Rowland 
If you’re considering installing solar energy, it may please you to know that there are more benefits to the resource than just a few dollars off your electric bill every month. The savings realized with solar power can prove dramatic. However, it gets even better.
As with anything, there are drawbacks and benefits when it comes to solar energy. If you’re going to install solar power, you should understand solar pros and cons.
Continue reading to learn about the benefits and advantages of solar energy.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Although solar power is in its infancy, there are still several benefits to installing the resource. Today, solar collectors only capture a fraction of the energy emitted by the sun.
Nevertheless, an hour of the ultraviolet rays of the sun could power the entire planet for years with today’s current technology. Resultantly, you can make a big difference by installing solar power.
Some people believe that solar power is still too expensive and inefficient to prove beneficial for consumers. Despite these naysayers, individuals can enjoy the benefits of solar energy, and – collectively – if enough people used solar power, it would make a big difference in protecting the environment.
Things are improving in the solar power industry. Various local governments, as well as the federal government, offer grants to help offset the costs of installing solar power.
For a growing number of families, solar power is the main source of energy. Also, solar power technology is improving.
For example, relatively recently, researchers have developed effective solar battery storage systems. Now, solar power is considerably more efficient than earlier versions of the technology.
You can harness solar power from anywhere in the world. What’s more, the world will never run out of solar energy.
Yes, one day the sun will stop shining. However, researchers estimate that the sun will continue to shine for a minimum of 5 billion years. Meanwhile, you can make life a lot better by installing solar power.
Pros and Cons of Solar Panels
If you’re thinking about installing solar energy, it’s helpful to know solar energy pros and cons. To begin with, by installing solar power, you can drastically reduce – if not eliminate – electric utility costs. You can free yourself from reliance on your local utility supplier by installing solar energy.
Today’s solar panel systems last 25 to 35 years. A new solar power electric system can help you save on utility costs for decades. Furthermore, the cost of solar power installation is falling steadily across the country.
Also, solar power can increase the value of your property. You may plan on moving eventually. If so, you’ll still recoup some of your investment in solar energy through the sale, as well as by saving on utility costs.
However, solar panels don’t work with every kind of roof. For example, contractors may have trouble installing solar panels on older homes that use roofing material such as cedar or slate.
Alternatively, your home may have skylights or a roof deck. If so, these features may make it challenging for contractors to install a solar panel system on your roof.
Still, you have options. For example, you could choose a ground installation if you have the land. Alternatively, you can work around this problem by setting up a community solar garden with your neighbors.
Paying for Installation
One drawback to solar power is the upfront cost of installation. However, there’s plenty of help available.
There are tax credits, rebates, and financing available for solar power. Ideally, you can find zero down financing for installation. If not, there are other options.
The federal government provides a tax credit for homeowners who install solar power. Also, various states offer grants to help homeowners pay for the cost of solar power installation.
Remember, your solar system is only as good as the person who installs it. Accordingly, it’s important to remember to choose the right installer for the project. Make sure to do research and find a highly qualified home solar installation professional.
Looking at the Big Picture
As each day passes, consumers become more reliant on electricity. Electric bills are a growing area of concern for many consumers. Solar power can help you get a handle on rapidly rising energy costs.
Over the last decade, the cost to have solar power installed has decreased by 70 percent. Meanwhile, the cost of electricity has risen 5-percent.
What’s more, analysts forecast that the cost of electricity will continue to rise. Solar power can help you regain control of your energy costs.
Solar power also helps you do your part to save the environment. It produces fewer carbon emissions. It can also help the nation move towards energy independence.
Solar power is not like traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil. These fuels directly contribute to air pollution.
Solar energy is a renewable, clean power source. Each person that installs solar power helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Carbon dioxide can leach into the air and water supply. Nuclear energy is much less impactful on the environment – unless there is a leak of radioactive waste. There’s no such risk, however, with solar power.
Timing Things Right: When to Buy Solar Panels
Solar power isn’t a short-term investment. It’s not a good idea to have solar power installed to increase the value of your home if you plan to move the next year.
It’s a great financial investment. It takes time, however, to recoup that investment. Most homeowners can recoup installation costs in seven to eight years.
If you plan to move in a decade or so, solar power may still work out well. You’ll have had time to recoup your investment, and it will increase the value of your home for resale.
Making Things Go With Sun Power
Now, you know one or two things about the advantages of solar energy. You also know a few solar power pros and cons. However, were you aware that you can do more than get off the grid using solar power?
Bookmark HeliVolt.net and visit frequently for cool stories about different ways to charge up your life with solar power.
