Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

Solar Energy Advantages: 1. It’s free: Solar energy is free, but only after your initial investment, which can be extremely expensive. It takes the average homeowner approximately 10 to 12 years to regain their initial investment through the savings they receive on their energy bills.  In addition, there are several incentives available through the federal government. DSIRE offers information on financial and regulatory incentives to promote renewable energy technologies. The website for DSIRE is: http://www.dsireusa.org/ 2. Solar Energy is environmentally friendly: This is very true. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that will not pollute the air, or water supply, as it does not produce waste such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, or mercury like other traditional forms of energy do. Which also means that solar energy will not contribute to global warming, acid rain, or smog. 3. Nearly zero-energy and zero-energy homes: This means that solar energy can be used to offset utility-supplied energy consumption or can be a homes sole energy source. When solar energy is used to offset utility-supplied energy, the solar system usually is connected to a meter that allows for the excess amount of solar energy to be shared with the utility company. This method not only reduces energy bills, but also will supply your home with electricity during times when the amount of solar energy is low. These systems are said to be “on a grid.” 4. By using Solar Energy we reduces our dependence on foreign oil. Therefore, our energy supply will not be drastically affected by natural disasters or international events. 5. Little to no maintenance: Solar power systems are virtually maintenance free and have been proven to last for decades. In addition, these systems are quite, do not have any moving parts, and do not produce any odors.

The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

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Caption: : Advantages of solar energy

The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

Solar Energy Disadvantages:1. The primary disadvantage of solar energy is its initial cost. However, as more and more people are switching to solar energy it is becoming more price-competitive. 2. Its efficiency: The efficiency of the system greatly depends on how it was installed as well as on the location of the sun. If a system is install incorrectly so that it does not receive the maximum amount of exposure of the sun, then the system will not be very efficient. In addition, battery backup systems may be need if a home is not on a grid as no solar energy can be produced at night.  Also, we have to take into account that commercial solar panels have very low efficiency ratings (maximum 22%), this means that more than 70% of the Sunlight that hits the panels is not converted in electricity. As you can see, the advantages of solar energy out number the disadvantages. However, because of its expensive cost, sadly many people will not be able to afford to install it.

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Caption: : Disadvantages of solar energy

References

https://solartribune.com/your-home/solar-advantages-disadvantages/ https://greentumble.com/solar-energy-pros-and-cons http://www.solarpowerdirect.org/news/entry/advantages-of-solar-energy http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Solar_Power