A brief overview of the pros and cons of solar energy
Given rising energy costs, unreliable energy supply, and an increased awareness off the negative impact of fossil fuels, many businesses are turning to solar to meet their energy needs. While solar may have been regarded as an expensive luxury in the past, it is now a viable option. This article provides a brief explanation of the pros and cons of going solar.
Firstly, solar power works by harnessing the sun’s radiation and converting this to energy. Solar panels are the key component of a solar power system. Their modules are made of photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into power. Inverters convert the energy from alternating current to direct current so that it can be used as electricity.
Solar power systems can be mounted onto roofs. Alternatively they may be mounted on the ground, or even float on water. Because each solar system is unique, the pros and cons of going solar are weighted towards the pros.
Herewith a brief explanation.
The pros and cons of going solar, the pros
Solar is a renewable energy source. This is because the sun’s power is infinite, and no harmful gases are emitted in the process of generating solar power. Therefore, using solar energy decreases your carbon footprint.
Solar energy will reduce your electricity bill. Solar systems generally have a life expectancy of 20 – 25 years. Because of this, they continue to generate power for long after the system has amortized itself. Systems that are well maintained generate more power than those that are not.
Solar energy has diverse applications. It can be installed in various ways and used in both commercial or residential developments. You are welcome to view a selection of solar plants that New Southern Energy has developed here.
Solar systems come with low maintenance costs. While it is advisable to keep your panels clean and service the system at regular interviews, the maintenance costs are far lower than those associated with other energy types. When discussing the pros and cons of going solar, this is always outlined as a major benefit.
A solar plant will increase the value of your property. Given that solar is an investment, it is an asset to your land or building. The power generated by the system can be logged and recorded, which means that the savings it would generate for the new owner can be accurately shared.
Solar systems are customizable. Commercial solar systems are all custom mad. They take into account the layout of your property, your building structure, your external environment, your geographic location, your energy needs, and other factors. The best solar systems involve careful planning and meticulous construction.
Using renewable energy is viewed favourably by many sectors of industry. Various European trade commissions, for example, will ask for information related to a company’s sustainability practices before procuring goods or services from a new supplier.
The pros and cons of going solar, the cons
When one assesses the pros and cons of going solar, the cons are becoming fewer and fewer. This is because the technology has developed to the point that there are solutions for almost all aspects.
Solar power is weather dependent. It is true that solar energy can only be produced while the sun is shining. However, with solar systems that are grid tied, you can pull energy from the national energy grid at night.
Some believe that solar energy storage is expensive. While this is true in some cases, the right solar energy supplier will work towards building a system that meets your energy needs as accurately as possible.
Solar systems don’t last forever. It is unlikely that anything on a property development will ever last forever. However, solar systems pay themselves off rather quickly, generating electricity for a long time thereafter. In this way, they enable your business to enjoy considerable financial savings.
Space is required to build a solar system. However, space can also be used to your advantage, with many solar systems living out of sight on building roofs or occupying un-arable land.
While the debate around the pros and cons of going solar will continue to be valid, it is clear that the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Consider going solar today.
