14 Sep Solar Energy Info
Solar energy is a proven technology that has been found to work in varied climates and regions of the country. Solar energy has become more affordable than ever because of the many companies that have entered the solar energy industry.
Most people have already received a fair share of exposure to marketing efforts touting the pros of solar energy. However, just as with anything else in life, solar energy systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Below are some of the pros and cons of installing solar panels on your home.
Solar energy pros:
- Solar power can reduce or eliminate your electric bills — This is one of the greatest perks of having a solar panel system. Since you generate your own electricity, you can completely cover your electric costs or greatly reduce them. With a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, solar panels can pay for themselves before they die.
- Solar power increases the value of your home — Solar panels can significantly raise the value of your home, allowing you to recoup your investment with the increased sale price.
- Solar power pays for itself — The government provides incentives and tax credits for installing solar power systems. If you compute your monthly savings on your electric bill with these added incentives, you will find that you will recover your investment in a few years. Also, depending on where you live, some states or cities will compensate you if your solar system produces surplus electricity for the grid.
- Solar power allows you to reduce carbon emissions — You can decrease your carbon footprint by switching to solar instead of relying on fossil fuel-generated electricity from the power company.
Solar energy cons:
- Solar energy does not produce immediate profits — A solar system is a financial investment that pays for itself in a few years. While it does add value to your home, if you are selling right after purchasing solar, there is no way you can recoup your investment in that amount of time.
- Solar panels are not for every type of roof — Roofing materials in some older homes are not suited for the installation of solar panels. Additionally, depending on the location of your home and the direction that your roof faces, you may not get enough sunlight to make solar panels worthwhile.
- Solar energy will impart minimal savings if the cost of electricity is low — If you live in an area where power is cheap, investing in solar panels may be moot, as you may not save enough money to make it worth the cost of purchasing the system.
- The initial cost of solar can be high — Solar panel installers often charge high prices. Even with government incentives and tax credits, the setup costs of solar energy systems can be daunting. Find a sound financing plan, and make sure that you will get a good return on investment before making any purchases.
While some people will try to convince you to switch to solar for a variety of reasons, understanding the pros and cons can help you be confident that you’ve made an informed decision no matter what you ultimately choose.