Perhaps the greatest argument that could be levelled against the use of fossil and nuclear
fuel is our dependence on it. Global warming, though a real serious threat,
maybe something that we could only be very worried about.
Singly
nothing much could be done about it as it will take serious political will if
it is to be addressed effectively and for now, some countries are not
cooperating.
But choosing
between traditional and alternative sources of energy is something most of us
can choose to do, especially where it concerns off-grid use of residential solar
energy systems.
The Advantages Of Solar Energy
Solar energy
is abundant and is free. We can count the sun to rise tomorrow and the day
after that. Oil and natural gas, on the other hand, are non-renewable, and once
the source taps out, it is gone forever.
Solar energy
does not pollute the air. If anything, the heat from the sun cleans the
environment and maintains the natural balance.
Not so with
oil. Oil, its derivatives and its byproducts are great pollutants. In fact,
22,000 pounds of carbon monoxide will need to be produced first for the oil to
be processed and to supply a home with electrical energy for a year.
Solar energy
panels are silent operators except, perhaps, for the mechanical contraptions built
into the panels so it can track the sun or the collection of the sun’s rays to
its photovoltaic conversion.
Solar
water heaters have similar benefits. It’s a world of difference from the
cacophony of giant drills and pumps that are used to extract oil from the
ground.
Maintenance
for solar panels is minimal. Except for the mechanical parts that are optional,
almost no maintenance is needed. Once the photovoltaic system
is up and running there should be little cause for worry.
Solar energy
is unlimited and free. With oil, there’s no telling what the next pump price
would be and when. Oil, being a commodity, heavily depends on market forces. And
with the right strategies, even market forces can be manipulated that could
cause volatility in pricing.
The Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Brand new solar energy generating
systems are expensive, so despite solar energy being free, the high cost of
installation prevents many households from adopting it.
The cost of
installing a solar photovoltaic system or even an evacuated
tube solar water heater can be prohibitive.
Although the
investment in your solar
energy system will pay off over time and most governments provide subsidies
and rebates for solar installations, the initial investment required could
range into several thousands of dollars depending on the amount of power your
household requires.
While solar
energy technology has been around since the 1950’s it is only in recent
years that its adoption has really taken off. For mass consumption of solar
energy, distribution lines will be required and this remains a big issue.
Old
antiquated distribution lines used to conduct energy into homes may not be ideal
to deliver solar energy power into the houses of consumers.
However, off-grid use of solar energy
systems is increasing as consumers choose solar energy for its ability to reduce,
and eventually, eliminate their electricity bills.
Be that as
it may, the benefits from solar power far outweigh its disadvantages. It is an
ideal source
of renewable energy that may soon be the norm in power generation.
Learn about off-grid living, renewable energy, green living, and eco-friendly products at
LifeOffGrid.org. Learn how to go green and reduce your ecological footprint in
the Free How To Go Green course.
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