People are talking about solar energy and how much it’s cost-effective and eco-friendly. If you’re interested in exploring this option yourself, it’s important to understand what it really costs.
Fortunately, the cost of solar energy has decreased significantly in the last few years. It’s now much more affordable for average consumers. If you’re curious about how much solar energy will cost you on a yearly basis, check out the solar energy cost chart below.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
You may be familiar with solar power when you see something called “solar roof” on houses across the country. That’s because solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a way to generate electricity. A solar roof uses photovoltaic (PV) cells that are attached to an inverter. When sunlight hits the solar cells, it turns into electricity that runs through the wires and is available for use.
There are different types of solar roofs that collect and store energy at different times. The amount of electricity generated by a solar roof depends on many factors including the type of solar cells used and the time of day. However, on average, a solar roof can produce between 5 and 15kW of electricity per day. That’s enough for a small house! If you’re interested in exploring solar energy as a potential source of renewable energy, it’s important to do your research before making any big decisions.
The Pros And Cons Of Going Solar
Going solar is a great option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint and be more eco-friendly. The pros of going solar are endless: it’s renewable, it reduces your energy bill, and it protects the environment. Let’s take a quick look at the cons of going solar.
- Cost-wise, going solar is not always the most cost-effective option. On average, it costs more to generate electricity with solar compared to traditional methods. However, if you live in an area where the sun shines a lot, the payback period on your investment in solar can be quick. If you’re interested in solar energy, you can start small with a sunny space by your house and see how it goes. If it works out, you can always expand your system later on.
- Safety-wise, going solar is not always the safest option. Solar energy is dangerous if you do not follow the correct procedures. This mainly comes in the form of accidents that happen when working with electricity. Still, it’s much safer to work with electricity than with fossil fuels, which pose a greater health risk. If you live in an area where there’s a lot of exposure to UV radiation, such as from the sun or from an electrical storm, it’s important to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen before and after working with electricity. There are also extra safety precautions that you need to take when using solar energy equipment, especially if you’re generating electricity on a large scale.
- PV cells deteriorate over time and need to be replaced. The lifespan of a PV cell is between 15 and 20 years, depending on the environment it is located in. Still, it is important to monitor and replace the cells on a regular basis to ensure that your system is producing as much electricity as it can. If you find that the cells have degraded beyond repair, you will need to completely replace them which will increase the cost of your solar energy system.
- Space-wise, going solar is not always the most efficient option. There are different types of solar roofs that collect and store energy at different times of day and in different locations. If you want to maximize your space, it’s best to avoid putting a system of solar cells on your roof. The best way to utilize your rooftop space is by placing a wind turbine on it. If you live in an area where the wind is strong and constant, a wind turbine is an excellent choice. It not only generates electricity but also keeps your house cooler, which saves you money on your energy bills.
- Eco-wise, going solar is not always the greenest option. It all depends on how you’re generating electricity. If you’re using fossil fuels to generate electricity, then it’s not eco-friendly. However, if you’re generating electricity with solar and the sun is sufficient, then it’s an eco-friendly option. It reduces your dependence on fossil fuels and prevents pollution. Still, it’s important to look for green energy options that don’t damage the environment even more. Going solar is not a perfect solution, but it’s a step in the right direction. If you want to go green, you can always explore eco-friendly options that don’t cost as much as traditional ones.
Final Takeaway
Going solar is a great option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint and be more eco-friendly. The pros of going solar are endless: it’s renewable, it reduces your energy bill, and it protects the environment. Still, it’s important to remember the cons of going solar. It’s not for everyone. Cost-wise, going solar is not always the most cost-effective option. If you live in an area where the sun shines a lot, the payback period on your investment in solar can be quick. If you’re interested in solar energy, you can start small with a sunny space by your house and see how it goes. If it works out, you can always expand your system later on.