In recent decades, one of the most publicized problems facing humanity has been pollution. Thus, concern for the environment has begun to grow among people and large companies, which have turned their attention to developing more efficient systems, operating on the basis of renewable, alternative energies, such as solar or wind energy.
These technologies surprise us every year with their increasingly impressive efficiency, although most of them are still in the experimental or development stage. Most of the time, these devices have certain limitations in their exclusive use and for this reason they are used together with classic energy sources. However, the result of this combined operation brings both environmental benefits by reducing pollution and the user by reducing household costs.
Solar energy in the household
Solar energy is already being harnessed in many parts of the world and has the potential to provide several times the current global energy consumption if properly harnessed. Solar energy can be used directly to produce electricity through solar photovoltaic cells, or for heating and even cooling through heat pumps, or for heating homes and domestic water through solar thermal panels. Its future potential is limited only by our willingness to seize the opportunity.
The term “solar energy” more precisely means the conversion of sunlight into heat or electricity for our use. You will find that there are many advantages of solar panels being a possibility if you want to consume your own clean energy and save money in the long run. Solar panels are a long-term investment, but at the same time a perspective on the future.
The benefits of using solar panels in your home
- Zero emissions . The main advantages of solar energy are that, unlike other energy sources, it does not generate polluting emissions either directly or indirectly. Once you have installed the solar kit on your home, there will be no more gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, which would favor the production of the greenhouse effect. This is a good reason to opt for the installation of these devices.
- Energy savings . Installing photovoltaic panels is an initially expensive investment, but in the medium term the energy savings achieved are already very high and so there are many advantages to solar energy. Your electricity bill will be cheaper and, in addition, with bidirectional meters you will have the opportunity to make a profit on the energy you do not use and “resell” it. This is an option for anyone who wants to save on energy consumption.
- No noise . One of the most important aspects of solar energy is that it does not generate any type of noise, unlike conventional electricity generators. If you do not want to put up with annoying sounds, then this is a possibility to gain comfort.
- Compatibility with other types of energy . Photovoltaic energy is compatible with other sources and, in fact, many homes have two installations so that conventional energy works when the other does not. This is the way to make a gradual transition to solar energy and, above all, to avoid problems when the operation is not perfect.
- Worldwide availability . The sun is an inexhaustible source of energy and available all over the planet, at least in the very long term, as it is expected to emit energy for 5 billion years. It is important to emphasize that energy is obtained from the sun in places where there are no other options, since in remote areas, this is a way for a small installation to operate autonomously.
- Using solar energy increases the value of the house. The house equipped with solar panels has a higher purchase value than before the installation, but this difference can certainly be equal to the cost of the work at that time and therefore these advantages of solar energy will amortize the expenses.
Disadvantages of using solar energy
While using solar energy is positive overall, there are a number of disadvantages to solar energy that you should be aware of. It is also important to remember that the energy mix offers several possibilities and that, depending on your location and the conditions that arise, you may be interested in one energy source or another.
- The initial investment is high . Installing solar photovoltaic panels requires a high initial investment, ranging from 600 to 800 euros per square meter of panel. There are differences depending on the company, but it is advisable to start from this initial calculation so that you do not encounter unpleasant surprises. This means that if you want to rely on this structure it can be expensive at first and these disadvantages of solar energy can undoubtedly make some change their minds.
- Limited power . A solar panel has a limited power and, for this reason, the use of this type of energy is sometimes not enough, in itself, to cover the needs of a household. You have to consider that a small house in a temperate zone spends no less than 7Kw per day and a standard panel generates only 250W. In these conditions, either supplement the surface of the photovoltaic panels, or supplement the energy consumption with energy from the local network and thus you will reduce these disadvantages of solar energy
- There is the climate dependency . This inconvenience must be put into perspective because, in general, we have the ability to predict or measure the average hours of sunshine per year and per day. If you invest in solar panels in Spain, this factor will not worry you too much, but if the weather in the area where you live is more changeable and you do not have a large capacity for energy storage, there may be many disadvantages to solar energy. If you live somewhere where there is no sun, it is not obviously the best option either.
- Solar panels cannot be installed on every type of roof . Rooftop solar panels are installed by attaching a mounting system known as a “rack” to the roof. Certain roofing materials used on older or historic homes, such as slate, can be an obstacle. If the roof is allowed to be replaced, this is an additional expense; if it is not, the panels will need to be mounted on supports in the yard, if there is space.
- Solar panels are not ideal for those who may have to move their home . There are many advantages to solar panels, making them a good investment when they can be amortized over 20 years. For a young homeowner who may move in the next few years, installing solar panels could be an unprofitable investment.
