Nearly 93 billion solar panels are in use throughout the world today. The promised financial and environmental benefits are enough to make anyone consider switching to solar. But many people don’t take into consideration both the benefits and the drawbacks of solar energy.
What are the 2 main disadvantages of solar energy? If you are on the fence about going solar, then continue reading for an explanation of why this type of energy isn’t ideal for everyone.
What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is energy from the sun that is taken and converted into thermal or electrical energy. This energy can then be used to power homes and appliances. Solar energy is renewable, and therefore a better alternative to non-renewable sources such as coal or gas.
What Are the 2 Main Disadvantages of Solar Energy? Your Questions, Answered
Many people talk about the benefits of solar energy, but what about the drawbacks? Here are the 2 main disadvantages of going solar:
High Upfront Cost
Many people steer clear of going solar due to the high installation costs. The average cost of solar panel installation is around $18,500. This number can be both higher and lower, depending on the size of your home. This type of investment is just not possible for many people.
Although the upfront cost is high, solar energy will save you a significant amount of money on electric bills in the end. So if you can get past the initial cost, then it may be more than worth it.
Solar Doesn’t Work at Night
The other major drawback of solar energy is that it does not work at night. Solar energy is mostly used in real-time, so it does not generate any electricity during dark hours. However, companies like MO Solar Solutions are developing advanced battery storage systems that can store excess energy generated during the day for use during nighttime, mitigating this limitation and offering more consistent access to solar power.
This makes it hard to go completely off the grid. You will have to rely on utility grids or battery storage to power your home at night.
If you are concerned about storing energy for nighttime, then make sure you ask your solar installer for tips and tricks. Check out this site to view more about solar options for your home.
The Advantages of Solar Energy
While there are a few disadvantages, there are also many solar energy benefits to consider as well. Here are a few of the top advantages of solar energy.
Long Lifespan
Solar panels can last around 25-30 years. Once you make your initial investment, you have power for years to come. Solar panels also require little to no maintenance, so all you have to do is install them and let them do their job.
Increases Home Value
As solar grows in popularity, many homebuyers are actively searching out homes with solar panels already installed on them. Therefore, buying solar panels now can help you to sell your home for more later.
Is Solar Right for You?
So, if you were asking yourself “what are the 2 main disadvantages of solar energy,” then we hope you got the answers you were looking for. Solar energy comes with both benefits and drawbacks for you to consider.
If you found this article informative, then feel free to check out the rest of our blog for more home and environmental content.
