Home Solar Power Pros and Cons

Home Solar Pros and Cons

Home Solar Power is experiencing unprecedented growth in the United States. This growth is largely attributable to the huge savings homeowners are able to realize by switching to cheap home solar energy while simultaneously improving the quality of life for future generations.

The U.S. installed 1,306 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) in the first quarter of 2015 to reach 21.3 gigawatts (GW) of total installed capacity, enough to power 4.3 million American homes. (U.S. Solar Market Insight’. SEIA. N.p., 2015. Web. 27 July 2015.)

Below we have a short list of some of the pros and cons that should be considered while you investigate the viability of home solar power for your own home.

Solar Power Pro’s

The Sun is the Cleanest Energy Source Available – The energy we get from the sun does not need to be mined, refined, burned or transported.
Solar Energy is Abundant – Enough energy from the sun hits the earth in one day to power the entire planet for a year.

Home Solar is Affordable – Energy from the sun is free, when the sun is up, photovoltaic cells transform the suns energy into electricity. The cost of solar panels has been dropping while the efficiency of solar panels has increased driving the cost per watt to the lowest levels ever. Also Solar Companies, Utilities state and local governments offer rebates and incentives to switch to home solar power. Many people are able to get a home solar energy system installed on their home for absolutely $0 upfront.

Solar Power is Renewable – The sun comes up every day, we don’t have to do anything. If for some reason the sun didn’t come up we would all have more to worry about than electricity.

Home Solar Energy is Sustainable – No matter how much solar energy is turned into electrical power there will always be enough for future use. Unlike fossil fuels it is impossible for us to use up the sun.

Solar Off the Grid – A home solar system can run independently of the “grid.” Combined with a generator (for night time when there is no sun) or a battery storage system.

Compact Solar Installation – Solar panel efficiency has progressed to the point that systems big enough to power your entire home can be comfortably situated on your rooftop

Solar System Maintenance – Maintenance is minimal, most systems carry a 20 -25 year warranty and in the case of a solar leases or power purchase agreements you solar service provider is responsible for all maintenance.
Solar Panels are Silent – Solar power panels don’t make any noise! They just sit in the sun soaking up the rays.

Solar Power Cons

Initial Cost – An outright purchase of a home solar power system is between approximately $10,000 and $25,000. For some people that might be a bit of a stumbling block. The good news is that with rebates and incentives as well as innovative financing options many people can actually have solar power installed on their homes at absolutely no charge.

Electricity From Solar is Only Produced During Daylight Hours – In order to have electricity at night you must remain tied into the grid or have another means of producing electricity.
Orientation of Your Home – For solar power panels to produce electricity they must face the south and not be shaded from the sun. If your homes roof can’t accommodate rooftop solar some homeowners opt to have solar installed on an outbuilding or as free standing array.

Roof Condition – Because a solar system has a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years it is a good plan to be sure your roof is in good enough shape to not need to be re-roofed in that time period. It is also a good idea to make sure your roof is structurally sound enough to support the weight of a solar array.

As you can see there are many more pro’s than con’s when it comes to home solar power. For more details please contact one of our specially trained Solar Experts to Qualfy for Home Solar today.