Solar energy is one of the best sources of energy we can rely on for electricity. It’s renewable, clean, and natural. However, using it has its own advantages and disadvantages.
If you are considering going solar for your home, here are the pros and cons of solar energy you should consider.
But first, what is solar energy?
Solar energy is energy that comes from the sun. It is made up of energy particles, called photons, that are brought by the sun via heat and light to the earth’s surface. Then, it is converted into electricity through technology such as solar panels, biofuels, and solar thermal electric plants.
Since the sun will still live on to shine for billions of years, we can rely on solar energy for just as long, unlike fossil fuels. We also need not worry about running out of supply, because the sun gives off more energy than humans will ever need.
In fact, the earth receives about 430 quintillion joules of solar energy per hour. That is equivalent to the entire amount the whole world consumes in a year.
What are the pros and cons of solar energy?
Before you go solar for your home, consider the pros and cons of using solar energy.
- Sustainable energy
Solar energy is sustainable energy. The United Nations defines sustainable as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Since the sun is a limitless and renewable source of energy, it can more than sustain the needs of today’s generation without sacrificing the needs of future generations to come.
Using solar energy is also great for our health and the environment. Unlike fossil fuels and their carbon emissions, it does not make the world less habitable the more we use it. So, if you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, going solar is a great way to do it.
- More affordable
Technically speaking, the sun is available for free. We all have access to it anywhere in the world. The only thing we must spend on is the technology that will transform this free energy into electricity, such as solar panels.
Regardless, these technologies will still cost you less in the long run than the traditional electricity source we rely on. For instance, using fossil fuels as energy involves the cost of finding them, extracting them, and then bringing them to power plants. That does not include the actual costs of using them, which come in the form of monthly utility bills.
By using solar energy, you can expect to cut back on your bills.
- Upgrades property value
Using solar energy for your home not only upgrades your lifestyle–it upgrades your home’s value by as much as 4.1 percent. Since more and more people are aiming to live a greener lifestyle, they prefer living in houses with installed solar panels.
They also find houses with solar panels more attractive, as it helps them with their future savings. If you are planning to put your house up for sale, it might just sell faster with installed solar panels.
Cons of using solar energy
- Needs the sun to work
Solar panels transform the sun’s energy into electricity, but these do not store them. You must spend separately on equipment that can store excess energy captured during the daytime. Otherwise, you will have to rely on another source of power once the sun sets.
In addition, bad weather can affect how your solar panels work. On rainy days, your solar panels might not receive as much sunlight, which can reduce the panels’ performance.
- High Upfront Costs
Going solar for your home is not as simple as purchasing solar panels and installing them on the roof by yourself. First, it’s an entire system that usually comes with high upfront costs. Apart from the panels, you must spend for hardware and wiring, inverter, permits, installation service, and more.
Second, these involve high-voltage wiring only professionals should handle. One wrong move can bring damage to your home or your system.
So, if you want to use a solar system at home, you will save more in the long run. However, you must be financially prepared for it. For this reason, GreenProjects has made it easy for people to get solar power units installed in their homes or properties, financed by crowd investors who also believe in creating a greener world.
- Hard to move once installed
Many people wonder if they can bring their solar panels with them once they move houses. It is possible, but it can be difficult and costly. You will spend a lot on having the entire solar panel system uninstalled, transported, and then reinstalled to your new home.
So, it might be a better idea to get a new solar system installed in your new house.
Is it worth investing in solar energy?
Switching to solar energy for your home may come with advantages and disadvantages, however, it’s definitely worth investing in. Not only will it help you cut back on your monthly expenses, but it will also help you reduce your carbon footprint.
In addition, the future for solar energy is bright. Researchers are continuously developing better technology while lowering costs so we can finally maximize this clean and renewable energy source.
How to get started – sign up at GreenProjects
Do you want to learn more about renewable energy & using solar panel for your home? Inquire or sign up at greeptech.com
