In the last couple of years, we’ve seen a rapid rise in popularity regarding alternative energy sources and eco-friendly living. Companies such as Tesla, Apple, and Google have taken a stand against using traditional fuels, and the trend continues to gather momentum. In order to make the transition to an eco-friendly lifestyle as smooth as possible, we need to be creative in finding ways to generate power without increasing our dependence on fossil fuels. One of the best ways to achieve this is through solar power. If you’re considering investing in solar panels, keep reading.
The Benefits Of Having Solar Panels
As the name implies, solar panels are designed to harness the power of the sun. This abundant source of energy allows for an endless number of applications, from generating electricity to providing hot water for drinking and cooking to charging electronic devices. As a result of the growing popularity of alternative energy sources, there are a variety of subsidies and incentives available to encourage people to go solar. Let’s take a quick look at the top benefits of having solar panels.
Energy Independence
One of the primary advantages of solar power is its ability to provide independence from fossil fuels. Since the technology allows for large-scale generation of electricity, it’s relatively easy for homes and businesses to become completely energy independent. This means never having to worry about energy costs again. It also means freedom from frequent power outages, which can be extremely frustrating. Homes and offices that generate their own power are usually far less affected by power outages than those who are dependent on the grid for electricity.
Clean Energy
Another key advantage of going solar is that it provides a clean energy source. Coal, oil, and gas are extremely detrimental to the environment, and solar energy is completely clean and pollution-free. This quality makes it a much better choice for environmentally conscious individuals and businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint. In fact, solar power generation is more eco-friendly than most other power sources because it doesn’t require any additional mining for raw materials. The energy is simply generated from the sun.
Affordable
Last but not least, we have the advantage of solar being an affordable option for homes and businesses. Although it can cost a great deal of money to purchase the necessary equipment to generate solar energy, the cost per kilowatt hour is far lower than what we’d spend on energy from traditional sources. This makes solar power a much more cost-effective option for those who want to reduce their energy bills.
What Type Of Person Is Suitable For Going Solar?
If you’re thinking about investing in solar panels, it’s a good idea to consider the type of person that would be suitable for this type of energy system. As you may have guessed, going solar is not for the faint of heart as it requires an incredible amount of work and investment. That being said, there are a variety of situations where solar could be a good choice for homes and businesses, including but not limited to:
- Those who want to reduce their energy bills
- Penny pinchers who want to generate their own electricity
- Green residences that want to be more energy-efficient
- Businesses who want to cut back on their fossil fuel spending
- Solar-friendly regions that want to provide their inhabitants with power generated from the sun
The Downside Of Going Solar
While there are a number of benefits to going solar, there are also a few downsides. The first and perhaps most significant downside to the technology is its requirement for constant maintenance. The panels themselves need to be cleaned regularly, and it’s a good idea to have somebody come in and check your inverter (the part of the system that converts the direct current generated by the panels into alternating current, suitable for use by electricity-hungry appliances) on a regular basis. In addition, depending on where you live and how cold the winter is, you may need to have your system upgraded to handle the extra load. The good news is these are all easy fixes and can be handled by any competent home or business builder. The other significant downside to solar power is that it’s not available 24/7/365. This is especially problematic if your electricity needs vary from day to night, or if you have certain devices (like electric kettles or dishwashers) that operate on a cycle and require continuous supply of electricity.
Hopefully, you now have a clearer picture of what solar is and why it’s a good choice for some homes and businesses. Keep in mind that you’ll need to do a lot of research before committing, as this is a significant purchase that could dramatically change your life for the better or the worse. For more information, be sure to check out the links below.