No matter who you ask, they’ll most likely agree that solar energy is the way of the future. In fact, according to data, solar has experienced an annual average 33% growth rate. However, while there are many benefits to solar power, it also has a few noticeable drawbacks. So, let’s take a look at solar and find out what are the bad things about solar energy.
High Entry Cost
The large upfront cost is one of the biggest cons of solar energy. Simply put, as of January 2022, the average price of solar is about $3.00 per watt. In other words, a regular 6 kW solar energy system will require an investment of around $18,000.
Please note that the actual cost will vary from state to state, as well as the provider you choose. Additionally, there are many solar financing options that you can benefit from. You might even qualify for a solar lease, which should allow you to save money on your electricity bill by paying a monthly fee.
Solar Power is Not a Continuous Energy Source
Experts refer to solar power as an intermittent source of electricity. That’s because the sun doesn’t shine at night, which means that solar panels cannot generate energy. Not only that, but the sun’s intensity varies depending on a few factors, such as time of the year, time of day, and location. And finally, snow, clouds, and foliage can all cover your solar panels and reduce the amount of energy you produce.
While all of these concerns are valid, there’s a solution called solar batteries. These devices allow homeowners to store solar energy and use it whenever their panels are unable to generate enough power. And, with manufacturers launching new types of batteries each year, their prices are only expected to lower, making solar batteries accessible for any homeowner.
Solar Panel Manufacturing Impacts the Environment
Solar panels are famous for their ability to generate emission-free electricity. Yet, there is a bit of pollution related to the manufacturing of the said panels. To put it simply, solar panels contain pollutants, such as sulfur hexafluoride. Fortunately, the impact of sulfur hexafluoride on the environment is less significant than that of carbon dioxide. Therefore, while solar panels can pollute the environment, they are still more eco-friendly than the mining and burning of fossil fuels.
Solar Panels Need Space
Usually, most roofs can accommodate enough solar panels to cover the energy needs of an average household. But what if you plan to expand your home with additional rooms or simply want to add more appliances? Then, you’ll have to upgrade your roof so it can support more panels, or rely on ground-placed panels to make up for your energy deficit.
That is a result of the solar panels’ low power density, which is described as the amount of energy that can be derived from a source within a specific area. What’s interesting is that the power density of solar panels is even lower than that of fossil fuels.
However, the balance tips in favor of solar power when you consider how many acres of land get destroyed by fossil fuel mining and processing. It’s also vital to understand that, while large solar power plants require space, they won’t continuously damage the land and pollute the environment the same way burning fossil fuels does.
Solar Panels Are Not That Portable
Lastly, once you install solar panels onto a roof, you might have a hard time moving them to another property. That’s because removing and reinstalling operations can be very costly. Furthermore, the net metering agreement is tied to your property, so you’ll have to sign a new contract if you plan to move to another home.
But there’s a silver lining. Solar panels can add value to your property. As a result, even if you do plan to move, you will be able to use the extra money to get some brand new solar panels.
Is Solar Energy Worth It?
All in all, it’s clear that solar power is not perfect. In fact, it can have some noteworthy downsides. However, overall, the benefits solar systems offer are much more impactful and significant, especially to the environment. And with the help of governmental programs and solar leases, you can overcome most of the negatives, including the high entry cost and the lack of portability.
Do you want to learn more about solar energy? Make sure to check out Atlantic Key Energy and get in touch with one of our experts.
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