What Is Solar Energy
Sunlight is a renewable energy source which can be converted into usable energy by solar panels. There are two main types of solar energy. Solar photovoltaic panels directly convert solar energy into a usable form of energy using a PV cell containing a semiconductor material. CSP on the other hand, concentrate energy from sunlight to a heat receiver which transforms energy from heat into mechanical energy, and in turn, solar thermal electricity.
Advantages Of Solar Power
- Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source.
- Once a solar panel is installed, solar energy can be produced free of charge.
- Solar energy will last forever whereas it is estimated that the worlds oil reserves will last for 30 to 40 years.
- Solar energy causes no pollution.
- Solar cells make absolutely no noise at all. On the other hand, the giant machines utilized for pumping oil are extremely noisy and therefore very impractical.
- Very little maintenance is needed to keep solar cells running. There are no moving parts in a solar cell which makes it impossible to really damage them.
- In the long term, there can be a high return on investment due to the amount of free energy a solar panel can produce, it is estimated that the average household will see 50% of their energy coming in from solar panels.
Solar Equipment Has Low Maintenance Cost
Compared to other home-related equipment such as furnaces, generators, or HVAC systems, solar panels are primarily non-mechanized. Once put in position, they absorb solar energy and transmit it to your house in the form of electricity without any moving parts. Thus, your panels experience little risk of wear and tear, so maintenance requirements are low.
In the right environment, a solar power system can function for 25 years or more without requiring significant maintenance. For example, if you live in a dry and dusty area, you may only need to wash your solar panels from time to time to keep them in top condition.
To ensure your panels remain in the best possible shape, your system should get an annual checkup from a solar maintenance professional, such as the one offered with Palmetto Protect. For everything you need to know about solar power upkeep, check out our Solar Power Maintenance And Service Guide.
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Solar Can Pay You Money While Youre Earning Back Your Investment
Due to a number of awesome solar incentives in the U.S., solar panels can actually turn you a profit in addition to generating bill savings that pay off the cost of the system. Solar renewable energy credits and net metering are two key advantages of solar energy that allow you to earn bill credits as your solar panel system produces electricity. In these scenarios, you are being compensated for the electricity that your solar panels generate. If you live in a state where either of these incentives apply, you can expect both immediate and long-term returns from your solar investment.
Not Viable For All Roofs Or Homes
While just about any roof can have solar panels installed, it doesnât mean itâs a good fit. Solar panels need a lot of sunlight day in and day out to be viable.
If your homeâs roof is in the shade because of its design or other reasons like trees or other homes blocking sunlight it could mean solar panels arenât going to work for you. You should also consider the climate you are in. States like Arizona and Texas receive a ton of sunlight almost year-round whereas Maine does not.
You can use to determine how much sunlight your homeâs roof gets per year.
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Start Your Solar Journey Today On Energysage
The best way to take advantage of all that solar has to offer is to compare quotes. On the EnergySage Marketplace, youll receive up to seven, free quotes from installers in your area so you can easily compare your options, allowing you to find a system that meets your needs at the right price. Want a quick estimate of what a solar installation will cost? Check out our solar calculator.
Do Not Work On Every Roof Type
Going solar is not a straightforward process. Before making such an investment, there are a few things to consider.Typically, you can install solar panels on any roof type. However, for best performance, a solar panel should be at a 30-degree angle and face south to get 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your roof does not face that direction or has too many trees to get the best sunlight, it might not be perfect for solar panel installation. Also, some roofing materials, such as slate, wood, and clay tiles, are unsuitable for solar panel installation. On the other hand, tile, metal, and asphalt shingles perform admirably with solar.
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Solar Energy Depends On Weather
The sun does not shine 24/7 in a specific location. As a result, solar panels cannot always consistently produce energy at all hours of the day. It is called intermittency. While energy storage comes in many forms, batteries are the most common solution to renewable energy intermittency. Solar panels still generate electricity in foggy or wet conditions, but the amount of electricity produced depends on the cloud cover density and modules efficiency. Yes, solar panels can work on cloudy and rainy days, but not always at their best performance.
Solar Provides Energy Independence
Solar power is always available to us, unlike non-renewable energy that must be created from resources that are not unlimited. Solar is the most abundant source of energy that we have available to us on Earth, meaning that well never run out of it. With the transition to the use of solar panels, the average consumer can trust that theyll never run out of the sunlight that powers their home. As solar technology has improved, even climates with little sun can still generate energy.
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The Pros And Cons Of Solar
Solar power is our most abundant sustainable energy source. Its as reliable as the sun. Todays solar panel technology is increasingly affordable and attractive for American households.
If you’re wondering what are the pros and cons of solar panels for homes, you’re in luck. We address that below in detail. And as always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out. Our solar advisors are here to help.
Solar Energy Is A Clean Energy Source Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Solar radiation is captured in solar panels from the sun. The energy produced from these solar systems is free of pollutants and emits no greenhouse gasses. The Environmental Protection Agency states that greenhouse gases emitted from non-renewable energy like gas, coal, and oil energy are trapped on Earth and thus warm the planet. The average American home that uses typical non-renewable energy pushes out an estimated 15,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. With solar panels, that footprint is reduced by over 3,000 pounds, making it a much cleaner option.
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Pro: Improves The Value Of Your Home
According to recent studies, a propertys value increases after solar is installed, as many people would love to move into a solar-powered home without actually going through the hassle of installing a solar power system. Know this, its a lot easier to make the decision of investing in solar knowing that you can actually turn a profit if you choose to move to a different town.
Solar Energy Pros And Cons: Is Solar Right For You
In this EcoWatch guide on solar energy pros and cons, youll learn:
- How you can reduce electric bills and carbon emissions
- How much you could save from solar
- What are the pros and cons of solar
EcoWatch has helped many homeowners learn about of solar energy and will help you decide whether going solar is the right choice for you.
