What Are The Cons Of Solar Energy

Explore The Different Types Of Solar

Solar energy covers all bases, whether youre after renewable electricity, or a green way to heat your home.

There are two types of solar energy that you can get for your home: solar thermal and solar PV. Solar PV panels absorb the suns heat and convert it into electricity, whereas solar thermal panels transform the suns energy into heat for household water.

Secured Solar Loans Cons

• Risk of losing the collateral: If you default on a secured loan, the company has all the right to take your collateral away. That means youll need to pay close attention to your finances in order to make your repayments.
• Limited loan usage: Secured solar loans can only be used to purchase specific solar equipment. So, if you get a loan to afford solar panels, that will be the only thing you can use the money for.
• Due to their low requirements, solar loans are easy to qualify for. Unfortunately, that means you might borrow more money than you can actually repay. And, apart from losing your collateral, defaulting on a secured solar loan will also negatively affect your credit history.

The Best Solar Shingles For Your Home 2022

Shingles and tiles can be a 2-in-1 product when they replace your roof and capture solar energy. However, some tiles and shingles are on top of your existing roof, similar to the best solar panels. For example, Tesla is one solar panel company that offers solar tiles that replace your entire roof. However, not all solar tiles serve that dual function.

Solar shingles and solar tiles are very similar, so you may see these terms used interchangeably. The difference between solar shingles and solar tiles is that solar shingles tend to be smaller and resemble a non-solar roof. In contrast, solar tiles are usually larger than shingles but still smaller than standard solar panels. Both tiles and shingles are visually appealing options for a long-lasting solar panel roof in 2022.

The amount of solar panels you need is not equivalent to the number of solar roof tiles or shingles that you may need. Because both shingles and tiles are smaller than conventional solar panels, you will need more of them to power your home.

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Solar Power Can Get You Money Back Through Solar Renewable Energy Credits

Some states offer solar renewable energy certificates . Each one represents a megawatt-hour of electricity generated through solar energy. Electricity suppliers buy these certificates to satisfy their states 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.

Solar Investment Tax Credits Are Available For Solar Energy Installations

In 2006, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act, which created the Solar Investment Tax Credit. Known as the ITC, this very subsidy gave rise to the massive solar industry you see today. Since the ITC was passed, the U.S. solar industry has grown by more than 10,000%, hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created, and billions of dollars have been injected into the economy.6 All because of a tax rebate!

In 2019, the tax credit was 30%, and like wind credits, the government has plans to wind the tax credit down. However, it has been extended by two years since 2019 for residential customers. Today, the ITC is 26% off the taxes of any solar installation, from a small-scale rooftop array to a large-scale utility solar farm that powers thousands of homes. By 2024, ITC credit will only be available for utility-scale solar projects.

Theres no need to worry right now. You can still take advantage of this money-saving opportunity by investing in a home solar system that will pay for itself in a few years or take advantage of the credits right now and switch to a solar electricity plan.

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Can’t Install Solar On All Roof Types

Unfortunately, not everyone can install solar panels on their house, as not all roofing materials are ideal for the task. For example, your roof must be able to hold the panels firmly in place and support the weight of technicians during installation. Slate and wood roofs are especially problematic, as they limit the installers’ ability to walk around.

Depending upon the physical design of your roof, you may also incur a higher-than-normal cost to install solar panels. If your roof has a complex design, solar panel installation is typically more expensive. Steep or dramatic angles, lots of small sections, and/or skylights can all combine to create a situation where panels have to be installed in multiple complex arrays, instead of one or two large arrays, which increases the overall cost.

Advantages Of Solar Energy

1. Renewable Energy Source

Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy.

Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.

2. Reduces Electricity Bills

Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage.

For example, if you are a business using commercial solar panels this switch can have huge benefits because the large system size can cover large chunks of your energy bills.

Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill, but there is also a possibility to receive payments for the surplus energy that you export back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee . If you generate more electricity than you use .

3. Diverse Applications

Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity or heat . Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distil water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space.

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Upfront Installation Costs Are High

Installing solar panels is becoming more affordable. However, it remains a significant expense: It costs an average of $18,000 to install a 6kW grid-tied solar system. The cost may be lower or greater depending on energy demands, local reimbursements and the amount of sunlight. Still, theres no way around it: Thats pricey. If you dont plan to stay in the home long-term, it may not make sense to invest in solar panels.

Expensive Solar Energy Storage

When using Solar energy, you have two options use it actively, or store it for later use and at night using batteries. The cost of these batteries is high, based on the material used to make them and the amount of energy they provide. For a 5kW, you will pay a rough price of about $10,000 and $14000 for a 10kW battery. On average, you will pay $1,000 per kWh for a battery.

These prices include only the cost of the battery itself. Now, proceed and include inverters, solar installation, and other necessary equipment. A young family will consume about 20 kWh per day, needing a battery size of about 3.5 kWh. This will cost around $3400 for the battery and a total cost for the system of about $5,800 .

The Powerwall 2, which was considered the best value A.C. battery system in the market, goes for $6,500. The total cost of the whole system installation is $12,000.

However, experts predict solar batteries will fall in price soon. Go ahead!

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Solar Improves The Value Of Your Home

Millions of U.S. homeowners are interested in solar panels but havent taken the time to figure out what it takes to install them. This consumer reality and the undeniable benefits of having solar panels on a home complements recent studies that found property values increase after solar is installed. Thus, the second pro of solar can help to level out one of the cons that we discussed earlier even if youre planning on moving in the near future, youll earn back your solar panel investment and then some when you sell your home.

