Most people have heard about the importance of solar panels for saving money and protecting the environment. But what are the pros and cons of solar panels? Lets take a look.
Solar panels are like the best friend you never knew you needed. They’re always there, shining bright and providing you with clean and renewable energy. And, unlike your human friends, they don’t ask for help moving their furniture.
But, like any good friend, solar panels have their pros and cons. And, before you invite them to move in with you, you need to make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re getting yourself into. That’s where this article comes in. We’re going to take a closer look at the pros and cons of solar panels, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not they’re right for you.
So, grab your swimsuit and let’s dive into the world of solar panels!
Contents
Pros of Solar Panels
If you are more of a visual learner, check out this video on the pros and cons of solar panel ownership:
There are many pros of solar panel ownership, lets take a look at some of the most important benefits:
Cost-effective
Solar panels are a long-term investment, that immediately start saving you money on your electricity bills. Think about it, once you install them, you’ll be generating your own electricity, which means you’ll be paying less to your utility company.
It’s like having your own personal power plant on your roof and the best part? As the electricity prices continue to rise, like they are now, your savings will just keep growing.
Environmentally friendly
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy, it doesn’t produce any emissions and it doesn’t deplete any natural resources. It’s like the ultimate win-win for the environment. You get to power your home without harming the planet, you will be making a difference, one panel at a time.
Low maintenance
Solar panels are built to withstand the elements and they don’t have any moving parts, which means they don’t require much maintenance. It’s like having a low-maintenance girlfriend or boyfriend, that just needs a little bit of sunshine and cleaning every once in a while.
Durable
Solar panels come with a 25-30 year warranty and they can even last longer than that. It’s like having a friend that you know you can always count on.
Solar power can get you money back through Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Unlike some claim, you can’t get free solar panels from the government. But there are a number of incentives and tax credits available, such as SRECs. Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are like getting paid for being environmentally friendly.
Depending on how large your solar system is and net metering policy in your area, you can get money back for the excess solar energy you generate. It’s like getting a pat on the back from Mother Nature herself.
Homes with solar panels installed may improve home value
Homes with solar panels installed, may see an increase in home value. In fact, a study found that your home value increases $20 for every $1 saved on your energy bills. It’s like adding a fancy new kitchen or bathroom, but for the environment. Plus, it can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. It’s like making your home more valuable, while also making a difference in the world.
Solar energy can generate electricity in any climate
Although certain climates are better for generating solar power, solar energy can generate electricity in any climate. Whether you live in the sunshine state or the land of the midnight sun. It’s like having a friend who’s always down for whatever adventure you want to go on. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny or cloudy, the panels will still generate electricity for you.
Cons Of Solar Panels
Like everything good in this world, there are some cons to consider when it comes to solar panel ownership. Lets take a look:
Initial cost
Solar panels can be expensive to install, it’s like buying a new car, but for your roof. Except it won’t need as much maintenance as a new car and it will save you money every month rather than cost you money. Actually on second thought, it’s not like a car at all.
It’s like a dude that hangs out on your roof sunbathing all day. You have to pay the guy between $16,200 to $21,400 (the average cost of a home solar system in 2021) to hang out on your roof for 25 years. When you get your power bill in the mail, you toss it up to the dude on your roof and he takes care of the bill for you.
Weather dependent
Solar panels may not be as effective on cloudy or rainy days, it’s like having a friend who only shows up when the weather is good. But, don’t worry, even on cloudy days, solar panels can still generate electricity, just not as much as on a sunny day.
Exact numbers will vary depending on the type of solar panel and exact conditions, but in general solar panels can generate between 10-25% of their maximum output on a cloudy day.
Space-consuming
Solar panels require a certain amount of space to be installed, it’s like sitting next to a large guy that is “manspreading”, ugh. The difference is you can toss your energy bill to the “manspreader” as you walk off laughing.
The exact amount of space they will take up depends on the size of your solar panels, but the average 60-cell residential panel is 66”x39”. The average 2000 sq.ft home in the USA, will need 19-25 solar panels to power it completely.
We will use 20 for the sake of this estimate. This means to power your home completely you will need 357.5 square feet of available space. If you don’t have enough space on your roof, you may need to consider a ground-mounted solar panel system.
