| Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, | | | | more practical and cost-effective than the supply of |
| but few really understand why. Therefore, I compiled | | | | utility electricity to a new site. |
| a comprehensive list of solar energy advantages and | | | | The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence |
| disadvantages that will enable you to make an | | | | on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, |
| educated decision whether on not Solar Power is | | | | influenced by natural disasters or international events |
| right for YOU.Solar Energy Advantages1. Saves you | | | | and so contributes to a sustainable future. |
| money | | | | Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, |
| After the initial investment has been recovered, the | | | | fuelling local economies. |
| energy from the sun is practically FREE. | | | | 4. Low/ no maintenance |
| The recovery/ payback period for this investment | | | | Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free |
| can be very short depending on how much electricity | | | | and will last for decades. |
| your household uses. | | | | Once installed, there are no recurring costs. |
| Financial incentives are available form the | | | | They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not |
| government that will reduce your cost. | | | | release offensive smells and do not require you to |
| If your system produce more energy than you use, | | | | add any fuel. |
| your utility company can buy it from you, building up | | | | More solar panels can easily be added in the future |
| a credit on your account! This is called net metering. | | | | when your family's needs grow. |
| It will save you money on your electricity bill if you | | | | Solar Energy Disadvantages |
| have one at all. | | | | The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a |
| Solar energy does not require any fuel. | | | | solar energy system, largely because of the high cost |
| It's not affected by the supply and demand of fuel | | | | of the semi-conducting materials used in building one. |
| and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing | | | | The cost of solar energy is also high compared to |
| price of gasoline. | | | | non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy |
| The savings are immediate and for many years to | | | | shortages are becoming more common, solar energy |
| come. | | | | is becoming more price-competitive. |
| The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health | | | | Solar panels require quite a large area for installation |
| costs. | | | | to achieve a good level of efficiency. |
| 2. Environmentally friendly | | | | The efficiency of the system also relies on the |
| Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and | | | | location of the sun, although this problem can be |
| coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our | | | | overcome with the installation of certain components. |
| environment. | | | | |
| It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon | | | | The production of solar energy is influenced by the |
| dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury | | | | presence of clouds or pollution in the air. |
| into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of | | | | Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during |
| electrical generations does. | | | | nighttime although a battery backup system and/or |
| Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to | | | | net metering will solve this problem. See for details |
| global warming, acid rain or smog. | | | | on how net metering allows you to save electricity |
| It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful | | | | and money. |
| green house gas emissions. | | | | As far as solar powered cars go - their slower |
| It's generated where it is needed. | | | | speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in |
| By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not | | | | today's rat race. |
| contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery | | | | To learn more about solar energy, go to discover ... |
| and transportation of fuel or the storage of | | | | |
| radioactive waste. | | | | what solar energy is |
| 3. Independent/ semi-independent | | | | how solar energy works |
| Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied | | | | interesting facts about solar energy |
| energy consumption. It does not only reduce your | | | | how much solar energy costs |
| electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your | | | | passive solar energy for homes, and |
| home/ business with electricity in the event of a | | | | how to build solar energy systems |
| power outage. | | | | There's a whole section for students, teachers and |
| A Solar Energy system can operate entirely | | | | parents; whiles homeowners can obtain FREE |
| independent, not requiring a connection to a power | | | | QUOTES for their solar energy projects. You'll find |
| or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed | | | | book and product reviews some helpful energy |
| in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it | | | | saving tips. |