With the rising demands on our natural resources and the impact climate change is having on our environment, it is essential that we change how we use energy and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is through going solar. However, as with most things in life, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider before making the decision to invest in solar energy.
In this article, we will examine the most important factors to consider before purchasing a system, as well as how solar energy can help your particular situation.
Porchlight Vs. Lamp Life: What Is The Difference?
One of the most significant differences between solar and normal electricity is its ability to generate electricity 24/7, regardless of the weather conditions. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas where electricity is not available by default (e.g. during the day when the sun is shining)
On the other hand, when electricity generated by solar panels is stored, it is a finite resource that can only be accessed during the day. During the night, when there is no direct light source and therefore no electricity generated, the battery will lose its charge and the system will stop working. Investing in a power system that can generate electricity at all times is significantly more reliable than manually bringing generators online whenever there is sunlight or a small breeze.
Size & Weight Of Equipment
When considering where to place a system of solar panels, there are various other factors to take into account, such as size and weight. If you have a small plot of land with no space for a conventional system, then opting for a system with smaller dimensions could be your answer. Alternatively, if you have a decent sized area but want to keep your batteries relatively light, you could select a system with smaller dimensions as well.
As for the weight of the system, it depends on how heavy you want to go with your choice. If you plan on carrying your solar panels around with you frequently, then a lighter system could be a better option. Conversely, if you want to keep your rooftop fully dedicated to generating electricity, then opting for a heavier system is what you should do.
Repairs Vs. Maintance
Another factor to consider when comparing solar and conventional electricity generation is the extent to which they require maintenance. While solar energy systems are much more reliable than traditional options, they still need to be maintained and serviced on a regular basis. This is generally a simpler and less strenuous process than that required for conventional power generation.
On the other hand, if you decide to go with a conventional power source, then the extent to which it requires maintenance will depend on how reliable and efficient it is. The more frequently you have to service and tweak the generator, the more expensive it will be to operate.
The Future Of Electricity
The most decisive factor to consider when comparing solar and conventional electricity is the future of electricity. If you believe that it is only a matter of time before the world fully embraces renewable energy sources such as solar, then you might want to go for traditional generators as it is quite easy to find yourself in a situation where you have run out of electricity.
On the other hand, if you think that the world is going toward sustainable energy options and that the demand for electricity is going to decrease over time, then investing in a system of solar panels could be quite rewarding in the long run.
Your Lifestyle
One of the significant advantages of solar energy is its ability to be used in situations where there is no other form of power. This can be quite handy in scenarios where you are camping or travelling. In these situations, you will need a reliable source of electricity that is not dependent on the weather conditions or the amount of light shining on the roof.
On the other hand, if you live in a conventional power-dependent world where the electricity grid provides the majority of power supplies and you rely on the electricity for day-to-day tasks such as cooking and refrigerating food, then going green with solar energy could prove quite challenging.
Energy Consumption
The last but not least important factor to consider before purchasing solar energy is energy consumption. If you want to make the planet a little more sustainable, going green by installing solar energy will help reduce your carbon footprint by a significant amount. Just bear in mind that generating and storing electricity using solar panels will always have a slightly higher energy consumption rate than normal electricity generation.
If you plan to use solar energy to generate electricity for your home or business, then you need to ensure that you are not exceeding any energy allowances that your state or country may have set as energy conservation measures. In most cases, the energy produced by solar is free of charge, so you do not have to worry about exceeding your energy limits as much as with conventional electricity generation.
However, depending on where you live and what options are available to you, the energy consumption rate for solar could be quite high. If you are in a situation where you cannot generate enough energy to cover your needs and you have to rely on expensive utility bills, then going green can prove to be quite the expensive decision.
Overall, there are many factors to consider before purchasing a system of solar energy. If you want to fully understand what all the fuss is about and want to know the advantages and disadvantages of going green with electricity generation, then this article will help you reach full comprehension.