You’ve probably heard about the massive benefits that solar power provides. We can now generate our own electricity using clean energy, and that means we can keep the lights on and the appliances running without worrying about buying energy from dirty sources.
But what is the downside of solar energy? While there are many perks to going green, there are also a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of.
Here are the top five worst things about solar energy.
Worst Thing #1: The Cost
We’ve all heard of the cost of solar energy. Even though it’s getting more affordable every year, it’s still expensive. We’re paying for quality materials, cutting-edge technology, and highly trained professionals. The cost of installing solar panels on your roof is a major investment, and you’ll need to decide if you can afford the up-front expense.
Worst Thing #2: The Size
The size of the panel that you install on your roof affects how much electricity you can generate. The larger the panel, the more electricity you’ll be able to produce. But it also means more area on your roof that needs to be covered by solar panels.
If you live in a small community, you may not want to install a large panel, as it could potentially ruin the looks of your house. If you live in a large community, you may not have enough space for a small panel.
Worst Thing #3: Energy Output
Just because your solar panels are generating electricity doesn’t mean that they’re producing an adequate amount. You need to assess how much electricity you need, and how much you can generate. Your energy provider can help you determine how much power you need, and how much electricity your panels are producing.
The higher the output that your panels produce, the more money you’ll be making per day. But, greater energy output also means more heat is being produced, which could potentially cause damage to your roof and your home. Consider how much heat you can handle and live with when deciding where to place your panels.
Worst Thing #4: The Weather
We’re already aware that the weather can play a role in affecting how much electricity we can generate from solar power. The amount of sunlight that hits the Earth at any given moment depends on the season and time of day, as well as geographical location. It’s always safest to assume that the weather will not be ideal for creating electricity using solar power. While it’s still possible to generate electricity regardless of the weather, it’s a little more complicated.
If you live in a place where it always rains or storms, it may be an idea to install your solar panels on the roof of your building, rather than on the land. Building-mounted solar panels are more secure from extreme weather conditions, and they also don’t require nearly as much space as field-mounted panels do.
Worst Thing #5: The Emissions
Emissions are one of the biggest potential downsides to solar energy. Solar panels produce electricity by converting sunlight directly into heat and electricity, so they’re very much a part of the green movement. But just because your panels are clean, doesn’t mean that they don’t produce a few emissions. During the manufacturing process, solar panels produce carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds, and other gaseous by-products. While most of these compounds are natural and harmless, some of them are indeed harmful to the environment. You need to keep this in mind when considering the sustainability of your energy source.
If you’re really concerned about the environment, you could look into solar-powered car chargers that fully charge your vehicle without producing any harmful emissions. Many companies create eco-friendly products, install them on your roof, and then sell you the power to lift a finger. You’ll also be doing your bit to save the earth.
Overall
As a whole, solar energy is a great thing. We should be encouraging more people to adopt eco-friendly technologies, like solar panels, that help create a cleaner environment. But if you’re planning on generating your own energy using solar power, it’s best to be aware of the potential drawbacks. Hopefully, these five worst things about solar energy will make you think twice about going green.