Solar panels have recently gained lots of market share all around the world. It is no longer a secret or unknown topic for people. Many people around the world now know about solar power and solar panels. They are emerging as a very eco friendly and environment friendly option to light up your homes and to operate different electrical appliances. Solar panels have helped to reduce the use of fossil fuels and carbon emitting products.
Solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity. Solar panels are in use for both domestic and commercial owners. There are many types of solar panels to fulfil different consumer needs and requirements of electricity. A solar panel has enough capacity to easily run the whole house on solar power.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Panel
Solar panels are making a remarkable impact on the planet. They are proving to be very beneficial from many different aspects. However there are also some downsides to every product in the market. Similarly, a solar panel is no exception. Solar panels have long been criticised for being expensive and inefficient. There are also some other disadvantages of solar panels alongside advantages. The list is given below to let you understand the pros and cons in detail.
Advantages of Solar Panels
1. Reduces Electricity Bills
This is an obvious fact that if you are not using electricity provided to your house from the local electricity company, then your electricity bills will become zero. Solar panels help you to reduce your electricity bills to a great extent. The size of your solar panel decides how many units you can save every month to get a dramatic reduction in your electricity bills. The more advantage you can get by your solar panel by giving back the extra units to your energy supplying company.
2. Renewable Energy Source
As long as we are getting the sun and its heat, we will not run out of solar energy. Therefore the most important advantage of a solar panel is that it is a renewable energy source. It can be utilized in all areas of the world that have access to the sun and its energy. This energy is therefore renewable and it is available to us every day.
3. Maintenance Cost is Low
The maintenance cost of a solar panel is very low as compared to its uses and benefits. Taking care of the panels on a regular basis is enough for example regular cleaning many times a year. It can help to prolong the life of a solar panel. Most solar panel manufacturers provide 20-25 years of warranty. Only the inverter of a solar panel is the part that needs to be changed after 5 or 10 years.
4. Development in Technology
Technology is developing with every passing day and the advancement in technology is going to have a positive effect on the solar panel’s efficiency in the future. The advanced technology is focusing on ways to increase the electrical input of the solar power systems.
5. Used for Various Purposes
Solar energy can be used in various ways. It can be used to light up your homes and buildings. It can be used to heat water. Solar energy can also be used to give power to cars.
Disadvantages of Solar Panels
1. High Cost
The initial cost of a solar system is relatively high. Inverter, batteries, wiring and the solar panel itself etc are the items on which the cost is incurred in a huge amount. However with development in technology and the competition in the market, there is a fair chance of prices going down in future.
2. Weather Dependency
Another disadvantage of a solar panel is that it is dependent on the weather to work properly. The areas which have hot and sunny weather are ideal for the installation of solar panels. However solar panels placed in areas which have a cold climate face difficulties to work properly. A cloudy or rainy day can also have a significant effect on the efficiency and working of a solar panel.
3. Storage is Expensive
Large batteries are required for the storage of solar energy. As you know that there is no sun in the night, therefore to utilize solar power in the night time you have to arrange batteries to store the solar energy in day time and to use it at night time. These batteries are quite expensive making the solar energy storage process costly.
4. Space Requirements
Solar panels require large spaces to be installed. If your energy requirements are large, then you have to install more solar PV panels. Big roofs are required to install all the solar power setup.
5. Causes Pollution to Some Extent
Solar panels are a cause of pollution to some extent. Some toxic materials and hazardous products are used in the making of solar systems that are making a negative impact on the environment. Solar energy however still harms the environment far less as compared to other energy sources.
Go Solar Now!!!
After reading the above article, you will be convinced that solar power systems have far more advantages as compared to disadvantages. Therefore you should decide today to shift to solar power systems to make use of the benefits of solar systems.
