 kilowatt-hours (kWhs) produced by their solar panel system. Value is determined by market supply and demand.

Earn Tax Credits and Rebates
The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is currently 26%. Homeowners can use the credit when they purchase solar systems and have them installed on their cabins. The ITC is based on the amount of solar property investment and is a dollar-for-dollar reduction for the homeowner’s personal income taxes. The ITC can be used for residential as well as commercial properties. The residential credit drops to 22% in 2021 and to 0% after 2021. The commercial credit drops to a permanent 10% after 2021. Your state or municipality may offer additional incentives.

Help the Environment
Solar cabins use clean, pure energy from the sun. This is in sharp contrast to fossil fuel energy sources, such as gas or coal, which contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is renewable and its use leads to a reduction in a solar cabin owners’ carbon footprint. Solar doesn’t contribute to air pollution like fossil fuels. Even electric power puts a strain on the environment because it is powered by water. The average American home produces 14,920 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. By installing solar panels, you can reduce your carbon footprint by more than 3,000 pounds annually. As an added bonus, overall public health is improved by reducing water and air pollution.