Low Energy Conversion Rate

Even the most advanced solar panels still only convert around 20-25% of the suns energy into power. It goes to show how much opportunity there is to develop better technology to optimise the full force of the sun.

However, there are many things that need to be considered like the direction of the panels and location.

Jinko solar panels have claimed the world record a few times. So have Canadian solar panels. You can read my full guide on the most efficient panels of 2021 here.

Although, I also want to stress that solar panel efficiency shouldnt be the most important thing. Especially when youre talking about 1-2% difference. Really, Id be more concerned about the installation or warranties.

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Influence Brands To Be More Sustainable

Consumers also have the power to influence brands to be more green. As an example:

• Nearly 71% of global emissions are the result of just 100 companies.
• According to the Harvard Business Review, 65% of consumers said they want to buy from purpose-driven brands that advocate for sustainability.
• While individual choices make less impact on reducing pollution than corporate choices, a large number of consumers collectively installing solar panels sends a powerful message about what matters to them.
• Companies recognize that going green can be a way to earn your business, but they have to see measurements that show that youre committing your own resources.
• Adding solar panels to your home is one of the most-significant ways to send a signal that going green matters to you. Its a large financial investment on your part that signals your willingness to spend money on improving the environment i.e., youre willing to vote with your wallet and will support companies that align with your values.

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 $15,000 more 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 . Consider this as you ask yourself is solar energy worth it.

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Solar Energy Can Generate Electricity In Any Climate

Despite hearsay, one of the great benefits of solar panels is they work anywhere and in any climate on Earth. Whether its rain, snow, light hail, sleet or even a hurricane, solar panels still generate electricity if even a slight amount of sunlight hits the panel.

In fact, snow is actually beneficial to solar panel efficiency. While heavy snowfall can present a weight problem for solar panels, light to moderate snow has actually proven to slide the dirt, grime and debris off of the panels as it melts. Plus, solar panels are more efficient in cold weather, meaning that they are able to generate more electricity with greater effectiveness than solar arrays in hotter areas

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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Solar Is Environmentally Friendly

Solar energy generation significantly reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2014, the total amount of emitted greenhouse gases in the United States dropped by 17 million metric tons thanks to the increase in solar installations . Such a high potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a promising step towards mitigating human impact on the global climate.

While the majority of other power plants, including renewable geothermal power plants, require water for cooling, solar farms need no water. This decreases water pollution and conserves local water resources for other uses such as drinking and irrigation.

A recent study carried out in England demonstrates that solar farms also have a positive impact on biodiversity.

The Space On Your Roof May Not Be Sufficient To Meet Your Power Demand

If you consume large amounts of energy, you might not be able to produce enough energy from solar panels on your roof.

This is especially true if you have a business which needs big machines and you work from home.

In this case, you should get consultation or inform yourself via other media in order to be able to ensure your electricity supply.

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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.

Solar Energy Pros And Cons

Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy from a homeowner’s perspective is an important step in the research process when considering installing solar panels for your home.

Here are a few that come up most often:

Main solar energy pros and cons

The argument for the average American homeowner to install solar panels for their home is now better than it has ever been, as the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Lets take a closer look at each of these solar energy pros and cons.

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Disposal Of Old Solar Panels Can Be Harmful To The Environment

Unfortunately, when we dispose of old solar panels it requires them to be melted down which can produce some harmful chemicals in the process.

Not only this, but it can be harmful to the local area that this occurs in. Mostly you will see solar panels back at landfill sites which is better than burning.

One good thing is that usually solar panels will last around 15-25 years so there isnt an abundance of old panels causing issues.

Shrink Your Carbon Footprint

The primary reason solar panels are good for the environment is down to their carbon-busting technology. In fact, the average residential solar PV system in the UK saves between 1.3 and 1.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphereeach year.

So, amidst the din of climate emergency klaxons, its about time you ditched those grubby fossil fuels.

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Solar Power Is Difficult To Diy

The Do-It-Yourself approach to home improvement has become a popular option among people who want to cut costs and work with their hands. Since buying and installing solar panels has become easier in recent years, its become one of the new DIY trends. However, many home improvement experts counsel people not to perform DIY solar panel installations:

• Wiring your system requires specialized training and electrical know-how
• A tricky roofline requires special panel layouts and equipment, which increases the difficulty of a DIY project
• Aligning your panels to maximize your energy generation can require advanced modeling and design work
• Installation requires permitting and approvals from your Authority Having Jurisdiction that can be complex to request and schedule
• Most homeowners dont own the necessary safety equipment to work on a roof without risk of injury

Though the internet has lots of information about how to DIY a solar power installation, you may want to reconsider such a project, even if you think you have the skills. You and your buddies probably dont have the experience to match the quality work produced by well-trained and experienced professionals, especially if you want your solar power system to work reliably for 25 years or longer. Should you make any mistake during the installation process, it may be more costly than the money you would have saved.

Tax Advantages Of Solar Energy

In many countries, there are also significant tax benefits related to the installation of renewable energy devices.

Thus, in those countries, there is an additional financial incentive to switch from conventional to solar energy, especially if you own a house and the installation of solar panels is quite convenient and storage-efficient due to that.

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