Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages

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Solar Energy: The Advantages and Disadvantages

We can all agree that we're facing an energy crisis. It makes sense to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy for your source of electricity. In order to make an educated decision, let's talk about what is entailed in installing a solar energy home system.

The solar generator is a device that runs all your electrical appliances using the solar energy. This device converts solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. The solar generator is also referred to as the solar lighting system. The solar generator stores electrical energy in cells for later use.

None of us remain unaffected by the world energy situation. Many people feel it's time to become more self-sufficient and not rely on outside sources for our energy needs.

Solar Energy Advantages

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  1. Cost effective:
    Installing a solar heating system in your home helps to reduce your electricity bill along with saving the world's quickly-exhausting power. If you're concerned that a solar heating system will be an expensive investment, your concerns are misplaced. Companies providing solar power solutions for homes make it a point to install aesthetically-pleasing heating systems in your house. Investing in a solar heating system is wise because you get a return on your investment within 3-4 years, giving you absolutely free service after that.

    There are also DIY manuals that will help you learn how to build your own solar panels reducing the expense even further.
  2. Live wherever you want:
    You're no longer limited by living on the grid versus off the grid. If living in a remote area is your dream, using solar energy provides this option. You're also not affected by power outages and the inconvenience of not being able to use any of your electrical appliances.
  3. Reduce your carbon footprint:
    Solar power is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to power your home. Using solar power is a great way to increase the environmentally friendliness of your home and still lead a modern life with all the conveniences. Everyone is looking for ways to be greener and more energy efficient. There are many reasons to embrace alternative energy production methods. Reducing our dependence on oil and coal as fuel sources is crucial to the health and safety of our selves, our families, our communities and our country, not to mention our planet. Alternative energy and heating technology is a very important step in this process.

    Wind, solar and hydroelectric are all great options, but solar power is one that relies on an energy source that is available to everyone.
  4. Convenience of storage:
    You cannot store conventional power but you can store solar power for future use. The sun's energy comes to rescue even in the times of darkness! Storing it also ensures a 24x7 supply of power, thus saving you from any power outage.
  5. Low on maintenance:
    The solar energy systems are easy to maintain. They do not involve high costs or too much effort, thus letting you reap the benefits of the solution comfortably.

Solar Energy: Disadvantages

Are you surprised to see that cost is also listed as a disadvantage?

  1. Cost:
    The cost for solar panels can run from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the size. According to Cost Helper "To provide electrical power, a small-scale solar energy system producing about 1 kilowatt costs $10,000-$15,000, and provides a fraction of the average home use; a 2 kW system meeting most of the power needs of an energy-efficient home is $16,000-$20,000; and a 5 kW system providing all the energy needs of most conventional homes runs $35,000-$45,000. Prices vary based on building and system configuration, the type of equipment selected and other factors. Generally it costs less to install a system in a new home rather than remodeling an existing one, although it can be practical to install a solar system while replacing the roof."
  2. Good news for the DIYer!There is a manual that will show you how to inexpensively build and install your alternate power supply and save hundreds of dollars on your electricity bill.


    The Earth4Energy kit is the best system for people who are looking to save money on their home energy bill and want to build a energy generator at home .There is no other kit out there in the market like Earth4Energy that explains clearly with manuals or even includes videos.

    The Earth4Energy kit suggests one of those popular alternative energy devices that prove to drop home energy costs by 50-80%. The kit also shares information on where to purchase free batteries required for your project. These batteries store the alternative energy making it a portable energy resource. You can take them anywhere, for any use!

Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages: Power Saving Tips

Simple steps to reduce the amount of power you use

Computer:
How often do you find that you don't switch off your monitor even after you've shut down your computer? Keep the monitor and the computer switched off when you are not using them. Start practicing this even when at work. You will help save some more power for the world.

Light bulbs:
You're probably seen compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs being advertised. You may have even used them at times. As a power-saving measure, start using the CFL light bulbs as much as you can. If you're thinking they are more expensive than the regular bulbs, the benefits of the CFL bulbs will prove much more cost-effective in the long turn by the amount of power they will save.

Air Conditioner:
Set the temperature at the minimum or maximum best you are comfortable with, depending on the season. Try not to set it at too high or too low temperatures. Setting the air conditioner at reasonable temperatures helps save a lot of energy.

Washing Machines:
Do you use your washing machine as often as you want? Do you use your washing machine even when there are not enough clothes to wash? Minimize the number of washes by washing a full load of clothes every time.

Television:
Unplug your television set when not using it. This may not sound a big deal but this tiny step will help save power.

Refrigerator:
Bring hot food to room temperatures before putting it into the refrigerator. You can also save power by taking cold or frozen food out of the refrigerator much before the mealtime, thereby saving power in heating it.

Extensive Overview of Solar Energy

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Let me know what you think

  • Caboodle Jun 18, 2009 @ 9:06 pm | delete
    good info, thank you. with all the sun we're getting in california right now, the power company should be paying me!
  • Hugh Jun 18, 2009 @ 6:44 pm | delete
    This is a very informative site that makes me want to search out more of the advantages...thanks.

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Caboodle

Theresa Mayhew is an entrepreneur and internet marketer. She enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, learning about alternative energy sources, home canni... more »

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