Thinking of investing in solar energy? Sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? After all, who would have thought that the sun would one day be harnessed as a source of energy rather than being thought of as something that can only harm us.
Anyone who has read about the pros and cons of solar panels will know that there are significant benefits to investing in this form of renewable energy as well as drawbacks.
Before you know it, you might find yourself wondering if it is worth the risk or not. In this article, we’ll take a look at both the advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels so you can come to your own conclusion more easily.
What are the Advantages of Solar Panels?
The first major benefit of installing solar panels is the fact that renewable energy is a sustainable resource. It is, therefore, unlikely to cause any harmful side effects.
One of the most appealing aspects of solar energy is that it is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. And since it is produced without creating any carbon emissions, it can be seen as an effective way to combat climate change.
The best thing about solar panels is that they are cost-effective. There are a lot of solar energy companies that will gladly tell you that they can save you a substantial amount of money.
But how much and how long will they do so? And is it really worth it? How to know if solar panel installation is right for you? All these and more will be discussed in this article.
Disadvantages of Solar Panels
The main disadvantage of installing solar panels is the fact that they do not produce energy when it is sunny. This means that you will have to install them at a rooftop that receives a lot of sunlight.
As we have seen, the advantages of solar panels are plenty. But there are also some significant disadvantages worth mentioning as well.
– Expense: Solar panels are expensive to buy. This is why you should make sure that you do not invest money in them unless you are sure that it will be profitable for you. A lot of people who have installed solar panels have not been able to recuperate their investments.
– Maintenance: Another disadvantage of solar panels is that they require a lot of maintenance. If you are not careful, you could end up spending a lot of money on it every year.
If you live in a city, you will have to be extra careful to protect the panels from the elements because they won’t be able to provide electricity in cloudy or rainy days.
– Electricity output if cloudy: There are days when the weather is cloudy, but the sun is still high up in the sky. During these days, your solar panels will not be able to produce any electricity.
– Storage capacity: The batteries that come with your solar panels have a very limited capacity. Once they get full, you have to wait for a day or two to recharge them again so you can use electricity during this time.
Should you install solar panels?
If you have already made up your mind about investing in solar panels, you definitely have the determination and perseverance required to make it work. But before you do that, you should be aware of a few things.
– Safety: The very first thing you should consider is the safety of your family. Investing in solar panels could put them at risk if a solar panel falls on them. So you should make sure that there is no danger to their safety around the rooftop where the panels are installed.
– Investment: Another important thing you should keep in mind before investing in solar panels is the fact that they are an investment. While you will definitely see a major drop in your electricity bill once you have installed them, you will also end up spending more on maintenance and electricity as the years go by.
– Impact on environment: The other thing you should keep in mind before investing in solar panels is the impact it will have on the environment. While the amount that you will be saving on your electricity bill will be significant, installing them on rooftops could contribute to climate change if you are not careful.
– No subsidy: The final thing you should keep in mind is that solar panels do not come with any subsidies. All the tax breaks and incentives given to renewable energy only cover the acquisition of the panels and not their maintenance.
Which type of solar panel is right for you?
There are different types of solar panels available in the market. These include mono crystalline, polycrystalline, thin film and amorphous.
If you are a newbie and don’t know what’s best for you, you can go for a solar panel that has a low power rating. This will help you understand the process of installing it on your rooftop and will also give you time to learn and practice before jumping into investment.
Over the years, you can go for a more powerful solar panel that will give you greater savings and will also help you save more on your energy bill.
A solar panel that has a high power rating is more expensive and will probably cost you a lot of money upfront. It is ideal for those who are serious about saving on their energy bill and don’t mind spending a lot upfront on solar panels.
When you go to install a solar panel on your rooftop, you should determine the right place to place them. Ideally, they should be placed on a sloping rooftop.
Conclusion
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not this form of renewable energy is right for you.
And once you have a better idea, you can decide if it is worth the risk or not.
