There are a variety of ways to power your home. Coal, oil, natural gas, wind, water, biomass… the list goes on. With all these options, what makes solar so special? Let’s dive into the world of solar energy and look at both sides of the coin.
The TRVST team - members of an organization dedicated to researching and informing the world of plastic pollution, climate change, and renewable energy initiatives- broke down some of the pros and cons of solar energy. This list takes more into account than just the carbon footprint. How can we be sure? It’s right in the organization’s objective; “to align human motivations across head, heart and wallet.”
So, what do the experts say are the advantages and disadvantages of solar? Let’s take a look!
Advantages:
1. Unlimited supply
The sun is available to everyone, everywhere. Bonus, there’s no limited supply! Unlike fossil fuels, the amount we use doesn’t affect the amount that’s left available. It also has a greater supply than other forms of renewable energy. “Of all the renewable energy sources which currently exist, only solar exceeds any likely future demand. As long as the sun continues to burn, we can tap energy from it without depleting the source.” - TRVST
2. Energy production is clean
Converting sunlight into energy does not cause air, water, land, or noise pollution. This process also doesn’t involve drilling, blasting, burning, or other techniques used to access nonrenewable energy.
3. Low maintenance and durable
Because the equipment needed to convert sunlight into energy has no moving parts, there is little wear-and-tear and minimal maintenance! Your biggest maintenance worry? Cleaning away anything blocking direct sunlight that didn’t just slide off… much simpler than replacing windmill blades!
4. Revenue generation for homeowners
Some utilities allow residents to sell their excess solar energy to them. The U.S. Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates that a portion of the energy the company provides comes from renewable sources. By selling your excess power back to them, they can meet RPS standards without setting up their own infrastructure.
5. Provide a fixed electricity cost
Electricity costs are unpredictable. Unless you control your own energy production, you are at the mercy of the energy company. “Electricity consumers usually have no choice but to pay whatever price their utility provider sets. Solar provides homeowners with an advantage. With your solar panels set up, you can reduce or eliminate electricity bills for the next 25-30 years.” - TRVST
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
1. Location and weather dependent
Some states and regions receive less sunlight than others. Because panels need sunlight to produce energy, cloudy weather reduces their output. In these locations, solar may not be the best solution to your renewable energy needs.
“However, solar panels do in fact generate electricity when it's cloudy dispelling one of the most common solar energy myths. Meanwhile, technology improves at a pace resulting in [an] increased ability to generate electricity in different weather conditions.” - TRVST
2. Solar panels are not green
While solar energy may be green, the production of solar panels is not. The panels contain hazardous materials and the factories that produce the panels are powered by nonrenewable energy. So while solar energy production does not contribute to GHG emissions, the creation of each solar panel leaves a carbon footprint.
3. Land monopoly
To generate a substantial amount of solar energy, we need a lot of land space. While roof space is sufficient for most homeowners, this option is not available for larger solar projects or non-homeowners.
4. Low access point for non-homeowners
Solar panels are an investment and are not easily moved from home to home. People who rent their home may not fully enjoy the benefits of solar if they decide to invest in their own panels if they decide to move within 30 years. Even if they are prepared to make the investment, their landlord my reserve the right to refuse the installation.
Conclusion
Solar is an essential source of renewable energy and a great option for homeowners to lower their electrical bill. Yes, there are improvements to be made but nothing significant enough to put off the savings of installing panels on your home. Take it from the cellular industry, every year, phones get thinner, faster, have larger screens… but that doesn’t mean you’re waiting to buy your first cell phone, right?
The pros of solar energy far outweigh the cons. It’s time to start saving! Talk to one of our solar experts today.
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