Solar Energy Advantages & Disadvantages

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Solar energy is becoming more prevalent as a viable alternative to other energy options. There are a lot of advantages to solar energy and a few disadvantages. 

Solar energy is better for the environment. Human-made greenhouse gasses are detrimental to our carbon footprint and damage the environment. Solar energy is also a better investment, decreases the utility bill, and is more cost-effective. It can enhance the value of your home.

You should also find out if solar panels will function with your roof type. Some roofs will not support the weight. If you would like to find out additional information about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, check out this article.

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Advantages of Solar Energy

With climate change and increasing rates, it seems like people are beginning to “see the light” concerning the benefits of solar energy. It is a viable alternative to other, more common forms of energy. There are many advantages to switching to solar energy:

Solar Energy Can Decrease Utility Bill

Electricity is a basic need in our country. Without it, we would not be able to:

  • Cook our food
  • Use our computers
  • Power our cars
  • See in our homes at night 

Due to the necessity of light, utility costs have increased in recent years. We use an overabundance of electricity for many purposes. It is why more people are choosing to go with solar energy. The ability for you to decrease and sometimes even eliminate your bill. 

Solar energy is renewable, and you can use a smaller solar power system to meet your needs. You can earn points by sending excess electricity to the grid. It is a great solution, as it can save you money through federal and state government tax credits.

Also, Read Solar Panels Cost, Solar Water Heater Cost & How Much Does a Solar Battery Cost?

Solar Energy Can Increase the Value of Your Home

When you purchase a home, you need to consider its resale value. Some of the factors to consider:

  • How many rooms does it have
  • Size of front and backyard
  • Location of the home
  • Kitchen and bathroom amenities

The above are all the typical factors involved in buying a home. However, it would be best to consider the overall cost of utilities and maintenance over time. You can determine the cost by looking at its energy efficiency. 

When the homebuyer checks out the energy bills, they will be able to estimate how these utilities can affect their budget. When you install a solar panel in your home, you can raise the price of the house, as it will be enticing to new homeowners. 

It increases the value of your home because someone wanting to purchase your home will be able to enjoy the installed solar power system and cut down on utility costs. It is a win-win for both you and the new homebuyer.

Solar Energy is More Cost Effective

There is an increased demand for electricity, which means that companies can raise the cost. Over the years, the electricity cost has been creeping up, and homeowners have difficulty paying the bills. 

Installing a solar panel for your house is the greatest way to avoid other costly options. Fossil fuel-based energy sources are high as well. When you have solar energy, you only need to be concerned with maintenance costs and what to do with all the additional money you will be saving. 

Solar Energy is Better for the Environment

We all need to take global warming seriously, as there is a genuine possibility that dangerous weather will harm communities and endanger lives. Solar energy is better for the environment. When carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides are released into the atmosphere, it keeps the heat from escaping into space, which causes hotter temperatures to occur, and causes climate change. 

Greenhouse gasses have increased over time, posing a threat to the planet’s survival. The carbon footprint left behind by solar energy is a lot less than other forms of energy. Research has indicated that we need to reduce our carbon footprint by 2050 to prevent alarming changes in the climate that could have a devastating impact on the environment:

  • Severe weather events
  • Rising sea levels
  • Catastrophic wildfires 
  • Loss of sea ice 

Scientists say that global temperatures will rise, and human-made greenhouse gases will continue. The effects of climate change are evident and are occurring now, even though many believe it is a future problem. If you want to decrease your carbon footprint, solar energy is the best option. 

Solar energy is essential in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and lessening climate change, which is crucial in protecting humans, animals, wildlife, and ecosystems. Solar energy may also improve air quality and limit water use for energy production. It has been estimated that solar energy could help the United States accomplish a carbon-free electricity grid by 2035. 

It isn’t easy to imagine a world where we do not drive our cars and cannot warm or cool our homes and live comfortably. Unfortunately, these resources are non-renewable. Continuing the use of these resources without limits can and will deplete them. We need to start using renewable energy sources, like solar energy, if we are to be able to make positive changes to the environment.

You Can Get Paid for Solar Production

Most of the benefits provided to homeowners for having solar energy are government-back incentives. However, the states also offer their motivations. States aim to decrease the cost of purchasing a solar power system and then earn customers further savings and cashback after installation. 

One of the main advantages is the federal solar tax credit, established as the Residential Clean Energy Credit. It allows for some remarkable reductions in the total cost of installation. Depending on your chosen system, it can save you thousands of dollars. Here is a short list of a few of the ways you can save with solar power:

  • Short term savings
  • Long-term savings
  • Net energy metering
  • Federal tax credit
  • Home equity increase

If solar panels produce more energy than you use in a day, you will earn credits, and you can redeem them. Depending on where you have your home, you can take advantage of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates. The program incentivizes homeowners to establish a solar power system to sell certificates to utility companies. 

Solar is a Legitimate Technology

Some people may wonder how solar power would work in colder climates where there is not much sunlight and clouds are looming in the sky. Solar panel companies ensure that solar panels meet your energy needs regardless of the type of weather. Solar panels can withstand any weather conditions and produce energy irrespective of the sun it is exposed to. 

