Ever since the turn of the millennium, there has been an increased focus on finding more innovative ways to power our world. It is therefore unsurprising that the idea of solar power has absolutely exploded in popularity in the last two decades. This once foreign concept is now widely adopted, with over 30% of Queensland households fitted with solar panels as of 2019. Due to its rapid increase popularity, it is unsurprising that there have been raging debates as to whether solar systems are truly worth it. This article aims to thoroughly break down the pros and cons of solar energy, and therefore help you decide whether this energy source fits your requirements.
Pros
Solar energy is renewable & environmentally friendly
Perhaps the biggest flaw with fossil fuels is the fact that this energy source is non-renewable. In fact, researchers suggest that if consumption continues at its current rate, we will be starved of fossil fuels by 2060. The other primary issue with this energy source is the realisation that it is not at all environmentally friendly; When fossil fuels are burned, they emit a range of toxic gasses. Additionally, the oils & gasses that fossil fuels produce can have a devastating effect on water, animals, and plants.
The premise of solar energy aims to solve these aforementioned issues. First and foremost, this energy source is renewable, and we therefore have an endless supply for as long as the sun lives. Additionally, this type of energy leaves an amazingly low environmental footprint. In essence, solar energy is helping preserve our planet, and begin to reverse the man-made consequences that fossil fuels have caused.
Solar energy reduces electricity bills
Since solar panels will be at least partially meeting your energy needs, it is a given that your energy bill will drop. The exact amount that people save is of course dependent on the size of their solar system as well as their consumption habits.
For example, a business using a state-of-the-art solar system would likely see a major decline in the cost of their energy bill. In terms of household options, a standard 5kW system can save the average person $50,000 in electricity bills over the course of a lifetime.
In addition to saving money, it is also possible to make money through the use of solar panels – If you generate an energy surplus, the government will pay you to export leftover electricity to the national grid.
Subject to technology advancements
Renewable energy sources have been steadily growing in popularity ever since the global financial collapse in 2008. As a result of this steady increase in adoption, we are seeing more and more companies offer similar products & services. For the consumer, this is good – Solar companies in Brisbane and across the world are continuously working on ways to ensure that their systems are superior in a market filled with an increasing number of competitors. Potential future adaptations in quantum physics and nanotechnology point to the possibility of solar systems that are up to 2-3 times more effective than the ones currently available.
Perhaps the industry leader in innovation, REA solar is a Brisbane based solar installer that offers some of the best products in the country. Therefore, for those seeking maximum performance and efficiency, it is recommended that the services of REA solar are utilised.
Cons
High initial cost
Most of the time, solar panels result in the owner saving money in the long term. With this being said, the initial cost of installing high quality solar panels is relatively high, and it is therefore an investment that could majorly dent the financial health of an average person. In terms of specifics, a good quality residential solar system can cost anywhere between $6000-$10000.
For some people, this seems like a large sum of money considering the fact that solar panels cannot realistically remove one’s energy bill all together.
Completely weather-dependent
While solar panels can still perform during rainy and cloudy days, they are noticeably less efficient. Therefore, the environment that one lives in can be a crucial factor when deciding whether solar panels are a worthwhile investment. For example, a solar system in the sunny climate of Brisbane will generate considerably more energy than one in the constantly cloudy environment of London.
Requires a lot of space
Solar panels are relatively large, meaning that residential properties in particular are very limited in the size of the panels that they can choose. As a result of this, people living in smaller properties may not feel as though solar panels are a worthwhile investment. In fact, research suggests that smaller residential solar systems often fail to offer a cost-benefit.
Conclusion
It is no doubt that within the next few decades, residential use of renewable energy will become the norm. Solar energy in particular is clean, sustainable, and is subject to a range of technological advancements.
With this being said, there are some drawbacks. The high initial cost is often too much for people who are already having trouble making ends meet. Additionally, space and weather variables often provide adequate reasons against the use of solar panels.
Therefore, this decision comes down to personal needs and wants. However, the trajectory in which this industry is moving in suggests that in the next decade or two, solar energy will continue to become more accessible to the average person.