Solar Energy The Good And The Bad

Solar energy can be the most effective way to reduce carbon footprints. It is an alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is clean energy, but it is not always a suitable option. Installing solar panels at your home has inherent advantages. However, there are a few drawbacks as well. In this article, we will discuss all the pros and cons of solar energy.

Advantages Of Solar Energy

There are numerous advantages of installing solar energy at home. Let us look at some of the pros.

Sustainable Energy

Solar energy is a workable option to fossil fuel. With the growing demands of energy, fossil fuels are fast running out. We have to look for an alternative, and what better alternative can be there than solar energy?

With the sun always around, we can tap the energy for our use. In addition, it is clean energy that does not hurt the environment.

Independent Of Resource

Fossil fuel needs an extraction and refinement process before use. Solar energy is produced all across the globe, with the only requirement being the sun. Fossil fuels have limited sources, and other countries have to depend on imports at a high cost. Solar energy can be produced by all countries independently.

People install solar panels at homes for various purposes. It can be for lighting and powering heating appliances as it eliminates connecting to a power grid for electricity.

Solar Energy Can Reduce Electricity Bills 

Installing solar panels at your home gives you the ability to be less dependent on commercial electricity. Making the correct use of solar power can save you a lot on electricity bills. 

A solar panel has a lifespan of a minimum of 25 years. The initial installation will cost you, but it will be in use for many years. The savings can be huge when calculated for a term of twenty years.

Insures You Against Rising Power Costs

We all are aware electricity is becoming expensive day by day. There has been a considerable rise in prices over the past decade and will continue to rise. Solar panels can resolve this issue by lowering your direct consumption.

Producing your energy will not only help the environment but also cut down electricity bills. Using a single appliance on solar power can reduce your electricity bill by 5% to 13%.

Get Solar Renewable Credits

Solar energy can also earn you some money. Net metering allows you to earn by selling power that you generate with your solar panels. In addition, you can also get renewable solar credits for adopting environmentally friendly norms.

The money earned out of renewable solar credits and net metering will get you a good profit. It will compensate for the cost of your solar panels as well as save you a good amount.

Disadvantages Of Solar Energy

Even when solar energy has numerous advantages, it is not perfect. Here are some cons you must look into before deciding on the installation of solar panels.

Irregular Source Of Energy

The sun does not shine at night. The intensity of the sun varies at different locations, and weather can have a significant impact. These three reasons make solar energy an intermittent source.

Solar energy cannot be relied on for primary operations and can only be from secondary sources. Although we will have efficient solar batteries in the future, it has its limitations.

High Upfront Expenditure 

One of the most significant drawbacks of solar energy is the high upfront cost. The average price comes out to be $2.85 per watt. Although, the actual cost will differ across states. The cost is high before you get any federal tax credit.

A better alternative is to go for solar financing options, which give zero-down loans on solar energy. It helps you to save money and get the benefits of solar power.

Solar Panels Have Environmental Impact

The power generated by solar panels is environmentally friendly, but manufacturing does emit pollutants. Some of these pollutants are potentially hazardous, like carbon dioxide and Sulphur hexafluoride.

If we compare the damage caused by fossil fuels, it is minimal. Opting for solar power remains a better alternative than fossil fuel.

Space Management

Solar panels have low power density and need adequate area for power generation. To meet the energy needs, solar panels require installation space. The roof will have enough room for residential installation, but large grid installation can be complex. 

Compared to a coal power plant, you need large solar panels to generate the same amount of energy. Barring commercial use, the installation of solar panels on your house roof is a good alternative.

Solar Panels Cannot Be Transported 

Solar panels are not a great deal if you have to move often. Transportation and uninstallation lead to breakages and are not suitable. 

The net metering of solar panels is to the house. Even if you are looking to sell your house, solar panels may not recover the installation cost. Get a solar installation if you know you will not be moving from your home soon.

Conclusion

Green energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Installing solar panels is an excellent option to cut down on electricity bills. In addition, in the long-term solar energy is cost-effective as compared to power grid usage.

However, solar panels have their disadvantages. They are difficult to transport and have space management issues. In a nutshell, comparing both advantages and disadvantages, solar panels are an excellent option for house installation.