In the past few years, the solar industry has come a long way, and so have solar power systems. These systems provide us with clean energy and save us tons of money, which otherwise would have been spent on expensive electricity bills. Although the benefits of solar power are countless, so are the cons. Here are some of the most common ones.
PV Systems (PhotoVoltaic Systems)
Just like any industry, the solar power industry is growing, and this growth is causing certain inefficiencies and issues. These inefficiencies affect all parts of the industry, from the hardware being produced to the policies being followed. One of the biggest issues preventing solar energy from taking off as a mainstream energy source is the variety of available products. Although the technology is improving, the different types of solar panels available can still be a pain to maintain. Also, these systems give off black smoke on a regular basis, which is extremely dangerous and has prevented certain countries and states from legalizing or fully regulating the industry.
Power System Efficiency
This is especially relevant for those who have installed solar panels on their homes. The efficiency of your power system determines how much electricity you can generate, and, as a result, how much you can save. The efficiency of a power system varies, but it typically reaches 20 to 25% in most cases. However, this percentage can decrease to only 10% if certain hardware limitations are met. One of the major components responsible for bringing down the efficiency percentage of your system is the inverter, and this is the part that most people have problems with. These problems arise because of inefficient inverters that consume more power than they actually produce. Having a power system that is more efficient than the 20% typical figure would increase your savings significantly. You would not have to spend more money on your electricity bills, and this would make having solar power systems a financially viable option for a great many people.
Rooftop Size Limitations
One of the biggest issues preventing solar energy from being a popular choice for homes and businesses is the sheer size of the systems required to generate enough electricity to provide for a normal household or office building. The problem here is that not many people have the room on their roof for a big enough system, and the cost of installing one would be exorbitant. This problem is prevalent in areas where the demand for electricity is high, and space is at a premium because of the high density of buildings. In these areas, having solar power systems may not be the most practical option, especially since these systems are not available in all shapes and sizes.
System Maintenance
Keeping your solar system working smoothly is critical if you want to reap its numerous rewards. To achieve this, you will need to carry out some maintenance tasks as part of a regular checkup. These tasks include changing the light bulbs that are used with the system on a regular basis and checking the insulation around the roof and windows for any signs of rotting or deterioration. It is also necessary to clean the system on a regular basis to ensure that it continues producing clean energy and to prevent any efficiency losses due to dirt and dust buildup near vital components.
On the plus side, maintaining a clean solar system is easy enough, and it mostly involves keeping the panels free from any excess moisture. In case you are wondering, excess moisture can have numerous detrimental effects on your system, including promoting the growth of fungus and algae, which in turn can lead to serious efficiency losses. Therefore, maintaining a clean solar system is critical for ensuring that its efficiency remains high and that it continues providing green energy to power your home or office.
Cost
The cost of installing a solar system is constantly decreasing, thanks to technological advancements and the introduction of new products and services by reputable brands. This brings us to our next point. If you decide to purchase a brand-new solar system rather than have one installed, you will save a significant amount of money. It is also possible to have your solar system completely customized to meet your needs and budget, so investing in a new system is not necessarily a bad idea.
Installed Size
The size of your installed system determines how much electricity you can generate, and, ultimately, how much you can save. One of the major issues preventing solar energy from becoming more popular is the sheer size of the systems required. These systems are large and often require a considerable amount of space, which not many people have. Installations are also expansive because they usually include various ancillary equipment, such as batteries, charge controllers, inverters, and solar trackers. The good news is that there are smaller, more efficient systems available that still provide the same or more benefits. If you can find one that fits your needs, space, and budget, you will have no problem incorporating solar power into your home or office.
Include Battery Backup
Most electricity bills are already expensive enough without adding another layer of expense by including a battery backup in your system, especially if this battery is large enough to cover your basic electricity needs. This would mean you would not have to spend additional money on electricity on those rare occasions when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. On the plus side, having battery backup ensures that your system will still be able to generate electricity in case of a power outage, blackouts, or other unexpected occurrences. Most systems come with a battery that is rated to support up to three days of regular use, which should be more than enough for a household or small business. For those seeking to generate their own power, having a battery backup is crucial because it would allow them to continue supplying power even when the utility companies cut off their access to electricity due to nonpayment or other issues.
Security
Protecting your house and your belongings from theft and damage is another major reason why many people choose not to install solar power systems. Since these systems produce a lot of electricity, even a small amount of damage can cause serious financial losses if you can’t cover the costs. This brings us to our final point. Some people argue that having solar power systems in your house increases the risk of theft and/or damage. One way to overcome this issue is by placing monitoring cameras in different parts of your house, especially outside areas that have a lot of foot traffic and/or outside spaces where there is plenty of space for a thief to hide.
Obviously, the pros and cons of solar energy are not absolute. They depend on your personal situation and situationally determine whether or not you will benefit from these systems. Still, as a general rule, solar power is a win-win situation, and it’s definitely the future of energy.