Going Solar: Pros and Cons

Solar energy has gone through a lot of technological developments over the past decade, making it more commercially available to homeowners. Many people have installed solar panels on their roofs to lower their energy bills and become more eco-friendly.

Since this is a relatively new type of energy source, you might have a few questions about solar energy and how it affects your daily life. Read below for info about solar energy, as well as its pros and cons.

Solar panels don't work for all types of roofs and surfaces.

Cons

While solar energy has a lot of perks, there are a few drawbacks. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Availability
The sun doesn't shine at the same frequency throughout the United States, so no one can rely on solar energy 100 percent of the time. It is possible to utilize a mix of energy sources, however, according to Planet Save. A combination of wind and solar energy, for example, is used widely by eco-conscious homeowners.

Timing
As we all know, the sun shines throughout the day, but we use most of our energy at night when it is dark. This is another example of why a mix of energy solutions is important if you are considering solar panel installation.

Costs and Investment
Solar panels are a long-term investment, meaning that you will not see the benefits of installing them immediately. If you are about to move, or can't easily find access to solar financing or tax benefits in your state, then it might not be the best energy solution for your home. It's also worth noting that solar panels don't work for every type of roof.

Pros

Though there are a handful of cons to solar energy, there are many benefits to embracing it as well:

Lower Energy Bills
Solar energy's obvious perk is cost savings. Generating your own electricity through the power of the sun means you don't have to rely on your local electric utility as often. Many homeowners who have installed solar panels have either seen their energy bills reduced significantly, or have eliminated their electricity bill altogether.

Increased Home Value
Solar energy is only going to gain more steam as it becomes commercially viable and advanced. That means it will also increase the value of your home in the coming years as more individuals seek homes with this type of technology.

Reduced Carbon Footprint
Solar energy drastically reduces carbon emissions and also allows you to establish independence from fossil fuels, both in the U.S. and abroad. With climate change on the minds of many these days, investing in solar energy may be one of the best things you as an individual can do for the planet.