The pros & cons of solar power technology
Solar power technology is a rather broad definition. It includes both heat and electric energy generating technology. This article will focus on solar panels that generates electricity as it is the most effective way for ordinary consumers to save money.
The pro's
So, what do you as a consumer have to gain from solar panels? The two most obvious must be:
Once the initial investment is made there are no costs associated with having parts of you electrical needs generated by solar panels. Once connected to your house they lessens your dependence to the power grid thus saving money on your electrical bill.
The second reason to get solar panels is the environmental angle. When you use less energy from the power grid means less oil, gas and coal produced electricity which in turn lessens the release of green house gasses in to our atmosphere. Wether or not you believe global warming is partly caused by humanity, lessened CO2 emissions can't be bad, right?
Financial incentives is also something to consider. Several countries, including the US, Canada and several European nations have tax rebates and different tax deductions that you most definitely should look up.
The con's
Efficiency is an issue. Solar panels still requires quite large surfaces to generate energy in any usable amounts.
Cost is also a problem. Initial investments can run very high even for a private home system. Solar panels, battery banks, other electrical equipment and installation can cost several $10,000. This might, however, soon be a problem of the past. Several DIY system have begun to emerge on the market where you can build your own solar panels for just a fraction of the normal cost.
Reliability can, of course, be a problem if you live in an area were the sun doesn't shine regularly due to weather conditions or long winter nights.
The conclusion
If you live in a relatively sunny part of the world, solar power is absolutely something worth examining. A couple of panels on the roof might be enough to help the air conditioner and that will make a positive "dent" in your electrical bill.
If you live in, for instance, California, Nevada, Arizona or any other "sunsafe" place you could evern become totally self-sufficient if you go all out with solar panels. With the new more cost effective alternatives this could be an investment that pays for itself rather quick!
The pro's
So, what do you as a consumer have to gain from solar panels? The two most obvious must be:
Once the initial investment is made there are no costs associated with having parts of you electrical needs generated by solar panels. Once connected to your house they lessens your dependence to the power grid thus saving money on your electrical bill.
The second reason to get solar panels is the environmental angle. When you use less energy from the power grid means less oil, gas and coal produced electricity which in turn lessens the release of green house gasses in to our atmosphere. Wether or not you believe global warming is partly caused by humanity, lessened CO2 emissions can't be bad, right?
Financial incentives is also something to consider. Several countries, including the US, Canada and several European nations have tax rebates and different tax deductions that you most definitely should look up.
The con's
Efficiency is an issue. Solar panels still requires quite large surfaces to generate energy in any usable amounts.
Cost is also a problem. Initial investments can run very high even for a private home system. Solar panels, battery banks, other electrical equipment and installation can cost several $10,000. This might, however, soon be a problem of the past. Several DIY system have begun to emerge on the market where you can build your own solar panels for just a fraction of the normal cost.
Reliability can, of course, be a problem if you live in an area were the sun doesn't shine regularly due to weather conditions or long winter nights.
The conclusion
If you live in a relatively sunny part of the world, solar power is absolutely something worth examining. A couple of panels on the roof might be enough to help the air conditioner and that will make a positive "dent" in your electrical bill.
If you live in, for instance, California, Nevada, Arizona or any other "sunsafe" place you could evern become totally self-sufficient if you go all out with solar panels. With the new more cost effective alternatives this could be an investment that pays for itself rather quick!
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