People are moving towards solar energy sources instead of the electricity provided by the powerhouses. But what exactly is solar energy? Solar energy is the radiant light provided by the sun, which can be converted into electricity. That electricity helps to power the electrical appliances and lighting systems.
Systems powered by solar energy can free you from the trouble of electricity down or power failures in the town. Whether you have a big meeting coming up or have to get dressed for a party, with a solar energy system, you can take things at your own pace without any worry. Solar energy has made the lives of people easy.
There are five types of solar energy:
- Photovoltaic Solar energy
- Concentrated Solar energy
- Water heating solar energy
- Solar Pool Heating
- Thermal Solar energy
So now, let’s address the elephant in the room: is investing in solar energy systems beneficial or disastrous in 2021? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of solar energy. Many people think it’s beneficial, while some say it’s not. First, let’s get right into it so that you can decide for yourself.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Reducing the electric bill
The first advantage in everyone’s mind is the reduced electricity bill. When you opt for solar energy, you will see a significant drop in your electric bill. You will save a lot of money when installing the solar energy panel in your home.
Many states require utilities to offer net metering, which reduces the electricity cost with the solar system’s energy. Such a system helps when you are running low on income and can’t handle the significant amount of electricity bills.
Solar is cheap
Another advantage of solar energy is that it’s the cheapest option available. We know that electricity prices continue to rise, touching the skies, and solar energy prices keep decreasing.
The rate that the respective people have noticed is that 70% of the cost has fallen over the past years. This invention has made the lives of homeowners easier than before. Another advantage you can take of the solar incentives is installing a solar system by the end of 2022; you can get a 26% federal tax credit.
Seeing a return on your investment
If you think solar energy can only reduce your electric bill, my friend, you are wrong. They can also make you earn a little extra money. As said above, through net metering, you provide excess power to your solar energy systems to generate utility.
Many states have incentives such as Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can make you earn hundreds of dollars annually. Of course, it also depends on where you live. All your earnings from saving the electricity bill, net metering, and other incentives can help you pay back the cost of your solar energy system.
So, these were the advantages of the solar energy system. Now, let’s move on to the disadvantages of solar energy.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy System
Intermittent energy sources
The solar energy system is an intermittent source; why? There are three reasons behind it.
- The sun doesn’t rise at night, so the solar panel can’t generate power at night
- The intensity of the sun’s rays varies with location, time of the year, and day.
- Clouds and snow have a significant effect on solar energy systems.
People raise these factors when someone tells them to invest in solar energy systems for their homes. As time passes, these things are changing, and cost-effective batteries are in the process of making the solution to these problems. The homeowners can save the battery and store it for use at night.
Solar Energy Systems Require Space
Another disadvantage of the solar energy system is the space it needs. The house owners can use the roof to install the solar energy system. But when you look at the large grid-scale solar systems, you will know that space can become a big issue for people.
Solar energy systems have low power density, meaning they need a larger area to generate the same amount of solar energy as a coal plant.
Solar Energy Systems Can Move With you
The day you decide to move to another house or state, you will realize that you can’t move your solar energy system with you because it will cost you a fortune. The net metering agreement you signed with your utility is fixed on your property. And finding people who can uninstall and reinstall the solar energy system will cost you dollars.
So, these were the advantages and disadvantages of the solar energy system. Please install one so that you can save up money for later. The sooner, the better.
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