Using renewable solar power to generate electricity is good for the environment. At the same time, it’s got a lot of practical advantages. Most people know they can lower your utility bill by as much as hundreds of dollars per month. But this isn’t the sole extent of their goodness. Here are 7 more reasons to love solar power.

1. They’ve Got Curb Appeal. Solar panels make your home more attractive to potential home buyers. Because they offset an average of 15% of electricity usage, they give the solar-ready home a distinct advantage in terms of long-term energy use.
2. They Lower Your Water Bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, taking advantage of solar heating will drop your water-heating bill an average of 50 to 80 percent. In addition, you’ll be protected from fuel shortages and price hikes.
3. They’re Low Maintenance. Because they have no moving parts, solar panels are easy to maintain. Maintenance can occur as sporadically as once a year and consist of a simple spraying with a hose.
4. They Make ‘Em Clean. Solar devices are made with a less polluting manufacturing process. According to the report, “Emissions from Photovoltaic Life Cycles,” solar cell air pollutants are 90 percent less than those resulting from fossil fuel technologies. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, PV modules produce far more energy during their lifespan than they consume being made.
5. They Come with a Night-Life. Most people think solar technology is useless once the sun goes down, but this isn’t the case. Solar energy can be converted and stored in batteries, where LED lights retrieve their power. Also, grid-tied solar panels work in conjunction with your home’s power system at all hours of the day.
6. They work in cold weather. Because generating solar power depends on light, not heat, they can even work on snow-covered roofs and are built to withstand harsh weather. According to the experts, there’s enough light in every region of the U.S. to support solar panels.
7. Solar technology can be very low key. Passive solar heating requires no mechanical or electrical devices. Instead, it depends on building structure, making your walls, floors, and overall home design work for you.