Advantages And Disadvantages of Home Solar Energy

Although many people have been turning to solar energy to generate electricity without relying upon traditional sources, there are several advantages and disadvantages associated with using solar power. The following is a list of advantages and disadvantages people can consider before installing solar panels in their homes.

Advantages of solar energy

1. Renewable energy source

A solar energy generator is 100 percent renewable. This means that the energy generated is free of charge and will continue to provide power as long as the sun shines upon the panels. It is an excellent way to reduce traditional power sources' financial and environmental costs.

2. Reduces electricity bills

The fact that solar energy can be used to generate electricity is a real advantage for those looking for ways to save money on their electricity bills. Even if the amount of energy generated is not big enough to significantly impact their overall consumption, anyone looking for ways to lower the costs associated with operating a household will find this option very attractive.

3. Diverse applications

Although solar power devices are mainly used to generate electricity, there are other uses for them as well. These devices can store energy for later use and even power batteries in vehicles where a grid connection is unavailable. It is also possible to use them to power small appliances where electricity is unavailable, making it ideal for rural areas.

4. Low Maintenance costs

As per the solar experts, “As long as the solar panels are properly maintained, they will not cost a lot to operate. This makes it an ideal energy source for those who do not want to pay for fuel or other types of electricity if they cannot use it.”

5. Technology development

Even though solar energy is still a relatively new technology, its development has already led to numerous discoveries that allow it to be used in various ways. This makes it an ideal energy source for people looking for ways to save money and gain energy independence.

Disadvantages of solar energy

1. High Initial Cost

The cost associated with setting up a solar energy system is one of the biggest disadvantages people will face. To get the full benefit of this energy source, professionals must do the installation, and the equipment used must be very reliable. This reduces the initial cost but makes it more expensive in the long run than other sources such as coal or natural gas.

2. Weather-dependent

Although solar energy can generate a lot of energy from the sun, the weather can significantly impact how much output is produced. Very little energy will be produced if the weather is rainy and cloudy. Some individuals may consider this an advantage because they will not always have to rely on this source for electricity.

3. Solar energy storage is expensive

Although most types of solar energy can produce enough energy to meet the demands of a household, the fact that there is no infrastructure in place can be a disadvantage.

To ensure that the home will always have access to electricity, people need to find an alternative means of storing the energy for later use. Although this type of storage is possible, it can be very expensive and complex.

4. Uses a lot of space

Solar energy requires a lot of space to power a household effectively. If the home is large enough, it can provide enough power to meet all of the family's needs, but this would require more space than most homes have

5. Production of solar panels has a carbon footprint

Even though it may produce electricity, producing solar panels is still a very carbon-intensive process. Currently, the amount of carbon dioxide produced each year from the extraction and manufacturing of these devices is substantial.

Conclusion

There are certainly advantages to choosing solar energy to generate electricity. It produces virtually no emissions and has numerous other benefits as well. However, choosing this type of energy has disadvantages that may make it unsuitable for many homeowners.

Suppose someone is considering using solar energy but cannot afford the installation costs. In that case, they may want to consider forms of renewable energy that do not require much investment up front.

Tell us your story

Would you like to write for nichemarket just like Herbert has? Find out how to submit a guest post and when you're ready, you can contact us.

Are you looking to promote your business?

South African construction businesses can create your free business listing on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. 

Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign-up form and follow the instructions. If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles.

• How to create a nichemarketer profile
• How to create a nichemarket business listing

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have time to spare, why not check out these related posts and dive deeper down the rabbit hole that is renewable energy.

• How To Get Off The Eskom Grid In South Africa
• Why You Should Replace Your Old Windows With Energy-efficient Windows
• What Are Your Electric Car Options In South Africa?
• EskomSePush: Best Apps To Keep Up To Date With The Loadshedding

Tags: Solar, Home Solar, Solar Energy, Guest Post