Solar Energy Pros and Cons for Homeowners

Soaring energy costs around the country have resulted in a good number of people considering the switch to solar. If you’ve been debating the change, it’s important to first consider the solar energy pros and cons before doing so.

Advantages of Solar Energy

When it comes to solar energy pros and cons, you should first explore the advantages. There are a number of advantages to solar energy, a few of which are:

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  Solar energy is free to consume. In some cases, you could even produce more energy than you need and then sell it back to the power company.

• Quiet and efficient operation with no moving parts.

• A 30% tax credit is available from the federal government (but is set to expire next year).

• Ideal for a number of applications, including heating a pool or hot tub and providing hot water

• Reduces dependency on foreign oil

• Very safe to operate

• Solar panels can easily be placed on an existing rooftop

• Good quality solar panels will last for decades.  

• Very little maintenance is required to keep solar panels operational, as there are no moving parts that can wear out over time

• Solar panels provide electricity in remote areas where connecting to the grid is not possible or would otherwise be expensive to do

• Solar panels do not emit any greenhouse gases, so they are good for the environment

Disadvantages

There are also a few disadvantages to solar panels, but most homeowners would agree that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

• Weather is required in order for them to produce energy. Bad weather can affect their ability to absorb sunlight during the storm.

• Depending upon the configuration of your roof, modifications could be needed to support the solar panels

• Solar panels must be cleaned periodically to ensure they can operate efficiently

• Severe storms can damage solar panels, as they damage roofs and windows, although this would be covered under home insurance policies.  

• If a battery backup system is desired, space must be made for the battery packs.  

Before deciding on solar panels, review this list of solar energy pros and cons to ensure you know what the advantages and disadvantages are. You can also contact us for a free consultation and quote to learn more about the installation process. We’ve been a leader in solar energy solutions in Central Florida since 1984, and would welcome the opportunity to serve you as well.