Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy
Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy
Before you decide to jump into converting your home or other domicile to solar energy you should first be prepared to undertake some research. Solar power is not for everyone, and you need to fully understand the pros and cons of solar energy before making a decision.
Let’s look on the bright side and examine the pros of solar energy:
• Solar power is clean and renewable, making it a better choice for those who want a sustainable planet
• No noise is created with solar power, unlike wind power, hydro and coal-fired electric plants
• It reduces greenhouse gas and cuts down on acid rain and air pollution
• While the upfront cost is significant, once you have recovered that cost over several years all electricity after that point is completely free
• Solar power can be set up in remote locations where conventional energy would be too expensive to bring in
• You can actually build up a credit with your electric company so you can have free electricity even when your solar panel is not generating energy (this is known as net metering)
• Solar power system require virtually no maintenance, and can last for decades
• The amount you pay for a solar panel system set-up can be reduced through government programs like tax credits, grants, rebates and financing
• Solar energy systems are portable and adaptable, so you can move them or increase the size when needed
• Setting up solar energy for your home can raise the resale value significantly
• Solar power is not influenced by market conditions, natural disasters or global conflict, so the cost doesn’t fluctuate
And now for some drawbacks:
• High initial cost, making solar energy less price-competitive when compared to non-renewable (coal-fired) electricity
• Large area required for solar panels
• Pollution is created in the manufacturing and shipping of solar panels
• Need for a fair amount of sunlight to create enough energy
• Energy is only produced on bright days, and must be stored in batteries if the homeowner wants a reliable and consistent energy source, or they need to remain tied into their regular utility-company electric feed
• Installation of solar panels may be restricted by local bylaws
• In heavily polluted areas the amount of energy created by the sun will be reduced
The primary drawback for most people who are considering solar energy is the cost to get started, however because you can keep adding batteries and panels to the system it is fairly easy to start small and begin building up until you are creating enough energy to power you whole home. This method will also allow time for technology to catch up with the demand, and the prices of new solar panels will start to get more economical over the next few years. Starting small is a good way to find out if solar power will work for you in the long run, and will let you weigh the pros and cons of solar power as your main power source.
