Advantages and disadvantages of getting solar panels
The sun is a free source of energy that provides 8000 times more energy than people use around the world. The best thing about solar power is that the energy is free and the sun rises everyday. This has made it very popular as an alternative source to the burgeoning carbon emission problems that are brought about by burning fossil fuels.
Since renewable energy is the future for helping alleviate the world off the carbon emission, the UK government is committed to offer its citizens this wonderful service.
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of getting solar panels installed in your home in UK.
Advantages
Helps reduce electricity dependency and bills
Homes today are powered by electricity both from hydro electric plants as well as nuclear sources. In order to ensure that you are supplied with electricity every month, one is required to pay bills to the supply company.
Solar power on the other hand is free since it is derived from the sun. This means that one will need to purchase and install the solar panels at an affordable fee. From then onwards, no bills and no dependency on electricity.
Helps decrease carbon footprint
Solar energy helps to cut a significant amount of carbon footprint since it is renewable energy. It does not produce harmful pollutants of carbon dioxide therefore a typical home could save a ton of carbon dioxide every year.
Protection against rising energy costs
For fossil energy sources, prices change due to factors affecting its production and supply. Investing in solar panels on the other hand will only require you to pay the initial cost and a minimal maintenance fee after sometime. This helps to ensure you are protected against the increase of energy costs.
Creates jobs
When compared to other energy sources, solar power is a job creating venture compared to other forms of energy such as coal or natural gas. According to experts, solar energy creates two to three times more jobs than other sources of fuel.
Clean and a renewable source of energy
Although it has been said over and over again, solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy. The sun is not only a fireball that shines on planets but the rays can be converted into energy through a simple process performed by photo voltaic cells installed on the roof of a house.
This means that no burning will occur in order to generate electricity.
Disadvantages
Electricity generation dependent on availability of sunshine
The biggest disadvantage that has been noted with solar power is that not every day the sun shines brightly in a particular region. While the sun shining every day can help with power generation, it can create an inhospitable for the residents. Cloud cover reduces the chance of the sun shining at times therefore inhibits the amount of solar power generated.
Lack of storage potential
Current batteries that store power have not reached the potential of powering homes like other sources of energy therefore creating inefficiency.