What are the Pros and Cons of Solar?
Have you noticed your neighbors installing solar panels on their roof? Were you intrigued as to their motivation why they went the solar route? Have you considered installing them on your roof as well? Well, to help you make an informed choice, how about we discuss the Pros and Cons of Solar?
PROS
1. Solar can drastically reduce and even eliminate your electric bills.
This is primarily the best advantage of solar for any residential homeowner. Once you’ve installed solar panels and they start producing electrical power for your home, you probably won’t need electricity from your utility provider during the day. That in itself cuts your power bill in half. And, if you have installed batteries, you probably won’t need your power company at all, so no more electric bills to pay.
2. Solar increases the value of your home
This advantage works when you’re selling your home. You will be able to raise the market value of your home, to include the cost of your solar installation. New buyers will also find it to their advantage to have a ready-made solar installation in the home that they’re buying. Click on our video of The Secrets Behind Solar to learn more.
3. Solar is good for the environment
You know that solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. Its conversion from sunlight to electrical power does not release harmful substances into our atmosphere. Also, once you reduce your dependence on electricity from your power supplier, you are effectively reducing your carbon footprint. You become less of a participant in the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the planet.
4. Low maintenance costs
Any of the parts of your solar power system hardly need any maintenance at all. Your solar panels don’t really require maintenance. You may check on them every once in a while if there’s debris on them but really, cleaning may be done only when necessary. But do check on your inverters and cables just to make sure that there’s no wear and tear.
5. Solar can earn money for you as you use it
Where else can you find a power source that actually gives you back money as you use it? If you live in a State that as net metering, then you’re in for a treat. Some of the excess solar power that your system generates may be sent to your power grid. In exchange, you will receive credits on your next power bill.
CONS
1. Solar panels don’t work for every type of roof
For residential customers, roof-top installations seem to be the most popular choice. The height of the roof gives the best location for collecting sunlight. However, those with slate or cedar tiles may find it difficult to install solar panels on them. But, it’s not impossible. There are work- arounds but you have to discuss this with a reliable solar panel installer.
2. Some roofs are not big enough
You may want to install solar panels on your roof but it may not have the appropriate size to accommodate the number of panels that you want. You may have to resort to a limited number of panels or check if you can install on the ground with ground-mounted panels.
3. Solar is only available for homeowners
This may be surprising but, yes, solar panel installation is only available for homeowners. You can’t put a solar panel on an apartment you’re renting. Solar panel installers have to file permits and other documentation that need a homeowner’s consent.
4. If you can’t access solar financing, up-front solar costs can be intimidating
Yes, the cost of a solar panel installation may be daunting. However, costs are now more customer-friendly than ever before. There are also incentives that lessen the costs, depending on your State. Some solar panel suppliers also offer financing schemes that help. You just have to be discerning.
5. Solar’s efficiency is less during cloudy days or at night
It is a fact that when the sun isn’t shining, like during cloudy days or at night, there’s hardly any sunlight to collect. So, there’s no electrical power coming from your solar panels. You will have to rely on the power grid to give you electricity. However, if you have sufficient batteries, then that won’t be a problem. Batteries store excess power from your solar panels which you can use specifically for these situations.
CONCLUSION
Now that you’ve read about the pros and cons of solar, you may find it easier to decide if you want to go ahead and get solar on your roof. The pros are long-term benefits while cons are easily remedied. So, don’t wait any longer. Make your choice and go solar!
If you want to learn more about solar panels and their installation, send us a message on Facebook or visit our Ask Solar Mike website.
If you’re interested in accurately computing your solar panels requirement, schedule a call with us and you’ll be on your way towards your solar panel journey.
Originally published at https://blog.asksolarmike.com on June 11, 2021.
