The advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
As the owner of several solar panels, I have realized the main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. With the incredible advancement and development of solar panel technology, the advantages of solar power are starting to outnumber the disadvantages. Solar panels have become so effective these days that they are commonly used in many homes, offices, and even industrial plants. Solar panels offer you free, clean energy as well as convenience, the comfort of knowing you’re doing the world a favor by choosing to go green.
It is truly amazing how we can live our lives with such ease thanks to modern technology. Home appliances like refrigerators and freezers, electric heaters and air conditioning units, computers and mobile phones make our lives much easier. However, all of these devices require a lot of power. One of the biggest wishes of homeowners these days is a solution to power their homes and appliances at a lower cost. Many wise homeowners have begun to consider getting solar panels for this very reason.
Solar power is one of the few, if not the only, energy sources you can feel good about consuming. Anyone can enjoy using solar energy to its full potential without negatively impacting the environment while escaping a costly energy bill. Below are some facts about the pros and cons of solar power.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Below are two of the main benefits of using solar energynamely;
- Free and infinite – The sun provides our planet with free and infinite energy in the form of radiant light. With this natural energy you can power your entire house and all your appliances if you have enough solar panels. Enjoy a quiet life without worrying about energy bills.
- Environmentally friendly: one of the biggest advantages of using solar energy is its almost non-existent degree of pollution. Solar panel systems do not emit any CO2. In fact, it is the purest, cleanest and most natural form of energy that exists!
Without a doubt, we are running out of the natural resources that this planet has stored for us during the last millions of years. Right now, our society relies heavily on fossil fuels to produce electrical power for the entire grid. As the amount of fossil fuels left on our planet continues to decline, the price of fuels continues to rise. Fossil fuels affect our planet in a very negative way by emitting an excessive amount of CO2 which, in turn, leads to global warming.
Disadvantages of solar energy
At this point, you’re probably thinking that this all sounds too good to be true, right? If there is an energy source that is infinite and non-polluting, why don’t we rely on it instead of fossil fuels? Well, there are two main disadvantages when it comes to going solar, namely;
- Cost of making photovoltaic panels: When it comes to using solar energy, the best way to go is by using a solar panel which consists of photovoltaic cells to convert solar radiation into direct current electricity. The manufacture of photovoltaic cells and solar panels, as well as their installation, can seem a bit expensive.
- Energy Storage – If your system produces excess electricity, you will want to store this electricity in batteries. Batteries can also be expensive and must be used with proper care to maintain their effectiveness.
Suggestions to counter the disadvantages
- Build a DIY Solar Panel System – You can save a lot of money by building the solar panels yourself. There are many DIY solar panel kits available for sale online, I recommend checking out Amazon.
- Get a good battery – Buying a good battery for your system can be a bit expensive, but it will be worth it in the long run. Having a good battery means that you will be able to store the generated electricity more effectively. This is important as your system will generate electricity during the day and store it for later use at night when the sun is no longer visible.
Now that you have learned about some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, I recommend that you put your knowledge to good use.