You’ve probably heard someone say that switching to solar energy can save you thousands of dollars. But is that really the case?
Solar power is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to give you full control over your electricity. Furthermore, solar power provides us with a clean alternative to fossil fuel pollution.
Although solar panels can save you a lot of money, their effectiveness depends on a variety of factors.
So is going solar worth it? Keep reading to find out.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
A solar panel contains several solar cells that absorb heat from the sun and convert it into electricity. The resulting power output can then be used to power home appliances and other electronic devices.
The photovoltaic effect refers to the conversion of light into electricity and it was discovered in the 1800s. The technology then progressed slowly over many decades. When sunlight hits a solar panel, it frees electrons from atoms which generate an electric current.
With regards to the solar panels themselves, there are two main types used around the world today. The most common kind is the crystalline silicon panel. Silicon has special chemical properties that make it perfect for harnessing solar energy.
The second type of solar panel is the thin-film panel. This type of panel is mostly for large-scale projects as they are cheaper and easier to produce. Thin-film panels also become more efficient over time.
When it comes to thin-film solar panels, there are several different types including amorphous silicon and gallium arsenide.
Benefits of Going Solar
There are several advantages of using solar power over traditional forms of electricity. Here are some of the most important ones.
Provides Clean Energy
On their website, blue raven solar says that the US still gets 67% of its energy from the burning of fossil fuels!
Burning coal and oil releases harmful emissions that damage the environment and affect our health.
Solar energy, on the other hand, is a clean and renewable energy source. That’s why switching to solar power is a great investment for the future.
Gives Your Control Over Your Electricity
Many places in the US and around the world experience frequent power outages due to old, unreliable electrical grids. Solar power can help power your home through peak usage hours and protect you against a blackout.
This gives you the freedom to be responsible for your own electricity. Solar power gives families peace of mind, knowing their power will remain on during power outages and storms.
Costs Are Falling
The cost of installing solar systems has been steadily falling for many years. In fact, it is 70% cheaper now than it was 10 years ago.
Maintenance costs are also minimal, considering there are no moving parts in a solar panel.
Save on Utility Bills
Solar panels can help reduce your overall energy expenses. In fact, solar panels offer efficiency all year round, even on cloudy days.
Depending on where you live and the arrangement of your solar panels, you may find they generate more energy than your home consumes. This could reduce your electricity costs to essentially $0.00!
Downsides to Going Solar
Although solar power is an incredible technology, it still comes with several downsides. Here are some of the disadvantages associated with solar energy.
Installing Solar Panels Is Expensive
Although solar panels will pay for themselves in the long-run, the initial installation is expensive.
The cost depends on the company you choose, but it’s still a hefty upfront investment. The good news is that prices continue to drop, so if you’re willing to wait a few years, you might find it more affordable.
Solar Doesn’t Work During the Night
Keep in mind that solar panels can power your home during the day, but at night you’ll be reliant on the grid for electricity.
One way around this is to get a battery backup system. This can help you store electricity during the day so that you can continue to power your home with solar at night. This option isn’t cheap, but it would mean 100% independence from the grid.
Do Your Homework
Before you decide to invest in a solar panel system, it’s important to do your research. After all, you wouldn’t buy a car without comparing different models, would you?
Find different solar providers in your area and compare their prices and features. Next, try to find someone in your neighborhood with solar panels and ask them about the process.
For example, how long did it take to install? Was the company easy to work with? Are there any drawbacks?
You can also check online reviews to see what other clients are saying. The bottom line is – don’t sign a contract until you’re confident with your choice.
Factors to Consider
There are several other factors to consider before you make the switch to solar power. For example, what about maintenance? It’s best to get all the information from your provider about how to clean and maintain your panels before you decide to buy.
Another factor to consider is how long you will stay in your current home. It may take a while for the panels to pay for themselves. And while solar panels can add value to a home, you might lose money if you decide to sell up and move after a couple of years.
Is Going Solar Worth it? It Depends
For some people, switching to solar is a no-brainer. While for others, it’s not worth the large upfront investment.
To answer the question is going solar worth it? You need to consider a variety of factors.
This includes where you live, your current electricity costs, and the age of your home. Many people switch to solar because they want to have full control over their electricity.
As the cost of solar power continues to drop, it’s likely that many more people will begin to install panels on their homes. Did you find this article interesting? Make sure to read more on our blog.