If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint or just want to explore alternative energy, you’ve probably heard about the growing popularity of solar power. Since 2006, the cost of solar electricity has dropped by 85%, while the quality has improved. What’s more is that with favorable government incentives, it’s cheaper to go solar than to retain conventional energy sources. That’s made it possible for even more people to go green and save money in the process. But now that the price has come down, it’s essential that you take the time to find out how to go solar power-free.
How To Go Solar Power-Free In San Jose
So you’ve decided to go green. That’s fantastic! We’re happy to hear that, because more people jumping on the solar power band-wagon means more business for us.
What we need to understand is how exactly you’re going to go about it. For some, reducing their carbon footprint and switching to renewable energy is as easy as flipping a switch. For others, it’s a gradual process that takes some planning and research.
To that end, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you start your solar journey successfully. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for it. So, let’s get started.
The Pros And Cons Of Going Solar
Going solar is a great option for a lot of reasons. Not only do you save money on your energy bills but you also reduce your carbon footprint. And let’s not forget about the beautiful sun that gives us all that energy in the first place. But just like any other major decision in life, there are some definite perks and cons to going solar. Let’s take a quick look at them.
The Pros
There are a lot of pros to going solar. If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and become more independent, going solar is a great option. Here are just a few of them.
Affordable – Thanks to the falling costs of solar energy and the increasing demand, many companies have been able to reduce the price of solar power so significantly that it’s now affordable for even the average household.
Luminous Sun – We all love to stare at the glorious sun, don’t we? While a lot of people may feel inspired by the bright yellow star, it’s actually the source of all our energy. Thanks to new solar technologies, we’re able to harness the power of the sun even more effectively than before.
Secure Energy Source – We all live in fear of the unpredictable energy suppliers. But that’s no longer an issue with new-age solar companies. If you buy a system from a reputable company, you can be sure that you’ll get your power even if the sun doesn’t shine or if the government sanctions traditional energy providers.
Saving Money
One of the biggest pros to going solar is that you’ll likely end up saving money. With the current price of solar electricity at around $0.08 per kWh, many states and localities provide generous government-subsidized solar power options. So if you live in one of those areas, you’ll likely end up paying much less for your energy than you would otherwise. In some states, such as New York, you’ll even be able to purchase a system for free! So not only will you save money on your energy bills but you’ll even end up making money from solar in the process!
But not all is sunshine and rainbows. Going solar is still a major commitment and it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for additional income via part-time jobs or seasonal work, you may not want to consider going solar. Or if you’re just looking for a simple lifestyle change, you may want to consider other options.
The Con
There are a few cons to going solar. If you’re not prepared for the financial commitment, it’s not a good idea. Just like any other major purchase or investment, you’ll want to make sure that you’re ready to fund it properly. But beyond that, there are a few other things that you need to consider.
Installation Could Be Complex
Installing solar panels on your roof isn’t as simple as flipping a switch and having them done professionally the next day. Depending on the size of your roof and whether you want full-spectrum or mono-band solar panels, it could take a few days to a week to install them properly. Then, you’d need to take time to learn how to use them properly and how to maintain them.
Noise And Pollution
One of the things that get easily overlooked is the fact that solar energy systems produce a lot of noise. While some people may not mind the sound of wind machines or the low hum of a refrigerator, you’ll most likely find that some people do mind when it comes to solar energy systems. Especially if they’re not installed properly or if they’re not shielded properly.
Aside from the noise issue, solar energy systems also produce a lot of pollution. When solar panels are being produced, there’s a lot of toxins present, especially cadmium. While many of these toxins are contained within the solar panels themselves, installing and maintaining a solar energy system is still not for the faint of heart.
Consider Other Options
If you’re looking specifically for ways to save money and go green, going solar isn’t the only option available. You may want to consider other options, such as purchasing a wind turbine or installing a co-generation system, to name just a few.
But for those who are wanting to go the extra mile and maximize their savings, going solar is the perfect choice. You’ll be able to purchase a quality system for less money than you’d spend on an electric car, for example.
So, as you can see, there are both pros and cons to going solar. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference what system you want to go with. Some people prefer the simplicity of being paid directly for the energy they produce while others want to go the extra mile and track each kilowatt-hour they produce. If you’re looking to maximize your savings while also wanting to be more environmental-friendly, going solar is the perfect solution. And for those who can afford it, the benefits will be more than worth it!