Solar energy is a very practical option nowadays for those who want to lower their utility bills and especially for those who are concerned about global warming.
Solar energy as well as other sources of eco-friendly energy is gaining in popularity as people are becoming more responsible for the environment. To learn more about other sources for renewable energy to help combat Global Warming, read my other article Eco-Friendly Energy.
The advantages of solar energy are numerous and they are available to anyone who has access to sunlight.
Environmental advantages of solar energy
Renewable and sustainable. Solar energy relies on sunlight to produce energy. Unlike fossil fuel, the more traditional source of energy, it does not deplete our natural resources therefore it conserves the earth’s ecological balance.
No Pollution. Because it does not burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, solar energy produces no greenhouses gases such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide or mercury.
Does not contribute to global warming, hence, it doesn’t help to cause smog, acid rain or climate change.
Since it is non-polluting, it helps reduce our carbon footprint.
Does not produce radioactive waste.
Reduces the risks involved in transporting fuel, such as oil spills.
The only possible pollution associated with solar energy is from the manufacturing of the equipment itself, transportation of goods from the factory to the location and during installation. After that, solar energy is completely pollution free.
Advantages of solar energy in terms of cost efficiency
Sunlight is free and always will be.
By using solar energy, your utility expenses will not only be way cheaper but it also won’t be affected by oil price hikes caused by factors such as global supply and demand.
In remote areas, it is cheaper to install solar panels rather than fund the installation of high-voltage power lines to be connected to a power station.
In certain regions in some countries, the government provides incentives if you choose to use renewable energy.
Earn profit from “net-metering”. In some cases, you solar energy source can produce more electricity than you can consume. Excess energy produced can be purchased by your areas utility company.
Some studies have shown that use of eco-friendly energy indirectly decreases health costs.
Although upfront costs may be pricey, if you base on long term, the advantages of solar energy in terms of monetary savings clearly outweighs the cons. Initial investment price on solar panels is a small price to pay if you calculate the amount of savings you will make on electricity bills on many years to come.
Not location specific
No National Grid needed. It does not require any connection to power stations as solar panels rely on sunlight for power.
Provides energy even in remote areas. Many remote regions, such as mountain communities, have no access to power stations because it is hard to construct power lines in such areas. But because solar energy needs only sunlight in order to generate power, many remote areas have benefited.
Even if you do not live in an area where it is always sunny, you can still rely on Solar Energy. Because of modern technology, an additional advantage of solar energy is its ability to store energy in solar power battery charges. This makes solar energy even more efficient because you can still count on it even on dull and cloudy days.
Satellites in space are powered by solar energy through high-efficiency solar cells. This is the best example when talking about the advantages of solar energy in terms of accessibility even in the remotest of areas.
Easy to install
It does not require a special area as it can be installed on just about any rooftop.
Requires little to no maintenance
Unlike other eco-friendly energy sources like wind and hydroelectric sources that require turbines, solar panels do not have any moving parts that may break down so it requires very little to no maintenance.
Quiet
Since there are no moving parts, it doesn’t produce any noise at all.
The main disadvantage of solar energy is its initial cost, and even up to this day, initial investment for solar technology installation is still higher than the cost of fossil fuels. Solar energy can also be limiting for those who live in areas where the sun does not shine often as its efficiency is weather-dependent. Even though it can store power in solar powered batteries, it can only store so much. But overall, the advantages of solar energy clearly outweigh the negatives especially if you look at it long term and focus on the bigger picture.