Advantages of Solar Energy
The more we can capture the , the less we will rely on fossil fuels. Adding a solar energy system to your home allows you to tap into these solar energy advantages:
1. Solar energy is a renewable energy source and reduces carbon emissions
Solar energy is a renewable energy source, meaning you don鈥檛 ever use it up. Solar energy is clean. It creates no carbon emissions or other heat-trapping 鈥済reenhouse鈥� gases. It avoids the environmental damage associated with mining or drilling for fossil fuels. Furthermore, solar energy also uses little to no water, unlike power plants that generate electricity using steam turbines.
2. 鈥嬧�婼olar energy can reduce your home鈥檚 electricity bill
A solar energy system for your home can reduce your reliance on the grid and . Some owners of residential solar energy systems may even have . Instead of paying a utility for electricity, homeowners get paid by the utility. You may not have to buy an entire solar energy system to cut your home鈥檚 electricity bill. Simply , lights that are powered by the sun instead of your home鈥檚 electrical system, to help save money.
3. Solar power can get you money back through Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Some states offer solar renewable energy certificates (SREC). Each one represents a megawatt-hour of electricity generated through solar energy. Electricity suppliers buy these certificates to satisfy their state鈥檚 Renewable Portfolio Standard, a requirement that a certain amount of their renewable energy come from solar. You can sell SRECs for your system's output, which is another way to earn money from your investment.
However, the availability and value of SRECs have changed significantly over the years and continue to vary by state. Some states, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, still support robust SREC markets. Others, such as Massachusetts and Maryland, have transitioned to broader clean energy incentive programs. For example, Massachusetts now uses the , which still encourages solar adoption through performance-based incentives rather than tradable credits.
4. Homes with solar panels installed may improve home value
Home buyers will likely pay more for a house with solar panels installed. Considering solar energy pros and cons, the savings on electricity bills and the money earned selling power back to the utility, all count in the plus column. Residential solar energy systems are highly valued and can increase a home's resale value. The property value of a home with solar panels can be worth up to than its neighbors.
Solar systems are fairly easy to install and require very little maintenance. Both are handled by your solar provider, if you opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). Consider this as you ask yourself is solar energy worth it.
5. Solar panels have low maintenance costs
Solar panels are easy to maintain, as they have no moving parts that wear out over time. Just keep them clean and in good physical condition to keep them working properly. Between their low maintenance costs and , it can be easy to get your money鈥檚 worth when investing in solar panels.
6. Solar energy can generate electricity in any climate
Solar energy systems can generate electricity in any climate. One of the disadvantages of solar energy is that it鈥檚 subject to temporary weather disruption. Cloudy days reduce the amount of electricity you produce. Cold, however, doesn鈥檛 affect productivity. as the snow cleans the panels as it melts and sun reflected off the snow increases the amount of light hitting your panels. The result is more electricity production.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
The disadvantages of solar energy are becoming fewer as the industry advances and grows, creating economies of scale. Technological advances are helping solar go聽mainstream. Here are how the disadvantages of solar energy and the pros and cons stack up.
1. The high initial costs of installing panels
The most commonly cited solar energy disadvantage, cost, is declining as the industry expands. The initial cost to buy and install the equipment is not cheap. Still, if cost is an issue, leasing options may reduce the amount of your initial outlay. If you do choose to buy, you will need to live in your home for a number of years before the system pays for itself. It鈥檚 a long-term investment better suited to property owners than renters.
2. Solar energy storage is expensive
Of the disadvantages of solar energy, the temporary decline in energy production during bad weather has been a major issue. Days with low solar energy, however, are having less of an effect due to advances in battery technology. Old technology for storing solar energy, like lead acid batteries are being replaced by alternatives. Lithium ion batteries offer greater power at a lower cost. Nickel-based batteries have an extremely long life. New technologies, like flow batteries, promise scale and durable power storage.
3. Solar doesn鈥檛 work for every roof type
Not every room will work well with solar panels. Orientation matters. If your roof doesn't face the sun, you won鈥檛 be able to capture enough solar energy. Roofs that angle into the sun tend to work better than flat roofs.
Roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal and tiles make installing solar panels easier. If your room is made with other materials, installation may be more expensive. Part of what makes is their ability to support solar panels.
4. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight
It鈥檚 obvious that solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. They won鈥檛 produce electricity at night when you need it for light and they can be inefficient during storms and gloomy days. Your solar energy system needs batteries if you plan to fully depend on solar energy to power your home.
Batteries are one of the more expensive components of your system. Unlike solar panels, they do wear out and need careful maintenance to lengthen their lives. Comparing , wind will keep generating electricity at night and during storms, as long as there is enough wind. Many people use both in residential systems.
色花堂 Energy and Solar Energy
When weighing the pros and cons of solar energy for your home, there are additional options worth considering. are a great way to get the advantages of solar energy without buying and maintaining a system yourself.
If your home and roof won鈥檛 support solar panels or if you don鈥檛 have enough money to invest in one, community solar might be your answer. With this option, you agree to participating in a program that allows you receive credits for every kWh generated by the solar facility. You get a credit on your electricity bill proportional to your percentage of ownership in the project鈥檚 energy.