WHY SOLAR PANELS?
Having doubts about using solar panels at home?
Although we already know that renewable energy is better for our environment, you may be surprised to find that only 1% of the energy used in the United States is renewable energy.
Most of our energy, 38%, actually comes from oil, 25% comes from coal, 23% comes from natural gas, and hydropower dams and nuclear energy together make up about 13% of the energy used. Since only 1% of the energy used is renewable, how much pollution is occurring? To increase the usage of renewable energy, how much will we have to pay?
The good news is that renewable energy is increasing at a fast rate, especially solar panels, which are becoming popular residentially and commercially. In the past, the addition of residential solar panels have been expensive and cost prohibitive for many individuals. However, with investments made in new technology by the government and the increase in those investing in solar power and solar panels, the price of this renewable energy is decreasing. This means that choosing solar power can be an excellent investment, both financially and environmentally.
Why should you invest in solar panels? Do they really offer benefits? Here is a look at the pros and cons that come with solar power that will help you see why this type of renewable energy is such a great choice for homeowners today.
SOLAR PANELS PROS
Pro #1 – Save Money and Boost Home Value
One of the main pros of residential solar panels or also called solar modules is their ability to save you money while boosting home value.
While you’ll make an investment up front, you will no longer have to worry about high electric bills. Solar homes are more attractive to homebuyers too and the addition of a solar power system can raise your home value significantly.
Pro #2 – Recoup Your Investment Over Time
Although you will make a substantial investment in residential solar power, you will be able to recoup that investment over time. In fact, studies actually show that you can recoup all of your investment and then enjoy more savings.
Pro #3 – Great Programs to Help You Finance Residential Solar Modules
Although many worry about the price of installing solar modules, you’ll find that many great programs are available to help you finance them. Tax breaks are available, as are special tax rebates.
Low interest loans can even be found to help you finance the addition of solar power. By taking advantage of these programs, you can drastically lower the cost of initial investment.
Pro #4 – Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Most Americans today have a carbon footprint of about 36,000 pounds each year. Installing a good solar electricity system can allow you to reduce that footprint.
Pro #5 – No Need for Transmission Lines
Transmission lines are not needed for solar electricity. It is well known that transmission lines are inefficient, but this is not a problem you have to worry about with the use of solar energy.
Pro #6 – Endless Free Power
Endless free power is another of the exciting pros that come with using residential solar modules. You won’t need to worry about polluting the air, you’ll no longer need to pay a huge electric bill, and the use of this type of power eliminates the dependence on foreign oil.
Pro #7 – Harness Energy in Remote Locations
Solar power allows even those in remote locations to get the electricity they need. Some areas are not linked to a national grid, but electricity can be generated with solar power systems to provide the electricity needed, even far off grid.
SOLAR PANELS CONS
Now that you are familiar with the pros of solar panels, you should also look at the cons. The good news is that the list of cons is shrinking as the technology behind this clean energy continues to develop.
Con #1 – High Initial Investment
One of the cons of going with solar power is the high initial investment that is required for the panels. However, it’s important to note that the cost is going down as this technology becomes more prevalent and new incentives and tax credits make it more affordable than ever.
Con #2 – Limitations of the Sun
The sun does have limitations. It doesn’t shine at night and doesn’t shine as long in some areas. However, new systems have the ability to store power making sure that you still have electricity even when the sun isn’t shining.
Con #3 – Weather Can Cause Problems
Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. However, even on cloudy days you’ll still have power, since systems store up power to use for days when the weather becomes a problem.
Con #4 – Aesthetic Problems
A common complaint about residential solar panels is that they aren’t aesthetically pleasing. While this was true of older panels, today thin panels are available that blend right into the roof of the home. Even solar shingles are available, offering another way to harness energy without unsightly large panels.
Real Life Examples
Solar Cells have already proven to be successful in many cases. One example is the 205-kilowatt solar system that is located on top of the Washing, DC headquarters of the Department of Energy.
Another real example is from the Bunka family located in Sunny Vale, California. They installed their own solar power system and soon they were saving thousands a year in energy costs. Over the life span of their system, which is about 30 years, they’ll reduce the carbon footprint of their family by more than 140,000 tons.
Installing Residential Solar Panels
Some people today worry about the installation of solar panels. The good news is that installation doesn’t have to be difficult. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, tax incentives and rebates make it more affordable to choose this clean energy options today.
Of course, before you decide to take on this project, it’s important to have a good working knowledge of solar power, how panels work, and other important information. Knowledge truly is power and can be invaluable as you consider the addition of solar power to your home.
For example, you need to know how to choose the right system, what it will cost, and how to choose the right residential solar panels for your home.
How Solar-Panels-Net.com Can Help
If you’re looking for helpful information on solar panels, Solar-Panels-Net.com can definitely help. Here you will find helpful articles, great tips, and more. Our purpose is to guide you through the basics of solar energy, offering our own experiences and quality information from excellent sources. We’ll give you the facts, help you understand the technical points, and even help you decipher all those difficult terms.
As humans, it’s our job to keep the environment health. This means we should be focusing on recycling, conserving resources, recycling, and even using renewable energy sources. By following our actions today, future generations can continue our efforts and even go far beyond what we have even dreamed today.
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