Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, but few really understand why. Therefore, I have compiled a comprehensive list of solar power pros and cons that will allow you to make an informed decision as to whether solar power is right for YOU.

Advantages of solar energy

1. Save money

• Once the initial investment is recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
• The payback/payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your home uses.
• There are financial incentives available from the government that will lower your cost.
• If your system produces more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you and put a credit on your account. This is called net metering.
• It will save you money on your electric bill if you have one.
• Solar power does not require any fuel.
• It is not affected by the supply and demand for fuel and is therefore not subject to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
• The savings are immediate and for many more years.
• The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.

2. Environmentally friendly

• Solar power is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil, and coal), and sustainable, which helps protect our environment.
• It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, or mercury into the atmosphere as many traditional forms of electrical generation do.
• Therefore, Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
• It actively contributes to the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
• It is generated where it is needed.
• By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the costs and problems of recovery and transportation of fuel or storage of radioactive waste.

3. Independent/ semi-independent

• Solar energy can be used to offset the consumption of energy supplied by public services. Not only does it reduce your electricity bill, but it will also continue to supply electricity to your home/business in the event of a power outage.
• A solar energy system can work completely independently, without the need for a connection to an electrical or gas network. Therefore, the systems can be installed in remote locations (such as holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost effective than supplying utility electricity to a new site.
• The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized energy sources, influenced by natural disasters or international events and thus contributes to a sustainable future.
• Solar energy supports the creation of local wealth and employment, boosting local economies.

4.Low/no maintenance

• Solar power systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
• Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
• They run quietly, have no moving parts, don’t release unpleasant odors, and don’t require you to add fuel.
• More solar panels can easily be added in the future as your family’s needs grow.

Disadvantages of solar energy

• Initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar power system, largely due to the high cost of the semiconductor materials used in construction.
• The cost of solar power is also high compared to non-renewable electricity supplied by utilities. As power shortages become more common, solar power becomes more price competitive.
• Solar panels require a fairly large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.
• The efficiency of the system also depends on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.
• The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
• Similarly, solar power will not be produced overnight, although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See http://www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering saves you electricity and money.
• As far as solar-powered cars go, their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today’s rat race.