Why Get Solar Panels?
Perhaps the most recognizable benefit of solar panels is that they save you money year after year. But there are other aspects to think about. We have developed a quick list of the benefits of solar power so you can decide if it’s right for your house or business.
Pros of Getting Solar Panels
You’ve already heard about how awesome solar panels can be. But just in case you need a bit more convincing, here are some of the many advantages of switching to solar power, from economics to sustainability.
Reduce your electricity bill
One of the biggest benefits of solar panels is that they can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills. If you have a large enough solar system, you may even be able to eliminate your electric bill altogether.
Reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment
Greenhouse gas emissions by power plants contribute a significant percentage of all human-made emissions. Furthermore, these operations pollute our water supplies. Solar energy production, on the other hand, has no carbon footprint or any other harmful environmental impact.
Add value to your home
It should come as no shock that those looking to buy new properties would be willing to pay extra for a home with a fully installed and functional solar power system. If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, having solar panels installed will make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Get paid for your excess solar
Most people are not aware that when you have a grid-tied solar system, you can actually sell excess power to the utility company for cash or some credit. While it’s true that they’ll most likely pay you a low wholesale price on it, at the very least, you can think of it as a free way to store your excess energy.
Low maintenance energy generation
Solar panels don’t require much maintenance once they’re installed correctly. They don’t need fuel or cleaning, and they can last for decades before they start to slow down. This means you won’t have to spend time or money on routine upkeep like you would with other types of energy sources.
New systems are long-lasting
New systems of solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years or more with proper care. That translates to 25 years of free electricity and zero pollution!
Reduce your reliance on the energy grid
Having solar panels also means independence from the energy grid because you now have the capacity to generate electricity. You will not have to rely on fossil fuel-powered plants during peak demand hours (like during a heat wave or cold snap). If you run a business that heavily relies on electricity, you have complete control of your operations.
Cons of Getting Solar Panels
As wonderful as owning a solar system appears, it is not free of downsides. There are legitimate reasons why you might not want to go solar.
High upfront costs
This is perhaps one of the most glaring turn offs of solar energy systems for most people. Generally speaking, a solar panel installation will cost between $4,000 and $10,000 for an average home. However, many homeowners testify how the cost can be recouped in 5 years or less. It is also worth noting that some states offer incentives or rebates for installing solar panels, but not every state does this (or does it as generously).
Bad weather can reduce energy generation
Another caveat to solar panels is that they do not work well during bad weather conditions. Your panels might also not produce enough energy during the winter months, when daylight hours are shorter than in other seasons, so you may have to rely on other sources of electricity during this time. Although, this disadvantage seems to have been offset by cutting-edge battery systems that allow you to store energy for rainy days.
Hard to find a good installer
It can be challenging to find an installer who knows what they’re doing and won’t try to sell you anything you don’t need. There are many companies out there that will say they can help you get your solar panels installed, but many of them charge too much, don’t always have the best customer service, and may not have a good warranty.
Difficult to dispose of
Although it might take a couple of decades before it becomes an issue, solar panel systems can only be disposed of in a few ways. You can’t throw them away as you would typically trash because they contain toxic materials that can harm the environment if not handled properly. You will have to pay someone to take them away for disposal.
Battery storage is not usually worth the cost
One thing that people worry about is battery storage and how much it costs. The batteries store electricity generated by the panels during the day, so they can be used at night or on cloudy days. Unfortunately, these batteries are expensive, especially when compared with the cost of installing solar panels themselves. While this may change in the future as technology improves, for now, batteries can cost thousands of dollars.
Are Solar Panels Right for You?
Solar energy is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world- and for a good reason. It is a great way to save money on your monthly utility bills, increase your property value and reduce your carbon footprint.
But solar panels aren’t for everyone. The installation cost can be prohibitive for some homeowners, especially if they don’t receive enough sunlight or don’t live in an area where they’re incentivised to go green.
If you can afford the upfront cost without majorly disrupting your family’s lifestyle or business operations, and you have no problem waiting five or more years to recoup your investment, then solar might be the way to go. Make sure to do your research and have your property assessed by professionals to ensure you have the most suitable system installed.
Choose Solar Galaxy for Your Solar System
One of Australia’s most reputable names in the solar sector, Solar Galaxy has long assisted companies and homes make great renewable energy decisions. Knowing that a reputable and knowledgeable business is expertly installing your solar panels will give you some peace of mind. We also come with some of the most outstanding warranties in the industry, so you may keep using solar power for many years. For a free consultation, get in touch with us today!
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