Thinking About Solar Energy? Here Are The Major Pros And Cons
Using solar energy to power your home is an undeniably eco-friendly option—and the list of benefits to solar power doesn’t end there. But while there are plenty of reasons to switch to solar energy, it is not a decision that should be rushed. Take the time to evaluate the pros and cons of solar energy to determine if making the conversion is right for you.
Perhaps the biggest selling point to using solar energy is that it is a sustainable energy source. That means you aren’t consuming resources that future generations will need. And, at the same time, you are lessening the impact of your energy use on the environment. That’s a clear win-win situation. However, installing solar panels remains relatively expensive, and not every home is a good candidate for relying on solar power.
Whether you are building a new home or considering adding solar panels to your home, there are some important solar energy pros and cons to weigh.
How Can Homes Use Solar Power?
If you are considering going solar, the most popular and efficient option is to install solar panels. Generally placed on the roof of the home because of exposure to sunlight, solar panels use Photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb photons from sunlight. This then creates an electric field and that electricity can be used or harvested for later use.
Although solar panels are the best way to use solar energy to power your home, there are other ways to use solar energy that have a lower barrier to entry. For example, solar water heaters work in much the same way as solar panels—but are less expensive to install than full solar panel systems. For the purposes of this article, however, the pros and cons of solar power will be based on solar panels.
What Are the Pros of Solar Energy?
Solar Energy is Environmentally Friendly
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, using solar energy minimizes the amount of carbon and pollutants generated. That translates to cleaner air, fresher water and more environmental stability for future generations. Better yet, unlike the widespread energy grid that is reliant on non-renewable resources like oil and gas, solar energy is renewable—meaning we’ll never run out of it.
Solar Energy Saves Money Long-Term
After overcoming the initial installment costs for solar panels, they quickly work toward paying for themselves: Solar panels can last 25 years or longer. On average, homeowners who install solar panels will break even between six and 10 years due to utility bill savings. From there on out, those savings can go straight to the bank.
Solar Panels Are Low-Maintenance
After installing solar panels, you shouldn’t have to give them much thought other than appreciating them when your lower utility bill arrives. Depending on their location and whether there are a lot of branches and leaves that could accumulate on top of the panels, the biggest job may be occasionally brushing them off—although rain and snow can do the trick, too.
Solar Power Allows for Energy Independence
If you’re thinking of going completely off the grid, solar power is a natural option. Because you don’t have to rely on traditional energy sources, it is possible to power your home entirely off of your own solar energy.