For people looking to save money on their electricity usage, they consider installing solar panels on their property. When considering a location for the solar panels, one possible option is the roof. Here is what you need to know about the pros and cons of solar energy before making this investment.
Know What Solar Energy Is
Solar panels consist of semiconductor materials that convert electrical and thermal energy into electricity that can power the devices in your home. Solar energy is made out of electrical particles called photons.
When these photons become absorbed by panels, the semiconductor material releases electrons that flow over cells. The cells turn the electrons into electrical current that can now be stored to power the home. It’s this absorption and conversion process of the solar panel materials that makes it possible.
Pros of Going Solar
Most often we talk about the energy savings of going solar. Since you are no longer purchasing your electricity from the power grid, you can have these cost savings, especially during times when utility costs rise. Yet there are additional advantages with solar energy.
It is a renewable resource that allows you to have off-grid capabilities. This means that for homes in remote locations that typically experience numerous power outages, you can still have electricity available without having to wait for the utility company to fix the issue.
You also can see an increase in property value. Homes that have solar panels may sell at a higher purchase price. While the initial investment in the panels is high, this investment pays itself off due to the long-term savings as well as the low maintenance costs. The panels only need to be kept clean and free from debris.
By mitigating rising energy prices as well as becoming more accessible to homeowners by being cheaper to install, solar panels can help the community. You can sell the excess generated electricity back to the utility company’s power grid to help reduce costs and energy dependency. Solar energy also has various uses in addition to powering homes, such as boats and satellites.
Cons of Going Solar
Going solar does have disadvantages to consider. You can become dependent on solar, which can be detrimental to people in areas that experience constant bad weather or less sun exposure.
The initial high cost can be too much for an average homeowner as average prices can range around $18,000. It can also be a complex installation when placing it on roofs due to the wiring system. You also may deal with limited space due to the angles and complexes of the roof’s infrastructure.
Lastly, the raw materials to make solar panels are not sustainable, and manufacturing the panels contributes to emissions. There are also limited recycling options available at the moment.
Making the Decision
Every homeowner has different electrical needs. Whether to go solar should be a personal decision depending on your home’s electricity usage, the location of the solar panels, and the costs of installation. With the solar energy industry expecting to grow and become more affordable, you want to have roof contractors who can help you with the installation. Contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof for more information.
