Home Improvement Information

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages


Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, but few really understand why. Therefore, I compiled a comprehensive list of solar energy advantages and disadvantages that will enable you to make an educated decision whether on not Solar Power is right for YOU.

Solar Energy Advantages

1. Saves you money

  • After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
  • The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
  • Financial incentives are available form the government that will reduce your cost.
  • If your system produce more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This is called net metering.
  • It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
  • Solar energy does not require any fuel.
  • It's not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
  • The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
  • The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.

2. Environmentally friendly

  • Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
  • It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generations does.
  • Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
  • It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
  • It's generated where it is needed.
  • By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.

3. Independent/ semi-independent

  • Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.
  • A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independent, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.
  • The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
  • Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.

4. Low/ no maintenance

  • Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
  • Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
  • They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
  • More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family's needs grow.

Solar Energy Disadvantages

  • The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building one.
  • The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.
  • Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.
  • The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.
  • The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
  • Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to save electricity and money.
  • As far as solar powered cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today's rat race.

To learn more about solar energy, go to http://facts-about-solar-energy.com/

You'll discover ...

  • what solar energy is
  • how solar energy works
  • interesting facts about solar energy
  • how much solar energy costs
  • passive solar energy for homes, and
  • how to build solar energy systems

There's a whole section for students, teachers and parents; whiles homeowners can obtain FREE QUOTES for their solar energy projects. You'll find book and product reviews some helpful energy saving tips.

Please email any questions to info@facts-about-solar-energy.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Home improvement Q&A: Proper care and bleeding of a radiator heat ...
News & Observer, NC - 56 minutes ago
By ALAN J. HEAVENS - The Philadelphia Inquirer Question: Do know anything about radiators and boilers for the home? I'm not sure about proper bleeding and ...


Home design depression
Boston Globe, United States - 7 hours ago
The sad truth is, if I had an IV drip of Diet Pepsi I could spend all weekend watching HGTV, or any of the home improvement shows on the DIY Network, ...


European shares down for second straight session
MarketWatch - 5 hours ago
Mineral extractors will continue its decline along with home improvement retailers. Remember the stay-cation theme where bets were on home improvement ...


BobVila.com

How to save money on your home improvement project
YourHub.com, CO - Jan 5, 2009
Workshop for Women can help you get the home improvement skills you need in an inviting and fun environment. Taking a class will . ...
New Year's Home Improvement Resolutions BobVila.com
all 2 news articles


9 home-improvement projects for 2009
Seattle Times, United States - Jan 3, 2009
A look at what home projects will allow folks to live better now and make the house more saleable later. By Karen Klages A bathroom remodel may make your ...


Do thorough research before signing a home improvement contract
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 4, 2009
... the economy on shaky ground, it's more important than ever for homeowners to carefully screen the contractors they hire for home improvement projects. ...


Home Improvement Expert Don Zeman Dies
Los Angeles Chronicle,  USA - Jan 3, 2009
SAVANNAH, GA - Don Zeman, known to millions of radio listeners and television viewers across the country as "America´s Home Improvement Expert" died ...
News From The Homefront KEYC
all 3 news articles


What’s Up? Students go back to school and hectic lives
Reno Gazette Journal, NV - 20 hours ago
It never is easy to focus on finals when you've spent the last two weeks watching reruns of Home Improvement, hanging out with friends and sleeping in until ...


What's your home improvement resolution for 2009?
MLive.com, MI - Jan 3, 2009
"What are your home improvement resolutions for the new year?" Post your response under "Post a comment," and it could be included in next Sunday's ...


Conventional loans for construction and remodeling
CBS 42, TX - Jan 7, 2009
One way to protect or increase its value in the future is through home improvement, whether it's building a patio or installing new carpeting. ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
© 2006