Did you know that if the sun’s energy was harnessed for one hour it could cover the world’s energy requirements for a year? Undoubtedly, the sun is a powerful source of energy, and even though we can only collect part of it, harnessing this power through the installation of solar panels can have a huge impact on the globe.
As such, you may be thinking of going solar. What are the pros and cons of solar panels? Solar marketing may be biased when the First Choice Solar salesman walks up to you and persuades you to go solar. To make the right decision, however, you must be able to discern the pros and cons to make the best decision for your property.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels:
Pros of Going Solar
1. Solar Energy Can Significantly Lower or Even Eliminate Your Energy Expenditures.
It’s the most obvious benefit of going solar: when you install solar panels, you generate your own electricity. In turn, you are less dependent on electricity suppliers which can save money on your monthly electric bill. A solar panel system typically has a 25-35 year lifespan, which means that going solar will save you money on electricity for decades.
2. Solar Panels Improve the Value of Your Home
After solar panels are installed, property values rise. Even if you plan on relocating soon, your solar panel investment will be repaid in full when you sell your property. This is because there is an enhanced resale value of solar homes.
3. A Variety of Applications
Solar energy can be used in many different applications. You can generate heat or electricity using photovoltaics. You could use solar energy to generate electricity in areas where there is no connection to the grid. This way you can distill water in areas where pure water is scarce. Lastly, solar panels can be used in powering satellites in areas where there is no access to the internet.
4. Solar Reduces Carbon Emissions
Going solar yields clean, renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil, it does not result in the direct discharge of pollutants (such as carbon dioxide) into the environment or water supply. It’s even more sustainable than nuclear.
5. Low Maintenance Costs
Going solar does not necessitate a lot of upkeep. You only need to keep them clean regularly, so cleaning them a couple of times a year would suffice. If in doubt, you can always rely on professional cleaning agencies, which charge between £25 and £35 for this service.
6. Solar Can Pay You Money While You’re Earning Back Your Investment
Solar panels can make you money in addition to saving you money on your bills, thanks to several great solar incentives in the United States. Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) and net metering are two major benefits of solar energy that allow you to earn bill credits (or even money) while your system generates electricity.
Cons of Going Solar
1. High Initial Cost
The cost of purchasing a solar system is relatively expensive at first. This is because of the cost of batteries, inverters, solar panels, wiring, and installation. Nonetheless, because solar technology is continually improving, it’s realistic to predict that prices will continue to fall in the future.
2. Weather-Dependent
Although solar energy can be collected during rainy and cloudy days, the solar system’s efficiency is reduced. The panels have to be directly exposed to the sun to harness solar energy. As a result, a couple of rainy days can have a significant impact on the energy system. It’s also important to remember that solar energy cannot be collected at night.
3. Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive
Solar energy can either be used immediately or stored in big batteries. These solar batteries, which are utilized in off-grid solar systems, can be charged during the day and used at night. This is an excellent method for utilizing solar energy throughout the day, but it is also extremely costly.
4. Pannels Occupy a Lot of Space
You’ll need many solar panels if you want to generate a lot of electricity because you want to collect as much sunlight as possible. Solar PV panels take up a lot of space, and some roofs aren’t big enough to accommodate the number of panels you want.
5. Solar panels don’t work for every type of roof
Mounting or racking systems are used to install rooftop solar panels. Certain roofing materials, such as slate or cedar tiles, might be difficult for solar technicians to deal with, posing a barrier to solar power adoption. Skylights and other rooftop extensions such as roof decks are also common in residences and apartment buildings, making the installation process difficult as well.
Are solar panels worth it? In our opinion, they are undoubtedly worth the buy. Contact us for more information!
