Pros and Cons of Solar Panels: Are They Worth It?
When it comes to the pros and cons of solar energy, the pros usually outweigh the cons. This is because most homeowners are constantly on the lookout to save their money without compromising their electricity consumption. In such cases, solar panels can help you lower your high electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
Solar energy is one of the clean, green, and renewable forms of energy that can do much more than just reduce your electricity bills. Installing a solar panel system at your home can boost its value and protect you from blackouts. However, there are some cons to it as well, like major upfront costs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Solar energy is a renewable form of energy that reduces your dependency on fossil fuels while reducing your carbon footprint. Solar panels can significantly lower your electricity bills and even provide you with some energy independence. They require minimal maintenance and can even boost your home's resale value.
However, solar energy also has several drawbacks. The upfront cost of installing a solar system can be a lot, and since energy production is heavily dependent on sunlight, cloudy days can affect efficiency. Here are some pros and cons of solar panels that you should take into account before investing in them:
The Advantages of Solar Energy
There are many benefits to installing a solar panel in your home or your office. Some of the major benefits are:
1. Reduced Utility Bills
The main benefit of investing in a solar panel is reducing or eliminating your electricity bills completely. This happens because when you go solar, you generate your own electricity. Hence, you become less dependent on your electric utility.
A solar panel system can last you for 25-35 years. Going solar is a one-time investment that will benefit you for decades.
2. Increased Property Value
Many homeowners get solar panels installed so that they can reap its benefits while increasing the value of their homes. It is, more or less, a win-win situation. According to Energy.gov, the value of your home can increase by almost $15,000 after investing in a solar panel.
Going solar can be a great investment for most homeowners because they can sell their homes when they plan to relocate and earn back their initial investment.
3. Reduced Carbon Emissions
Going solar will benefit the environment as much as it benefits you. When you go solar, your contribution to climate change goes down. Solar energy is renewable and reduces other greenhouse gas emissions while reducing your carbon footprint.
As per a report by EIA, solar energy technologies don't produce air pollution or greenhouse gases while operating.
4. Trade Excess Solar Energy
If you are eligible to get solar panels installed, you could try your luck for net metering. Net metering is a type of solar incentive, and you can use the electric grid to store excess energy that your panel produces with it. When you send this stored energy to the grid, your utility provider will pay you against it.
Therefore, you get to sell the excess energy, and in return, you can ask for reduced electricity bills. This way, you will also have more energy independence.
The Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Solar panels have considerable disadvantages as well. However, it is essential to note that these disadvantages are subjective to each person:
1. Doesn't Work On Certain Roofs
The roof of your house can be a deciding factor when it comes to going solar. If you have a north-facing roof, installing a solar panel might not be for you. However, if your house has a south, west, or even east roof, you can install a solar panel. You can harness the sun's energy even if you have a flat roof.
However, if you have a house with slate or cedar tiles or other roof additions, like a roof deck, getting a solar panel installed might be too expensive.
2. Doesn't Work Without Sunlight
Solar panels harness the sunlight and produce power for you to use. Therefore, it requires sunlight to function. While it is true that solar panels can significantly reduce your high electricity bills, it is also true that they might not be of use during the night or when the weather is flaky.
This should not be a problem if you live in a state where you are eligible for net metering. But if not, you will require a battery to use the excess energy at night.
3. High upfront costs
Going solar means putting in a major chunk of money in one go. Your upfront costs can be influenced by factors like tax credits, rebates, and your financing terms. However, if you are not eligible for a solar loan, then you will have to put in the cash to buy the solar panel upfront.
There are many solar financing options, so you might be able to find just the right choice for you, like state-backed loans, leases, or power purchase agreements. However, that might not always be the case.
4. Doesn't Benefit Low Utility Bills
The top pro of getting a solar panel installed is that it saves you money on your electricity bills every month. However, if you are someone who doesn't consume as much electricity, your savings with a solar panel might not be worth it. This also depends on the state you live in.
For example, if you live in a state like Louisiana, solar panels might not be for you as the electricity rates are lower. On the contrary, if you live in Hawaii or California, where the electricity rates are much higher, you should think about going solar.
Are Solar Panels Worth it
The short answer to "Are solar panels worth it?" is yes. The number of solar panel investments has increased in recent years because the sun is a powerful energy source. However, deciding whether or not you should go solar depends mainly on factors like your monthly utility bills and the state in which you reside.
If you are looking to invest in a solar panel for the first time, you may want to consider Renogy solar panels. Renogy is a renowned provider that offers different types of solar panels, such as bi-facial, low-watt, and portable solar panels.
Solar panels from Renogy are usually ground-mount compatible and can work with on-grid and off-grid inverters. They also come with an IP65-rated waterproof junction box, making it easy to power your appliances even when it is raining.
Conclusion
The analysis of the pros and cons of solar energy will give you a thorough understanding of whether or not it is worth investing in solar panels. If you are moving to a different place, installing a roof-mounted solar panel will only drain your pocket. But if you are aiming to stay at a place for longer, you can check out different rebates and incentive programs that reduce the cost of solar panel installation.
If you are still wondering how to use renewable energy and save more on your monthly electricity bills, you may consider checking out Renogy solar kits. The different solar panels and solar batteries offer an economical option that outweighs the pros and cons of solar energy systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the advantages of solar panels?
From a customer's point of view, solar panels have several advantages, such as helping reduce or completely eliminate electricity bills, reducing carbon footprints, and even increasing the cost of a house or commercial building.
2. How long do solar panels last?
If the solar panel system is installed correctly and properly maintained by the house owner, it can typically last for nearly 20 - 30 years. If you want to increase its lifespan, a good racking system and periodic maintenance are highly recommended.
3. Do solar panels work in the rain?
Yes, solar panels do work in rain, but the energy production might not be as efficient as preferred. During the cloudy weather, the large solar panels will continue to produce at least 30 to 50% of their maximum output.
4. Do solar panels work in the winter?
Yes, solar panels do work during the winter. However, you will need to ensure that no debris or snowfall accumulates on them. This debris can reduce the amount of energy produced by the solar panels and might also reduce their lifespan.
