With the increasing threat of global warming due to the excessive release of carbon dioxide, many countries worldwide are switching to solar energy as a replacement for traditional fossil fuels. According to recent studies, solar panels are currently one of the best and cleanest alternative energy sources. They use energy from the sun to generate electricity. Their modules require less space and are less noisy compared to others. However, if you are building a new house or planning to add solar panels to your home, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks. Everything has pros and cons, and so does solar energy.
Pros and Cons of Solar Energy For Your Home
Pros of Solar Energy
1. Sustainable Energy Source
Solar energy has arguably been the best substitute for fossil fuels out of all the clean energies. The biggest pro of using solar energy is that it is one of the most sustainable energy sources. It utilizes sunlight, the immense and most sustainable resource on the earth, to produce electricity. So you are not using a resource that will run out. While fossil fuels have an expiration date, the sun will certainly last at least a few billion years.
2. Reduce Utility bills
Electricity bills are a routine expense for most people. They are unpredictable, pricey, and keep getting more expensive. The best way to address all these issues and minimize energy costs is generally using solar systems. You might be able to generate enough electricity with your solar panels to power your entire house. If you utilize solar panels in addition to a standard energy plan, it is not necessary notifying your energy provider about it.
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3. Increase Home Value
Adding solar panels to your home is not only to reduce electricity bills. According to recent solar studies, installing solar panels might potentially boost a home value by up to 4.1% more than similar properties without solar panels. However, even for equivalent residences with comparable solar panel installations, this might differ significantly from one geographic region to the next. Another benefit is that there is rising interest in eco-friendly housing. Nowadays, more than 80% of homebuyers agree that choosing a home with energy-efficient features is best.
4. Solar Panels Are More Environmentally Friendly
Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, and minimize human impact on the environment. When using solar panels, you become much more environmentally friendly compared to energy sources that rely on fossil fuels. Most people want to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the planet using renewable energy like solar power. It has a 50% average yearly growth rate, making it popular in the environmental community. Solar energy is the most eco-friendly option even in comparison to nuclear energy.
Cons of Solar Energy
1. Upfront Installation Costs Are High
Solar energy has some disadvantages, including high installation and maintenance costs. The truth is, installing solar panels is very expensive. It costs an average of $20,000 to install a 6kW grid-tied solar system. The price may be lower or greater depending on energy demands, the local market, and the amount of sunlight. Still, there is no way around it: That’s very pricey. If you do not plan to stay in that house for long, then investing in solar panels might not be a good idea.
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2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Finding The Right Installer Can Be Challenging
Selecting the right solar panel installer is one of the most difficult parts of the solar buying process. Especially nowadays, when everyone claims to be the best. So it is crucial doing some research to find a reliable solar panel installer with extensive expertise, a valid license, and insurance. Failing to do a proper background check may lead to issues down the line, including leakages, roof damages, or mediocre solar panel performance. If you are in Africa, you can find reliable solar energy companies on AFRIKTA, ready to assist you. In case you have decided to invest in solar panel installation but do not know which type best fits your home, you can contact them today for more information and get an estimate
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, using solar energy to power your house is an environmentally friendly choice, and the list of benefits of solar power does not end there. Although there are many pros to switching to solar energy, it is not a decision to make too quickly. Take the time to evaluate the pros and cons of solar energy to determine if making the switch is appropriate for you. Without carefully assessing all the options, it may lead to problems in the long run that homeowners are not prepared to face.
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