Solar Energy - Advantages and its Disadvantages

Solar energy refers to turning sunlight into energy that you can use in everyday life. It works by laying out solar panels that attract the suns rays which causes heat. This heat is then converted to a more friendly form of energy that we can use.

Solar energy has many advantages that could help you financially, provide a steady stream of power, or the possibility to have electricity in remote locations.

1 - Solar energy is a renewable resource that is independent from any power companies and enables you to have power during blackouts. Using solar energy is a good alternative than generators when you have an isolated cabin at a lake where there is no infrastructure to support power lines.

2 - Solar energy, once you buy the equipment, is basically free with very little if any upkeep costs. Having solar energy as an energy source will also lower your regular electric bill since you will be using it less. Depending on where you live you could even get financial incentives to install solar systems from the government. They offer assistance so they can sell power out of state/province for a higher margin. Some electricity companies will buy your excess solar power to them. Some companies require that you sell all power produced by solar electricity to the company, than they charge you the same for your power used. So in the end it will save you money. Your savings from using solar electricity happen right away and they last for many years.

3. If you are a plant friendly individual than using solar electricity is a lot more friendly to the environment than using conventional electricity. Most of the time its made from burning coal or natural gas, even nuclear reactors generate electricity. Hydro electricity also pollutes the environment but in different ways, instead of giving off toxic fumes, it causes flooding. The flooding is needed, but it harms the environment anyways, although it is a lot better than the other methods mentioned.

4. My personal favorite, its quiet, since there are no moving parts there is virtually no noise at all. Along with that, there is no smell, and you don't have to add fuel. It's also easy to upgrade by adding more solar panels.

1. That initial cost I was talking about, well it happens to be a quite a bit, it does pay off but it can be a bit steep to install.

2. The efficiency of solar panels can be reduced if there is cloud cover, on top of that it doesn’t produce electricity at night.

3. Solar energy can take up quite a bit of space, the more surface area the better. this can be countered by placing the panels on the roof of your home. There it is out of the way and it is in an ideal location for receiving the sun's rays

Overall I think solar energy is beneficial providing that you don't move all the time. Most electricity companies as well as government agencies provide financial incentives to help pay for the initial cost. So if I can get most of the cost paid for from multiple agencies there is nothing stopping me from throwing a few panels on the roof of my home. If it pays for itself in a few years, than its just another way to cut down your monthly expenses.