Solar Panels, Yes or No?

You may be wondering, is it worth it to purchase solar panels or buy a house with existing solar panels? Have you ever thought about the environmental impact solar energy can cause?  There are many advocates that would argue both sides of the coin on either question.  However, I did some digging and found the following pros and cons that may sway you in one direction or the other.


Environmental Pros:

• Solar energy is renewable and there is a never ending supply
  
• Solar energy is sustainable, it won’t cease to exist and future generations can rely on it.
  
• Solar energy is pollutant free, it is even quiet, therefore, no noise pollution either.
  
• Solar panels are cost effective in remote areas, no high voltage wire is necessary.
  

Environmental Cons:

• The weather can affect the efficiency of solar cells by reducing their capacity to absorb solar energy or damage the panels.
  
• Solar energy is only able to generate electricity during daylight hours, therefore, the latter half of the day there is no energy being produced.
  
• Pollution in the air decreases the efficiency of the solar panels ability to generate energy. 

Homeownership Pros:

• Excess solar energy can be sold back to the electric company to off-set electricity bills and the initial cost of the solar panels.
  
• Solar panels are fairly low maintenance since there are no moving parts. Just require cleaning a few times a year.
  
• Some homeowners appreciate the environmental benefits of solar energy.
  
• There is data increasing daily to support the proven benefits to homeowners regarding cost effectiveness.
  

Homeownership Cons:

• The initial cost of installing solar panels is high.  However, homeowners are able to stretch out the cost over 15-25 years by long term financing or leasing the panels (transferable to new owners during a sale of a home).
  
• Repairs to damaged solar panels can be costly.
  
• Buyers of resale homes with solar panels do not fully understand the existing purchase or lease agreements of the panels and may bypass making offers on homes.
  
• There is not enough data in the market place yet, to know if having solar panels impacts a home’s market value negatively or positively.

My findings are just a small snippet of information that can be found on the subject of solar panels.  Also, everyone’s needs are unique.  Be sure to do your own investigating before deciding if solar energy is right for you.

Click the links below for more information:
http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/solar/solar-energy/pros-and-cons-of-solar-energy
http://lifestylesolarinc.com/solar-power-pros-and-cons

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