Pros of Solar Energy

Solar power helps the environment.

Climate change, one of the biggest threats to the environment, feeds on CO2 emissions. Solar panels produce energy without any fossil fuels, helping offset tons of emissions. Solar panels also don’t produce pollution. They don’t rely on the earth’s limited supply of oil– or cause oil spills.

Once the initial expense is paid, solar panels provide free energy.

Unlike your utility company, the sun is not going to charge you to provide energy. Solar panels are a big investment, but the initial cost can be reduced through the many federal, state, and local rebates and tax credits available to homeowners across North America. And then you’re just getting free energy (possibly with some very minor fees to be hooked up to the grid).

Solar panels don’t require new land use.

Unlike many other energy sources, solar panels need very little space. They’ll be installed in space that otherwise would have been unused– your roof.

Solar panels are quiet and don’t have moving parts.

Wind power, in contrast to solar, can be noisy and requires maintenance. Solar panels are silent and self-sufficient.

Solar panels promote energy independence.

Solar panels use local energy– the sun shining on your house– and don’t rely on imported energy sources.

Solar panels can be used in remote locations.

If you happen to live somewhere without access to the grid, you can use solar energy to power your home.

Cons of Solar Energy

Solar panels are a major investment.

Solar panels aren’t cheap. On the other hand, federal tax credits, state and local government incentives are making it more affordable.

Solar panels don’t work 24 hours a day.

At night, your solar panels won’t be producing electricity, and they won’t work very well on cloudy days. If you’re using grid-tied solar, though, you’ll just get fed energy from the grid when you need it (and if you’re in a remote location using a battery backup system, you can use your stored energy).

Pollution can reduce the performance of solar panels.

If you live in a very polluted area, that can make your solar panels less efficient.

Final Pros and Cons of Solar Energy Tally: 6-3, Solar Panels