Whether you’re looking to invest in solar power for your residential or commercial property, it’s important to consider solar energy advantages and disadvantages.
Although we might be biased, we believe that the advantages of solar energy far outweigh the disadvantages.
As the leading provider of solar panels nation-wide, Captain Green are here to help outline the solar power advantages and disadvantages for your property. We believe that solar power is a worthwhile investment for almost everyone. Let’s go ahead and outline some of the solar energy advantages and disadvantages.
Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy? This section of the article will outline the main benefits of solar power.
The Advantages of Solar Energy
Let’s talk about the many advantages of solar power installation. There are seven distinct advantages of solar energy installation that we will discuss in this article; however, our list could have been a lot longer. We will discuss the advantages of solar power in this article include renewable energy source, long-lasting solution, easy instalment, return on investment, safe option, government incentives, improved efficiencies, and aesthetics.
1. Renewable Energy Source
One of the most critical considerations when pondering solar energy advantages and disadvantages is the environment. Did you know that the sun can produce twenty thousand times more power than the amount of energy required to supply the whole world? The sun is an infinite source of renewable energy. Scientists estimate that the sun can produce 5.4 billion more years of sunlight before it runs out. Solar panel installation does not require the creation of raw materials. It is one of the most sustainable energy production methods that will remain environmentally friendly for our lifetime and far beyond.
2. Long-Lasting Solution
The longevity of solar power is essential to consider when investigating solar energy advantages and disadvantages. Most solar panels are installed with a warranty for 10 – 25 years, and generally, solar panels should last for at least 30 years. Whilst the initial investment cost may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that it is a long-term solution.
3. Easy Instalment
A significant benefit to reflect on in regard to solar energy advantages and disadvantages is the instalment process. With solar panels becoming more commonplace, the end-to-end process of panel installation is becoming easier. At Captain Green, we efficiently take care of the entire installation process so that you barely have to lift a finger! Not only is the actual installation process getting better, but solar panels are low maintenance to keep, too. Solar panels should be cleaned quarterly or bi-annually, depending on their location and positioning.
4. Return on Investment
It’s clear which side of the argument a return on investment sits when debating solar power advantages and disadvantages. One of the best aspects of installing solar energy is that it significantly reduces and eventually eliminates your electricity bill’s cost. Once installed, the solar panels simply convert energy from the sun into energy for your home. There are no other materials or expenses involved in the process. Additionally, homes with solar panels already installed enjoyed the benefit of a higher property value. Although it may take some time to observe a significant return on investment, the early returns are promising and eventually saves money long-term.
5. Safe Option
If you weigh up solar energy advantages and disadvantages, another important consideration is safety. Solar energy is a much safer option as there is no risk of incidences such as electrocution or other electrical faults. Solar panels are a safer alternative to traditional electricity power lines and towers. Although solar panel power issues may require a specialist’s expertise, resolving these problems is far more simplistic than electrical faults. Solar panels also experience less downtime if there is a fault in the connection.
6. Government Incentives
One of the most significant factors when weighing up solar energy advantages and disadvantages is government incentives. The government incentivises the installation of solar panels by offering to buy back any excess solar energy. Additionally, the initial instalment cost has been significantly reduced over the years and will continue to lower gradually. Part of this is a government initiative to promote the use of renewable energy in Australia. Even large businesses are incentivised for solar panel installation. However, note that these incentives may not be around forever, so it’s best to take full advantage of them if it is financially within your means to do so.
7. Improved Efficiencies and Aesthetics
The technology behind solar panels is continuously improving, meaning that solar panels are getting more efficient at converting sunlight into energy. Improved technology is likely to eliminate the issue of inefficiencies and potentially the problem of dependency on the weather and seasons. If that wasn’t enough, a huge bonus is that solar panels are becoming more aesthetically pleasing and are typically discretely placed on the roof of the home. You can’t go wrong with that!
The Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Although we strongly support solar energy for all of Australia, we’ll remain neutral in this article by outlining some of the solar power advantages and disadvantages. The main limitations of solar energy discussed in this section of the article include; the high initial instalment cost, weather and seasonal dependency, and solar panel inefficiencies.
1. High Initial Instalment Cost
One of the most common barriers for property owners considering installing solar energy is the initial high investment cost. Although not everyone can afford the initial cost, solar power prices are gradually reduced. Therefore, if solar power installation seems unattainable right now, it may increase in the future.
When weighing up solar energy advantages and disadvantages, it’s essential to consider the long-term savings towards your energy bill, not just the initial instalment cost. Most people see a return on the investment relatively quickly.
2. Weather and Seasonal Dependency
A significant disadvantage of solar energy is that it relies upon two factors that are entirely out of our control: the weather and seasonality. It’s a simple fact that the sun shines less in winter; therefore, your solar panels will be less efficient at producing energy. It is the responsibility of solar panel installations professionals to ensure that installation occurs in locations that receive a decent amount of sun exposure.
As well as installing solar panels in suitable locations, there are some straightforward solutions to this problem. Most solar panels have solar battery storage, which can get expensive. However, battery suppliers are working towards making them more affordable, and it is the best way to facilitate energy production in the home when sun exposure is an issue.
3. Inefficient Power Source
One of the most common solar power criticisms when considering solar energy advantages and disadvantages is that the efficiency is currently around 22%. The inefficiency means that a sizeable area is required to install solar panels. We don’t consider space a disadvantage because you can still reap the rewards of solar panel installation. However, those with a small roof surface area and in apartment buildings are likely to experience this as a limiting factor in whether or not it is feasible for them to install solar power.
The majority of residential solar panels are installed on the roof, which typically has the property’s largest surface area and retains the most sun exposure. Therefore, in many instances, the amount of space required is not an issue as the panels are discretely installed on the roof. However, this is limiting for those with small homes or in apartment buildings. It’s important to remember that solar energy is constantly advancing, and the efficiency is likely to improve significantly in the coming years, just as it has done in the past.
Solar Energy Installation
In this article, we have outlined what are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy for your residential or commercial property. Now that you know that the benefits of solar power far outweigh the disadvantages, it’s time to invest in this renewable energy source. Captain Green is one of Australia’s top solar companies and has installed over 26,000 solar panels nation-wide in the last ten years. Captain Green offers the best value when it comes to purchasing solar panels and their installation. Get a quote to start your journey towards renewable energy today.
