Welcome to the Electric Green Planet .com!

Articles: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power

[Articles Home]
To many people solar power is a great idea; it's inexpensive, abundant, low maintenance, and does little to harm our environment.To others, there are considerations concerning whether they have a sufficient amount of light available, the initial investment price is simply too high, maintenance is beyond there abilities, and they feel it's not a viable solution to the rising costs of energy. To figure out the pros and cons of solar power, let's break down the advantages and disadvantages into sections. We can then do an analysis of what we have listed and see what we can discover. How does the benefits of solar power measure up against the problems of using solar power? Let's find out.

Advantages of Solar Power Renewable - Unlike Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas, the sun is not likely to have any shortages in the forseeable future. Silent - Solar panels create electricity without any noise being created. Low Maintenance - Since solar panels have no moving parts, they do not wear out easily and maintenance is often hosing off the panels. Easy Installation - Installation of a solar power system can be done quite easily. Long Lasting - As the panels have no moving parts there is little wear and tear that occurs. Save Money - Over the life cycle of the equipment the cost for energy is very reasonable. As energy costs continue to rise solar panels are becoming an increasingly attractive addition to your home.

Disadvantages of Solar Power Initial cost - Solar panels and the equipment the run the power system often represent a large investment to get the system operational. Power is not on demand - Only works during daylight, less power when cloudy. Location Generating Capacity - Depending on location, lower quality of light means less power available Weather Effects - Clouds and rain can lower the amount of available light, reducing power generation.

If we look at the advantages and the disadvantages of solar power generation, I think we all agree the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages. The main issue with the disadvantages is primarily determined by location. If you pick a northern area where there is a great deal of precipitation, you may have a spot where solar power might not be the best choice for you. For everyone else, how and where you plan your solar powered systems can remove a great deal of the negatives of solar energy and even enhance the benefits.

The one disadvantage that cannot be resolved by location is the initial cost. If you pay $50, $100, $200 a month for electricity, setting up a $9000 (the price is mostly dependent on the power generating capacity of the system) system may seem unwise. But if we look at $100 a month as a reasonable amount to spend for power, consider this:

$100 per month * 12 months per year = $1200 a year spent on power.

$9000 cost / $1200 = 7.5 years to break even.

What this means is that in 7.5 years you will have spent the same amount of money as you would have to build your solar power system. Since solar systems can produce power for up to 25 years, the benefits over the long term are obvious.

Now remember, that was if you ONLY spend $100 on power. Right now people are spending $300 a month in Texas for their air conditioning. And with energy prices constantly going up, we have a clear winner on the pro and con debate.

Solar Power. It's a good idea for your future.