The benefits of using solar energy are numerous and far reaching.  Here are just some of the most significant ones:

• Solar is one of the most benign forms of energy generation.
• Solar electric (PV or photovoltaic) systems produce no harmful emissions.
• On average, each kW of installed solar electric capacity offsets up to 2.5 tons of CO2!
• Most solar PV systems require very little maintenance and are extremely reliable.
• The quality of electricity generated by a solar PV system is better that what you are getting off the grid.*
• Most solar PV systems have a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years (most modules are warranted by their manufacturer for 20 to 25 years*).
• Most of today's grid-tie solar systems do not use batteries for storage of electricity; they simply feed any surplus electricity being generated back into the grid, causing your electric meter to run backwards!
• The "distributed" nature of solar energy systems (compared to the centralized generation of energy from large power plants) reduces stress on the electrical grid, particularly in high-growth areas, or areas where the grid infrastructure is outdated and at or approaching capacity.
• By helping reduce the stress on the electrical grid, solar energy systems reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. The cost of these upgrades has not been factored into most utilities' retail price of electricity, but consumers can expect to have these costs passed on to them when the time comes to upgrade.
• The productivity of most solar energy systems tends to coincide with "peak demand" hours, when electricity is most expensive.
• Widespread application of solar PV systems has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for "peaker" plants. These are power plants (typically natural gas powered) which are activated only when demand for electricity exceeds a certain threshold.