Those looking to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and earn tax credits can invest in solar power to achieve all three goals in one home improvement project. However, there are many other reasons to invest in solar energy panels. The ability to harness the sun to power your home is attractive in its own right, but with so many different advantages to going with a renewable energy resource, it's difficult to find a reason not to.

Below are three more benefits of going solar:

Energy independence - According to Energy Informative, the United States relied on net imports for about 40 percent of the petroleum used in 2012. This increases the nation's reliance on foreign powers to provide electricity to its citizens, and with the President recently vetoing the Keystone pipeline plan, that reliance won't end in the near future. This makes renewable energy — such as solar, wind and biomass power generation — the optimal path forward for the country as a whole. Individual homeowners can do their part in supporting this movement by investing in solar panels for their homes and feeding solar-generated power back into the grid.

Immediate savings - The thousands that one saves on electricity from going solar don't just occur over time, there are immediate savings as well. "Pay-as-you-go" and leasing agreements provide homeowners who can't afford to purchase panels outright with a way to install them and immediately reduce their monthly bills, paying less on financing than their average electricity bill.

Increased home value - Installing solar panels for your home is one of the only ways to increase your home's value without also increasing property taxes. This is a great way to raise your potential selling price without having to pay more immediately, unlike kitchen renovations and pools. In fact, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory reports that homes with solar panels installed sell 20 percent faster, and for 17 percent more, than homes without.

Determining the true value of solar for your individual home varies based on many factors, but ultimately, it will provide significant savings and growth over time to ensure lower both a cost of living and higher quality of it. Don't miss out on these benefits because of uncertainty. Contact SolarMax Technology today for more information on how solar panels can save you money, increase your home's value and help you contribute to the strengthening of the nation's energy reserves.

SolarMax offers purchasing and leasing options for homeowners throughout California, to help you go solar regardless of what your budget is.

To receive a free solar consultation, click HERE.