Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Solar Power Advantages and Disadvantages - The Pros and Cons of Using Solar Energy to Power Homes

What are the solar power advantages and disadvantages? You may have heard from many people or reports saying that using solar to produce electricity is the way of the future but is it really that good and can average households truly benefit from this technology? Here we look at the pros and cons and you decide.

One of the most prominent solar power advantages is that the source of energy is free. Once the system is set up, you get constant supply of electricity for free as long as the solar panels last. Many people are eliminating their electric bills with solar energy system.

Solar power advantages include the fact that it is a green solution to energy needs. Using solar energy to power appliances and lights does not generate heat or harmful gases, unlike conventional source where crude oil is used to generate electricity and contribute to greenhouse gases.

Solar panels do not generate noise and are virtually maintenance free. In a domestic environment, all you need to do is to occasionally clear the bird droppings or leaves which may affect the efficiency of the system. Solar panels are known to last between 20 to 40 years since the first ones are still functioning. Even used or slightly damaged panels have the ability to continue generating electricity with less efficiency though.

Excess electricity generated from solar energy system can be stored in batteries and used later in the absence of sunlight. If you are on the grid and living in US, certain power companies will even pay you for the excess electricity generated. Certain state governments also provide tax rebates for the use of such systems to power homes.

Another one of solar power advantages is that there are many other applications such as space heating, space cooling, and water heating. However, generating electricity has been the most implemented application of solar energy system.

After looking at solar power advantages, let's look at the disadvantages.

Initial set up may be troublesome or a little time consuming especially if you are doing a DIY system. Also, a full fledge system can set you back by between $2000 to more than $10,000, hardly affordable for average households. However, if you know how, you can in fact set up the system on your own with less than $200.

George Tho is a DIY enthusiast. Find out more on solar power advantages and how you can build your own domestic solar energy system with less than $200 even if you are a complete DIY novice.

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