Let's Talk Solar Panels: Pros and Cons

May 19, 2016

In the last few years, more and more homeowners have switched to solar panels to provide energy for their homes. What's the reason behind this new surge of interest? Should you also make the solar switch? To help you make that decision, we've compiled the main advantages and disadvantages of solar panels.

Advantages

  • Free energy - The panels use solar energy, a renewable and abundant energy source, to power your home's electrical system. This helps you save money on your electricity bills. With time, you'll recoup your initial investment. Aside from that, you can sell back the excess electricity generated by the panels to utility companies through net metering.
  • Lower dependency - Using panels to generate power makes you less dependent on utility companies and the electrical power grid.
  • Incentives - The federal government and the state help you cover solar panel costs through installation incentives. They periodically offer tax credits and rebates for installing solar-powered appliances.
  • Clean electricity - Solar panels don't produce any harmful gases while generating electricity, lowering your home's carbon footprint.
Disadvantages
  • Expensive - Despite the numerous incentives, the initial cost of purchasing a solar system can still be high. Cost is determined by many factors such as the location and size of your home and your personal goals.
  • Site preparation - Before installing a solar system, some of your home's systems such as the roof and the electric system may have to be altered or upgraded. These add to the purchase and installation costs.
  • Intermittent - Sunlight is intermittent. Even on the long summer days, clouds can obscure the sun's rays from time to time. Your solar system will be less efficient on such days. Extremely high temperatures can also reduce its efficiency. Tall buildings and trees can also block sunlight from reaching your roof.
Knowing these pros and cons gives you a good starting point for your personal research to determine whether a solar system is a sound investment for your home. For more information on solar panels, please contact us at Lozier Heating & Cooling. We serve the greater Des Moines area. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "beboy/Shutterstock"