Why You Can Trust EcoWatch
We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites.
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As more and more homeowners make the switch to solar power, you may be considering putting panels on your own roof. But before you purchase a home solar system, you should consider the major solar energy pros and cons.
Using the sun as a clean energy source minimizes your carbon footprint while reducing your households monthly electric bills. However, making the switch to renewable energy isnt always the best choice for all homeowners.
Lets take a closer look at the pros and cons of solar energy.
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Doesn’t offer solar batteries
Services Offered
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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 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 panelsbut 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.
Cuts Back On Electricity Bill
One of the most interesting things about solar energy is that it can help you minimize your annoying utility bills. You can accomplish this by installing solar panels in your home.
Solar energy takes up energy-consuming activities like heating water and heating homes. Solar energy has the potential to save you up to 20% of your energy costs, even after financing costs are factored in. And with the ever rocketing of electricity costs, you could save up to $60,000 in the next 30 years.
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Solar Energy Is Versatile
There are many different brands and types of solar panels that can meet a variety of needs and wishes. This includes aesthetic requirements, since many consumers want low-profile solar panels that cant be seen from the ground. Additionally, some solar panel companies use an aluminum frame that produces more energy when there is low light or poor weather, making solar panels more efficient for homes that dont get direct sunlight.
Bi-facial solar panels capture sunlight from both the front and the back of the panel. The bi-facial nature of these panels can allow them to produce energy from sunlight captured from the sun above, but also additional energy from the reflection off of lower surfaces, said Brandon Weiss is the Chief Innovation Officer at Dvele, which builds customizable homes. Weiss explained these panels can be used for building projections, overhangs, and patio roofs.
Comes With Money Back Guarantee
Besides saving up a lot on your utility bills, you might get a big portion of your money back by installing solar panels. Most governments give tax credits to homeowners in a bid to encourage the use of solar energy.
These tax credits mostly cover more than 30% of the installation cost. Lots of states also extend tax rebates to homeowners that utilize solar energy. To add to that, if your solar panel generates more than enough energy, utility companies allow you to sell back the energy to them.
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Solar Panels Take Up A Lot Of Roof Space
Compared to power sources like fossil fuels, solar panels have a low power density. This refers to the amount of power an energy source can produce within a certain area, measured in watts per square meter . As a result, space is a critical issue, especially when it comes to large-scale solar installations. In other words, the more electricity you need for your home, the more roof space youll have to dedicate to solar panels
Energy Independence From The Grid
If you have ever had to withstand days or weeks-long power outages the idea of being able to be in control of your own power system is ideal.
Alternatively, those who prefer to keep a house or cabin off-grid for whatever reason can install solar panels to create their own independent source of energy.
Whatever your reasoning, with the right equipment you can create your own independent clean energy system using solar panels. This generally requires the use of a solar battery system to store energy.
If this is your goal make sure to consult your solar installer to make sure you get all of the equipment you need to power your home if there is a grid-wide power outage.
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Solar Energy Is Clean Renewable And Sustainable
Solar energy is a clean renewable energy source, which means that we can never deplete our supply.
Solar energy will be available to us for at least the next 5 billion years.
In comparison to our ever-decreasing supply of fossil fuel and nuclear fuel, its essentially unlimited. This makes solar power an attractive option for the earths ever-growing energy demands.
The problem with solar isnt a problem with the sun, but rather our ability to efficiently capture, store, and transfer solar energy.
Once some of the cons well discuss get solved, solar might just be the answer to all of our problems.
You Cant Take Solar With You
One of the disadvantages of installing solar panels on your home is that it can be expensive to move them, should you decide to move. The net metering agreement with your utility is fixed to the property. Also, finding someone to remove and reinstall your solar panels can be costly.
But, solar panels do add value to your home, so even if you do move, you are likely to see the value of your solar panels reflected in a higher sale price.
If you do plan on moving in the near future, it is best to purchase your solar panels outright. If you have a solar lease or a power purchase agreement , you will need the new owner to take over your agreement, which can be a hassle.
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Some Solar Panels Use Rare Earth Metals
The name rare earth metals is a bit misleading these elements are actually in ample supply. However, its the extracting of these elements for use in wind turbines and solar cells that has negative impacts on the environment and the humans that mine them.12
Additionally, these rare earth elements carry a political weight to them. From 2014 to 2017, China supplied the U.S. with 80% of its rare earths imports.14 These materials, which are critical to the creation of most modern technology, have the potential to play a giant role in shaping economies around the world.
Luckily, leading technology companies, such as Apple, are exploring methods to recycle these rare earth elements to maintain a steady supply, which keeps costs from inflating because of ever-increasing demand.15
Increase The Home Value
I recommend installing solar on the home you own. If you do so, and for any reason, you decide to move after a few years, your house can be sold for definitely a higher price than its real value.
Do you know that, based on research, a house equipped with solar panels can be sold for 13% higher? Hence, if your home is worth $150,000 this means an extra value of $19,500 on average.
A decent size solar panel system is nowadays cheaper than that. Besides, I do not think you are going to sell the house the day after installing the solar panels, especially considering the hassle in choosing, buying, installing, and maintaining them. This will give you time to ripe some of the savings of the solar panels.
As a house buyer, I would be delighted to pay extra for a house retrofitted with a solar panel where all the hard work has been done. I would just open the door and start saving from day zero on the electricity bill.
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Constellation Energy And Solar Energy
When weighing the pros and cons of solar energy for your home, there are additional options worth considering. Community solar projects are a great way to get the advantages of solar energy without buying and maintaining a system yourself.
If your home and roof wont support solar panels or if you dont 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 projects energy.
Residential
Solar Energy Saves Money Long
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.
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