Solar is the most abundant energy source on Earth, with solar energy systems helping millions reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. But solar offers benefits beyond the well-known environmental advantages, too—and some may surprise you!

Whether you’re a homeowner or business considering going the solar route, advancements in technology continue to make solar systems an attractive option. Building off our blog post on why you should consider solar in Manitoba, we’ve compiled five surprising benefits of solar energy:

1.     Cost savings

Yes, there are up-front costs associated with installing solar products, but the long-term savings are significant. By harnessing the power of the sun, homeowners and businesses can drastically reduce their electricity bills for years to come. You will also have an unlimited energy source with no hidden fees, protecting you from fluctuating energy costs.

As an added bonus, government incentives and tax credits can help offset initial installation costs and make solar energy a more affordable option. As a starting point, check out Efficiency Manitoba’s solar rebate program for homes and businesses.

2.     Job creation

Solar is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. According to the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage sector grew by 11.2 per cent in 2023.

With the booming solar industry comes a related increase in job creation—not only for family-run operations like Vibes Energy, but also on the development side of the technology. CERA reported that in 2023, Canada’s wind and solar industries accounted for more than 4,950 person-years of employment!

As the demand for solar energy continues to rise, so will the employment opportunities and subsequent boost to the economy. Clean Energy Canada estimates the country will see 700,000 more energy jobs in 2050 than exist today if Canada (and the world) reaches net zero.

3.     Increased home value

Installing a solar energy system will likely increase your home’s value over time. Since these systems are considered upgrades that offer additional value by way of electricity savings, homeowners are more likely to pay a premium for a solar-powered home.

While the exact numbers vary based on location, one U.S. study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory showed that, on average, solar increased the value of a home by about $15,000. According to Zillow, U.S. homes with solar panels sold for 4.1 per cent more on average than comparable homes without solar power.

4.   Flexible installation and low maintenance

The beauty of solar energy systems is their flexibility and adaptability in different spaces. Once installed, they offer a low-maintenance solution for homes and businesses. Plus, if your roof ever needs maintenance (i.e., shingle replacement), panels can be easily removed and reinstalled. 

(Remember to check the panels regularly to ensure they are clean and free from debris like dirt and leaves!)

Our solar panels are covered under a 25-year warranty. Inverter warranties start at 10 years, with the possibility to purchase more. If you have any questions about our products or warranty, please get in touch with our team.

5.     No noise pollution

If you’re not familiar with noise pollution, we love this definition from National Geographic: “Noise pollution is considered to be any unwanted or distributing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organizations.” Solar energy systems do not contribute to noise pollution, adding another item to their growing list of benefits!

Bonus benefit: Clean, reliable energy source

OK, OK, this is tied into the environmental benefits piece. But hear us out! Solar panels generate a decentralized, reliable source of electricity.

That means if there is a power disruption, you can still keep the lights on because you’re generating your own power—especially if your system is supplemented with a solar battery system that can help you stay illuminated despite the weather and/or time of day. It also takes some strain off the grid and reduces the risk of overloads and power outages.

By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also realize additional benefits like cost savings over time, a boost to the economy via job creation, increased home value, overall low maintenance and a decrease in noise pollution.

For a no-pressure quote on solar energy systems in Manitoba, please reach out to the experienced Vibes Energy team.