With the rising cost of electricity, solar energy has, in the recent past, become a preferred source of energy both in homes and industries. Many modern homes now come equipped with solar panels. The solar panels are used together with electricity from the main grid or used as an alternative. There’s no denying that having solar energy in the home has numerous benefits. However, there are still a few disadvantages you need to consider before installing solar panels. Here are some pros and cons of using solar energy in your home.
Pros
- It Keeps The Home Running
Blackouts can be super annoying especially when they happen regularly. Not to mention, they can damage your electronics thus costing you more than your peace of mind. Unlike electricity, solar energy is more reliable and consistent. You’re less likely to experience blackouts when using solar panels and they’re a great backup to power your house.
- It Provides Clean Energy
Climate change is a crucial issue that everyone should play a part in to reduce emissions. In this case, charity begins at home. By reducing your carbon footprint in the home, you can make a significant difference in creating a more sustainable environment. Additionally, it’s as simple as switching to solar energy. Solar energy doesn’t generate pollution which makes it one of the cleanest sources of energy.
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- Increases The Value Of Your Home
Having solar panels makes your home more marketable according to the current trends in the real estate market. As mentioned, more people are choosing solar energy over other sources of energy to power their homes. Developers have noted this demand and most modern houses today come with pre-installed solar panels and, in turn, increasing the value of the home.
- It’s Readily Available
Solar energy relies on sunlight, no matter how little, to provide power. Since the entire world receives sunlight, you can use this energy in every corner of the world hence its popularity in remote and rural areas.
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Cons
- It’s Expensive
The initial cost of purchasing and installing solar panels can run up a huge bill. Though it has dropped significantly over the years due to the growing demand, it’s still quite pricey. In Kenya, it will cost you anywhere between Ksh. 300,000 to Ksh. 400,000 to install a solar system. Additionally, there are maintenance costs that can be costly as well. As such, it might not be affordable for some homesteads compared to electricity.
- It Doesn’t Work For Every Roof Type
Solar panels are ideal for many homes. However, there are exceptions when it comes to installation. Solar panels are usually mounted to the roof and certain roofing materials aren’t favourable for mounting. Additionally, apartments usually have roof decks which make it difficult to install the panels. However, you can still opt for ground installation if faced with this challenge.
- It’s Vulnerable To Atmospheric Conditions
Solar panels aren’t ideal for areas that have long-lasting heat and humidity as it affects their performance. Additionally, locations that have high air pollution can prevent solar panels from working properly as they block sun rays from reaching the panels. People living in such locations may be slightly disadvantaged compared to people living in normal conditions.
- It’s Immobile
Once installed, it’s almost impossible to move with your solar panels since the process could cause damage to your roof and panels. As such, it could pose a problem if you install them and decide to relocate to another house.