The approaches utilized to accomplish this are complex and based on local climate conditions, as they will ascertain the amount of solar energy your roof should have, which means that solar panels are more productive when it is cold. They are more effective because it is their job to compensate for the cold climate. 

Solar Energy is Affordable

The cost of solar energy panels has decreased significantly in recent years. You cannot beat the incentives involved in solar panel installation. The upfront cost may be steep, but the rewards make it worthwhile. You can even decrease the upfront cost by spreading the payments out in smaller increments at a time. Take advantage of government incentives, and you will find that it is affordable. 

Solar Energy Helps the Grid

The electricity demand has increased, which has a negative effect on the grid. The government is trying to get more people to purchase solar energy because it will take some of the pressure off the electricity grid:

  • Solar power remains in the area where it is produced
  • Solar energy does not need to be transmitted long distances 

Since homeowners create their electricity with solar panels, it lessens the electricity spread throughout the grid. It takes the pressure off, and the electricity produced by the solar panel can even be shared with neighbors. 

Solar Power Lasts

Solar panels tend to last for a long time. They should outlast even the most skeptical expectations if you obtain the regular maintenance required to keep them running correctly. You can depend on your solar panel system for about 25 to 30 years or more. They might not meet all your electricity needs, but they can come very close.

Solar Energy Supports Local Economy

Solar energy has sparked a new job market, which is flourishing with lots of workers. Even if you purchase your solar panel system from a national provider, it usually requires the installation of local workers. It will also need maintenance, which local solar professionals typically provide. When solar power is used, it creates millions of jobs and contributes to a healthy economy.  

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

It is hard to imagine with all these advantages of solar energy, there are disadvantages, but as with anything in life, there are pros and cons, and you need to examine all the facts. The following include the disadvantages of solar energy:

Solar Energy Does Not have Power at Night

Solar energy depends on the sun for power, which is inconvenient. However, many companies offer batteries that store the surplus electricity generated during the day, which means you will have enough left to power your home. Some states reward net metering, where you get credit for surplus power created during the day. You can make use of it to power your home. 

Solar Does Not Work for Every Roof

 Not every type of roof can handle solar panels. Your roof needs to keep the panels steady so technicians can perform the installation. Certain types of roofs are not capable of holding the weight, and some are not able to have panels at all:

  • Thatched roof
  • A wood roof
  • Clay tile roof
  • Slate roof

Shaded roofs do not work with solar power, and a fully shaded roof will not allow for solar panels to function. Another factor to consider is that if your roof is already 15 to 20 years old and is due for replacement soon, it may not be a good idea to install solar panels on it. 

Also, if your roof needs repair, having solar panels installed would be a grave mistake, as it will likely cause further damage to the roof. You also want to ensure that your roof gets enough sunlight. If your roof cannot hold the weight of the solar panels, putting in solar panels may be a poor decision.

Read more about Do Solar Panels Keep the Roof Cool?

Solar Energy is Long Term

Solar panels are meant to be a long-term commitment and are unsuitable for a family who is set to move soon. If you are planning to move in the near future, there may be no point in having solar panels installed on your roof. You also cannot return the solar panels if you decide you do not want them, as they are not a car or a pair of shoes. 

Upfront Expenses of Solar Panels May Be High

Solar power is a much better investment than electricity from the grid. However, the upfront cost of installing solar panels can be high. The average price of installing a solar power system is about $15,000. If you add a battery for energy storage, it will cost even more. Some of the things you need to take into consideration:

  • Your regular energy needs
  • Cost of equipment 
  • Cost of labor or work 
  • Incentives proposed by your state government 

The cost of installing solar panels may not be as high as it once was, but it is still a serious investment and can be costly, depending on how many panels you want to have installed. However, spreading the payments over time can be reasonably affordable. 

It Can Be a Lengthy Process

Designing, permitting, and installing solar panels can take some time, as it is not something that is done quickly. You need to get the solar panels approved by your local jurisdiction, which can be tedious. It can also take time to get the required permits to be able to take on such an endeavor, which is different for each city and state. You must be patient if you want a solar panel system done correctly.   

It Can Be Challenging to Locate a Good Solar Company

Solar power has become a lucrative business. Sales representatives may be pushy to sell, and some companies are even more aggressive or more expensive than others. When choosing the right solar power company to work with, you need to consider the following:

  • How many years have they been in business
  • Customer reviews and satisfaction
  • How good is their customer service
  • Quality of product and workmanship warranties

When considering the best company to install your solar panels, you should value their reliability and know that you may be paying more for a better customer experience. 

Find Out the Financial Benefits of Solar Energy

Find an excellent solar company that will explain to you in detail concerning the financial benefits of their solar panels. You need to learn all the benefits and weigh the pros and cons. Decreasing your utility costs is one of the significant benefits of solar energy. Make sure it is something you want to invest in.

Conclusion

There seem to be more advantages to having solar energy. As global warming becomes more of a threat, you want to find a source of energy that will not be as detrimental and devastating to the environment. 

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