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Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages



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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