Over the past few years, there have been several questions about how to conserve energy and preserve our ecosystem. While manufacturing and production industries have initiated innovative ideas for sustainable packaging and product delivery, the energy sector is not left behind.
Solar energy has been in existence since the early 20th century as a renewable energy source. However, it became increasingly popular in 2008 and has since seen huge interest from investors and consumers.
Several homes and offices are adopting solar energy to replace the conventional electric source. So, if you are still on the fence about getting in on this trend, you can visit the Solar Graf Blog to learn more about the benefits of jumping on trends in solar energy.
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Understanding Solar Energy
For ages, humans have harnessed the power from the sun and have used it for various purposes. For instance, we use it for drying clothes, foodstuff, herbs, and more. And these activities have gone on without affecting our environment.
However, as technology improved and humans evolved, the desire to imitate and recreate the forms of energy increased. Though the impact was beneficial to man, we could not say the same with our ecosystem. We could see the increasing threat in our climate because of excessive carbon emissions.
Today, several nations are considering better alternatives to fossil fuels. And solar has been the cleanest option so far.
The sun gives off electromagnetic radiation. And this can generate heat and electricity that is free and sustainable. Though the conversion process is quite complex and beyond the scope of this article, it is obtained using mirrors and panels.
Furthermore, this renewable energy source does not release greenhouse gases or pollute our environment. Therefore, it is best for home and business purposes.
Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
If you are looking to save costs on electricity and energy, solar energy might be your best bet. Though, it is expensive to purchase and install. But considering the odds, this can save you so much money in the future. In addition, you are also conserving the environment.
We can see this as an investment as it adds value and prevents you from paying some property taxes. For instance, using it can give you a chance to earn tax incentives and reduce electricity costs. So, let us consider some benefits and disadvantages of this energy source.
Pros of Solar
Though the cost of purchasing and installing it is expensive, there are several benefits of solar. Below are a few of them.
Lower Electricity Bills
Traditional electrical power sources can be expensive. Every year, a household in the US spends well over $2,000 on electricity bills. And this figure depends on your home size, electricity usage, and state.
Furthermore, businesses consume more electricity and need to pay higher bills. For example, some businesses consume over 15,000 kWh to 100,000 kWh yearly. And with the rising cost of electricity, these companies could be paying over forty billion dollars every year.
However, using a renewable power source can help reduce costs. Though you might spend well over $30,000 for home installations and other expenses on regular maintenance, you will be saving close to $50,000 in 20 years.
Enjoy Tax Benefits
To encourage sustainable and green energy use, several governments offer tax benefits. So, when you start using solar, you are eligible to claim about 32% of your taxes for covering installation – depending on the state. And in some cases, it is fully covered. However, there are several requirements for that.
Renewable and Independent
Before now, fossil fuels were the major source of electrical energy. And this led to dependence on the importation of foreign oil. However, fossil fuels are not renewable and are depleting gradually from the earth. In fact, there are predictions of a total depletion in 2050.
However, the sun releases emissions that are renewable and free. The sun’s radiation is collected using panels and converted to electricity. So, using this renewable source can help preserve our resources and decrease dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil. You can click on https://en.wikipedia.org/ to read more about fossil fuels.
Decrease Pollution and Carbon Footprint
One major setback of fossil fuels is their dangerous emissions released during refining, usage, and disposal. And they constantly pose a threat to our ecosystem. For instance, an average home in the US produces over 15,000 pounds of CO2 yearly. However, this is not exactly the case with the sun’s radiation.
Though there are some traces of carbon footprints during the production and sales of solar panels, the energy from this source is free and clear of pollutants. Therefore, it does not emit any greenhouse gas. And by using it, homes can reduce their carbon deposits by over 4,000 pounds yearly.
Durability
One of the best parts of using solar is durability. For instance, some systems can last for over 20 years and will only require periodic maintenance. Also, maintenance might only cost a few bucks.
Cons of Solar
While you might be thrilled by the benefits, it is necessary to consider the downsides. So below are some disadvantages.
High Installation Costs
As we have earlier said, initial purchases and installations are expensive. And it depends on the quantity of power required and the size of the home or business. So, you could be spending a minimum of $20,000 for this cause. And making this expense is not easy for some families.
Weather Dependence
The sun is the most vital element in this system. Though modern ones come with rechargeable batteries, the sun is still necessary. So what happens on cloudy or rainy days?
During the winter months, the sun does not come out too often. And this will affect the system negatively and might disrupt your electricity usage.
Difficulty in Dismantling
Though smaller solar units are can be carried about, those for commercial use might not be easy to dismantle and transport after installation. For instance, trying to dismantle a system from your roofing might cause damage to your roof and panel. So, you might have to sell it off to the next occupant of the building.
Conclusion
Using coal, gas, and fossil fuels to generate energy has a lot of negative impacts on the environment. Also, these sources are non-renewable and are gradually depleting from the earth. However, using renewable energy from the sun can help us save our environment and our money.