Not suitable for all roofs
Solar panels may not be suitable for certain types of roofs, it’s like having a friend who doesn’t get along with everyone. Solar panels are typically mounted on a flat or sloped roof, but if you have a thatched roof or a roof that isn’t structurally sound, solar panels may not be suitable.
If you have a tiled roof, solar panels can still sometimes be installed, but require extra considerations.
Power Storage Issues
Net metering policies vary depending on where you live, it’s like having a friend who has different rules in different states. Net metering policies can affect the savings that you can get from having solar panels. Some states have policies that are not favorable for solar panel owners, such as lower reimbursement rates for excess energy generated.
If you happen to live in a state with poor net metering policies, you may have to pay additional money for expensive battery storage options.
Solar Panels are Difficult to Move Once Installed
Solar panels are designed to be mounted on a roof or a ground-mounted system, and once they are installed, it can be difficult to move them. It’s like a tattoo, once it’s done, it’s there for life (well, almost. The lifespan of a solar panel is around 25-30 years). This means, if you decide to move to a new home, you’ll either have to leave the panels behind or pay to have them removed and reinstalled at your new home.
Some Solar Panels Use Rare Earth Metals
Some solar panels use rare earth metals in their production, it’s like using gold to make a watch. These metals are used in the production of the solar cells and can be difficult to extract, expensive, and bad for the environment.
This can raise the price of the solar panels and also raises concerns about the environmental impact of mining these metals. It also have geopolitical implications, as China currently processes 85% of rare earth minerals.
Financial Liability
If you decide to finance or lease your solar panels, you are taking on a hefty financial liability. It’s like taking out a loan for a car, if you miss payments or make late payments it can impact your credit score negatively. It’s important to carefully consider the terms of any financing or leasing agreement before signing on the dotted line, as there are many solar scams out there.
How to decide if solar panels are right for you
Now you know the pros and cons of solar panel installation and ownership, but are you supposed to know if they are right for your situation? Lets have a look at some of the most important considerations.
Assessing your energy consumption and usage
It’s important to have a clear understanding of how much energy you use. By determining your energy consumption, you can decide how many solar panels you’ll need and estimate the amount you can save on your electricity bills. Think of it like taking inventory of your fridge before going shopping, you want to know what you have and what you need.
Considering your roof and location
Your roof and location play a crucial role in determining if solar panels are right for you. Make sure your roof is in good condition and that it gets enough sun exposure. Your location also matters. Not to throw shade on your solar panel dreams, but if you live in an area with a lot of shade, solar panels may not be a viable option.
South facing roofs get the most sun exposure (if you live in the northern hemisphere).
Assessing your budget and financial situation
Your budget and financial situation are also important to consider when deciding if solar panels are right for you. You want to make sure you can afford the initial cost and that it fits into your budget.
There are different financing options available, such as leasing or taking out a loan. Before you make this decision, make sure the monthly payments fit into your budget and your credit is good.
Researching different types of solar panels and installation options
Research the different types of solar panels, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film, and the different installation options, such as roof-mounted or ground-mounted, to find the best option for you. It’s like trying on different pairs of shoes, you need to find the one that fits you best. Just because your friend said the shoes are comfortable, doesn’t mean they will feel comfortable on your bunions.
Conclusion
Solar panels can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to generate electricity. They can save you money on electricity bills in the long run and require very little maintenance. But, before making the decision to install solar panels, there are a few things to consider, such as your energy consumption and usage, your roof and location, your budget and financial situation, and the different types of solar panels and installation options available.
On the other hand, the cons of solar paneling are also something to take into account, such as the initial cost of installation, weather dependent, space-consuming, not suitable for all roofs, net metering policies, solar energy storage is expensive, Solar Panels are Difficult to Move Once Installed, Some Solar Panels Use Rare Earth Metals and Financial Liability.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of solar panels and make an informed decision that’s right for you. Solar panels may not be the best option for everyone, but for those who decide to take the plunge, the benefits can be substantial.
Solar panels can help get us off the collision course that our fossil fuel addiction has put us on with mother nature!
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