Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
According to Business Insider, a single hour of solar power provides more energy than the whole world uses in a year. Solar panels can even provide power without direct sunlight.
Needless to say, there’s a lot of potential in this source of energy. But it’s still important to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Here’s a quick rundown of the main pros and cons:
| Advantages of Solar Energy | Disadvantages of Solar Energy |
| Renewable Reduces power bill Tax incentives Low maintenance Increases home value Low emission | High initial cost Expensive battery storage Pollution |
Advantages of Solar Energy
1. Renewable
Since the sun is always producing power, that makes solar energy renewable. When you hear the term “renewable,” it means a resource replenishes itself on its own.
This is in contrast to non-renewable resources that are limited and can only be used once. An example of a non-renewable source is oil.
According to NASA, the sun is expected to last another five billion years. It can be a source of energy for us for many generations to come.
2. Reduces power bill
Energysage notes that over the life of a solar panel system, consumers can save anywhere between $10000 and $30000 on electricity. You may be able to save up to 95% off your utility bill with solar panels.
A home can use the energy produced by solar panels when the sun is out. Excess electricity can also be produced during this time.
Your solar panel’s excess electricity can get sent back to the city grid, reversing your power meter and reducing your electricity bill. If you have a home energy battery, it can be saved there and used later or for emergencies.
3. Tax incentives
Recently, Congress passed an extension of the energy investment tax credit. Those who install a solar panel system between 2020 and 2022 will get a 26% tax credit.
Individuals who install one in 2023 will get a 22% tax credit. The details can be challenging to understand, so it might be wise to consult a tax professional on this.
There’s a list of criteria you have to meet to be eligible for this tax credit. Be sure to carefully review those requirements to figure out how you can qualify. Keep in mind that this tax credit is set to expire in 2024 unless Congress renews it.
4. Low maintenance
Solar panels generally don’t have much maintenance cost for keeping them running. Most sources note the reason is that there aren’t moving parts in the solar panel system. Solar Earth Choice notes that the only maintenance that’s certain is the replacement of the inverter after 15 years.
Otherwise, be sure to keep your solar panels clean every 6 to 12 months. It’ll keep the system productive and efficient. You can also get a professional to perform an annual inspection just to make sure everything is running properly.
5. Increases home value
CNBC reported that installing solar panels can potentially increase your home’s value by up to 4.1%. A median-valued home in the U.S. could see an additional $9,274 added to it.
While all of this is possible, every home is valued on a case-by-case basis. Consult with different real estate agents to see if solar panels can significantly increase your home’s value.
6. Low emission
The United Nations notes that solar power produces no emissions when generated. They also express that life-cycle assessments prove solar energy has a smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels.
The main source of emissions from solar power is the mining and transport of materials to produce solar panels and the manufacturing process. There’s still a need to determine more eco-friendly ways of bringing solar panels to the market.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
1. High initial cost
Sources vary on how much, on average, it’ll cost to install solar panels. But they all report numbers that are at least over $10,000.
The numbers might also be different based on which state you live in. Here are what some of the top sources note as the average cost of solar panels:
- ConsumerAffairs: $11,144 to $14,696
- Forbes: $16,000 or between $3,500 to $35,000 based on the model and type
- Nerdwallet: $15,000 to $25,000
Getting in contact with a local solar installation company will give you the best idea of what you’ll be spending. But in general, you can expect the initial cost of setting up your solar panels to be high. Another thing to keep in mind is the process to be permitted to use solar panels can be time-consuming.
2. Expensive battery storage
If you opt to get battery storage with your solar panel system, that’ll increase your initial costs even more. According to Energy.gov, a solar panel system with storage can cost between $25,000 and $35,000.
Different sources debate how much more you can actually save with battery storage. You’ll have to consider the cost of energy storage, the cost of maintenance, and the battery life span. Here’s a guide on solar batteries that you might find helpful.
3. Pollution
As mentioned earlier, the pollution from solar panels comes mainly from their production. Solar panels are generally made from silicone.
Silicon manufacturing is said to account for 6.0kg CO2e/kg per silicon metal made. There’s also a hazardous waste issue that the Harvard Business Review did a lengthy article on titled, The Dark Side of Solar Power.
How much of an advantage or disadvantage solar panels are will depend on your own circumstances. Discuss these pros and cons with your local solar panel installers to help you decide if solar energy is right for your home. If you need more information, here’s an informational video of someone discussing owning solar panels for ten years.
