Pros and Cons of Solar Panels for Home

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels for Home

Many people wonder whether installing solar panels for homes is a good investment. Check out the pros and cons of solar panels for home to see if they’re right for you.

Focus on sustainable energy sources is instrumental in the protection of biodiversity. 

Solar energy is one of the best and more reliable sources of green energy. Technological advancement has led to the dropping cost of solar panels and increased efficiency. 

Additionally, government incentives such as tax credits on green energy have accelerated the popularity. Evaluating the advantages and shortcomings is key to making informed decisions on the best energy source for homes.

Advantages of installing solar panels on your home

1. Solar panels are eco-friendly

Solar energy is a clean source of power. Users eliminate carbon footprints since the panels do not discharge any poisonous gases. Focus on sustainable energy sources is instrumental in the protection of biodiversity. Besides, Solar panels are quiet and have no noise pollution. Installation of solar energy at home promotes serenity at home and the surroundings. 

Related: 5 Positive Environmental Impact of Solar Energy

2. Solar energy minimizes monthly electricity bills

Domestic solar energy users only incur the one-time cost of buying solar panels. The long lifespan of up to 25 years means individuals will eliminate the monthly energy bills. Solar panels rely on solar radiation, which is a free energy source. For that reason, solar power is cost-effective in the long run. 

Related: Average Electric Bill with Solar Panels

3. Solar Panels promote energy independence

The off-grid source of energy eliminates disruptions associated with blackouts and system maintenance. Solar panels installations allow individuals to have electricity throughout their premises. The small scall at homes enables the owners to monitor the efficiency and rectify faults in case of any malfunction. Besides, excess solar power can be sold to utility companies in a given state, leading to income generation. 

4. Solar Panels are easy to upgrade

Users can upgrade their rooftop solar panels based on the energy demands. Installing solar panels is straightforward and leads to minimum disruptions. The process allows the consumers to increase their solar panels’ capacity and efficiency. The flexibility in improving solar energy makes it ideal for addressing changing energy needs at home.

5. Funding is available for solar panels 

The push for eco-friendly energy sources has attracted support from government and solar panel manufacturing farms. Incentives such as tax credits lead to a low cost of solar energy. Likewise, companies offer flexible payment plans allowing the customers to enjoy the low cost of buying and installing solar panels. 

Related: How Do the Solar Tax Credits Work

6. Low Maintenance Cost

Little maintenance is required once the solar power has been installed. Roof-mounted solar panels and ground solar panels are fixed once installed. The cleaning of the panels and the inspection of the inverters and batteries are done occasionally. The system takes up to 25 years before being replaced, allowing domestic users to enjoy low-cost energy sources. 

7. Solar Power is Multipurpose 

Homeowners can install solar panels to address the varying needs at home. Photovoltaic cells are used for lighting, irrigation, and other domestic energy demands, while thermal solar offers an ideal solution for water heating at home. The versatility allows users to address their electricity needs using a renewable energy source. 

8. Variety of Solar panels available

The advancement of technology has led to the availability of efficient solar panels. The Thin-film, Polycrystalline, and Monocrystalline photovoltaic cells available in the market allow consumers to choose the best for their homes. Also, aesthetically designed roof-mounted solar panels enable consumers to install solar panels that suit their home design and energy needs. Additional options such as solar thermal help consumers cover the water heating needs at home. 

Related:  How to Install Solar Panels and Inverter

9. Solar Panels Increases Home Value

Installation of solar panels increases the house’s value by 4.1%. The roof-mounted solar panels attract more buyers because of their energy independence and low electricity cost. For that reason, installing solar panels at home enhances the valuation of the property. Homeowners can sell their houses at higher prices than those who have not installed solar panels.

Disadvantages of installing solar panels on your home

1. Solar Panels are not effective in all regions

Installation of solar power is susceptible to weather changes. Solar panels are inefficient in areas with low sunlight radiation. Also, gloomy weather leads to the inefficiency of the solar panels necessitating substitute power sources. The unreliability makes it challenging to rely on solar as the only energy source, especially in cold regions or areas with irregular weather patterns. 

2. Not Useful at Night

Solar panels work only during the daytime when there are sun rays. Installation of the batteries to store the solar power is necessary for use during the night. The reliance on batteries increases the cost of power and makes it unreliable at night. Therefore, home users have to find an alternative to substitute solar energy during the night. 

3. High Initial Installation Cost

The upfront price of buying solar panels and the installation cost is very high based on the energy requirement. Large homeowners with various electronic accessories have to pay a hefty amount to install a functional solar power system. Additionally, hiring experts to install solar panels increases the investment cost. The expenses make it challenging for individuals to embrace renewable energy. 

Related: 

4. Solar Panels harm the environment 

Solar panel manufacturing and poor disposal of expired panels lead to a carbon footprint. The chemicals used in the manufacturing process and transportation contributes to environmental degradation. Additionally, the lack of an elaborate plan to recycle the used solar means the disposal leads to environmental degradation. Poor handling of waste products contributes to ecological degradation. 

5. Solar power efficiency is affected by roof orientation

The orientation of the roof determines the efficiency of the solar panels. Some roofs are not suitable because of the roof configuration. The shortcomings make it challenging for homeowners to harness maximum energy from the sun. Short-time exposure to solar radiation makes rooftop solar panels inefficient, necessitating alternative energy sources. 

6. Solar Panels requires a lot of space

The high demand for renewable energy requires a large number of solar panels. In the case of large homeowners, ground-mounted sun-tracking solar panels are needed to complement or substitute rooftop solar panels. The requirement means ample space is necessary to cater to high energy demands at home.

Related: The Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing

Final Thought

Solar power pros outweigh the cones. The long lifespan offsets the high cost of installing solar panels. Also, the environmental concerns are minimized by the sustainable nature of solar panels throughout their lifespan. The advancement in technology has led to more efficient and aesthetically appealing rooftop-mounted solar panels. For that reason, buying solar panels is ideal for homeowners. 

The use of renewable energy has a positive impact on the environment. The abundance of sunrays in most parts of the world allows individuals to embrace solar energy. 

Government involvement through tax credits helps encourage widespread solar energy adoption. The strategy is key to minimizing carbon-based emissions at homes. Adopting a clean source of energy is key to protecting the ecosystem degradation. 

If you would like more information about buying solar panels, check out our ultimate guide on where to buy solar panels for home.

Recommended Reading: 

Scroll to Top