Over the last 15 years or so, solar power usage has surged at a rate of about 20% per year. However, the technology to use it has been around for decades and photovoltaic systems were actually used by space programs all the way back in 1958. Today, you can install solar panels for your house that allow you to break free from traditional energy sources. However, there are several pros and cons to think about before choosing to do so.
The Good
One of the best advantages for solar energy, perhaps obviously, is that it is far better for the environment. There are no emissions that come from solar residential systems, unlike the more commonly used coal-powered energy sources. In even the smallest and most efficient homes, over the course of a lifetime, making the switch could greatly reduce the impact on the environment.
On top of that, installing residential solar panels can be advantageous because, quite simply, they can provide energy independence. Utility bills are costly and finding ways to lower them will always prove to be beneficial. Solar panels do not require any fuel or ongoing costs, and, once they are installed, homeowners will never have to worry about paying for them again, other than a bit of maintenance or repairs here and there.
The Bad
Though they are essentially free to run, residential solar panels are quite expensive to purchase and install, especially if you want to power your entire home with solar energy. There are government subsidies and grants that might help offset those costs, but switching to solar power will always be expensive. So, one of the more disheartening aspects of the clean energy alternative is that not everyone can afford it.
In addition, solar power is not always completely reliable. Though technology has gotten much better over the years, and panels are more dependable today than ever before, when the sun goes away, they simply don’t produce energy. In fact, estimates from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggest that a residential solar panel system in the sun belt will produce twice as much energy as one in New England. As a result, not every home is located in a spot that is perfect for solar energy.
The Pretty?
The debate about whether or not solar panels are aesthetically pleasing can go back and forth all day. However, there is no doubt that switching to solar power would help make the world a much more beautiful place. So finding ways to overcome the downside of converting and emphasizing the advantage is a vital process.