If you’re considering installing a solar panel system, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of going solar. In this article, we’ll outline some of the most important pros and cons of installing solar.
Solar is a revolutionary energy solution for property owners of any type, but like any energy decision, choosing to go solar has various advantages and disadvantages you should keep in mind. Of all the common benefits and drawbacks that come with going solar, here are a few of the ones that consistently rise to the top:
Pros and cons of solar energy
- Rooftop solar panels aren’t the perfect fit for everyone, but that’s okay. Like any other home efficiency product, solar panels provide clear benefits to homeowners that are in need of energy upgrades and electricity bill reduction. Not everyone fits that description.
- The pros of solar outweigh the cons in most situations: for most solar shoppers, the benefit of saving on electricity bills is enough to make solar worth it! Adding increased home value and insulation against rising energy costs only sweetens the deal.
The main advantages of solar energy are that it helps you lower your electric bill, raise your home value, reduce your carbon footprint, combat rising electricity costs, and earn money back on your investment. On the other hand, the key disadvantages of solar energy include that it doesn’t work for every roof, it’s not ideal if you’re about to move, the upfront cost can be expensive, savings can be low if your electricity bills are low, and finding a local installer can be difficult.
The advantages of solar energy
There are many benefits of installing a solar system on your home or business. Here are is our list of the most important advantages of solar energy to keep in mind:
1. Solar can drastically reduce or eliminate your utility bills
This top benefit of solar panels is pretty straightforward – when you install solar power for your home, you generate your own electricity, become less reliant on your electric utility and reduce your monthly energy bills. A solar panel system typically has a 25-35 year lifespan, which means that you can cut your electricity costs for decades to come by going solar. Additionally, the cost of solar has decreased by more than 70 percent in the past decade, the cost of electricity has risen enormously, and that trend in rising electric cost is expected to continue. Going solar can help you gain control in the face of these rising costs – and you can pair a solar panel system with energy storage for even more control and peace of mind.
2. Solar could improve your home value
Millions of homeowners are interested in solar panels but haven’t taken the time to figure out what it takes to install them. This consumer reality and the undeniable benefits of having solar panels on a home complements recent studies that found property values increase after solar is installed. Thus, the second “pro” of solar can help to level out one of the cons that we discussed earlier - even if you’re planning on moving in the near future, you’ll earn back your solar panel investment and then some when you sell your home.
3. Solar reduces carbon emissions
Solar is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Unlike traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil, photovoltaic solar energy does not lead directly to pollutants (like carbon dioxide) being released into the atmosphere and water supply. Even compared to nuclear energy, solar comes out on top in terms of positive environmental impact.
4. Solar electricity can be sold back to the grid
If you generate renewable electricity in your home or business, you can feed back into the grid any electricity that you don't use. Under the Smart Export Guarantee ( SEG ) you will be paid for every unit of electricity that you feed back. You won't be paid for any that you use yourself.
5. Solar is a low maintenance energy source
Firstly choose your supplier. Then the installation process will be handled completely by qualified professionals. Once your panels are installed, they require very little maintenance compared to other forms of energy production. With no moving parts, your panels might only need an occasional cleaning after snow or inclement weather.