Homeowners often ask, what are the advantages and limitations of solar energy? This is a vital topic to consider, as property owners should weigh the pros and cons of all their investments! Also, understanding solar limitations ensures you don’t rely on it for the power it can’t provide.
With that in mind, check out the advantages and limitations of a home solar array. Then, discuss any additional questions with a solar panel installer near you. They can explain solar in even greater detail and help you make the right decision for your property’s solar power needs!
First, check out 5 advantages of residential solar energy. You can then compare these benefits to the few limitations and drawbacks of solar. This information should help you decide if solar is worth the investment for your property!
For every dollar of solar power produced by your panels, that’s one less dollar you pay to a utility company! For many homeowners, investing in solar means saving thousands on energy costs over the years. This alone is one good reason to consider a solar panel installation for your home.
Also, a solar investment allows you to upgrade your appliances and electronics with less worry about increased power costs. You can then enjoy larger kitchen appliances or advanced electronics without skyrocketing electric bills! Using solar batteries also means having power available even during blackouts or slowdowns.
Did you know that solar panel installation often increases property values? Most homeowners can see their home’s value increase by some 4% or more with solar. In turn, investing in solar can mean building equity in that property faster. Also, you might sell your house sooner and for top dollar if you ever move!
Solar panels produce energy without creating fumes, emissions, or other pollutants. In fact, solar panels have no moving parts and don’t use chemicals to operate. They’re also a form of renewable energy, meaning you don’t need to replenish their energy source. You’ll never “use up” the sun’s energy with your solar panels.
Consequently, investing in solar means reducing your “carbon footprint.” You can then enjoy your electronics and appliances without worrying about polluting the planet in the process!
Installing solar panels is not a job a company owner can outsource to someone out of state. Consequently, investing in solar means creating local jobs. In turn, your local economy benefits from something as simple as a solar panel investment for your property.
Solar panels on a roof protect shingles and tiles from harsh sunlight, high winds, and other damaging elements. Your roof might then last longer and need fewer repairs when you invest in a solar installation. A solar installer or roofer can note if your home’s roof is able to support a solar installation.
While solar energy offers many benefits, it’s not without limitations. First, note that a standard solar array might not provide enough energy to power your entire home. Second, solar panels wear down and lose effectiveness over the year.
Consider this first issue, energy produced by solar panels. A standard solar array of 10-15 panels might produce 850 kilowatt hours of power annually. However, most standard households consume about 1000 kilowatt hours of power every year.
As a result, your solar array might produce around 85% of your needed electricity. Of course, this figure varies from home to home. For example, the more sunlight in your area, the more power panels produce. Cloudy climates, obstructions like tree branches, and other factors can mean less power overall. Even thick dust on the panels can reduce their energy production.
Secondly, note that panels wear down over time. Their internal cells, wiring, and other components usually losing about 0.5% to 1% of their effectiveness annually. In other words, a 10-year-old panel might produce only 90% to 95% of the power it did when first installed.
As a result of this process, homeowners might decide to replace their panels after 20 to 30 years. Those newer panels will mean more energy produced and more cost savings. However, property owners should keep this limited lifespan in mind when choosing solar panels!
Alliance Solar is happy to discuss, the advantages and limitations of solar energy? Hopefully you found it helpful! If you’re ready to invest in solar, call our solar panel installation contractors. We’ll schedule a FREE installation consultation and price quote. We’re also happy to answer all your questions about solar! For more information, use our callback form or just contact our team today.
