| ...However, with the growing concern on the state of | | | | prices of photovoltaic cells have declined on the |
| the earth, there is really a need to find other means of | | | | average of 4% every year over the past 15 years. |
| energy aside from what power plants are using right | | | | Solar panels can be installed on most rooftops, |
| now. Where do you place yourself? | | | | eliminating the problem of finding a suitable place for |
| Whether you are an advocate of clean energy or | | | | installation. Solar panels require little or no maintenance. |
| simply care about where your finances go, looking at | | | | The original photovoltaic cells technology is used for |
| the pros and cons of residential solar energy system | | | | most satellites orbiting our earth today which are not |
| will help you decide on whether to convert or not. | | | | maintained at all. Many solar panel manufacturers give |
| Pros | | | | 25 to 40 years warranty on their products. |
| Solar energy is free. Did you know that the earth | | | | Because most areas of the country receive a |
| absorbs 174 pettawatts of solar radiation? This means | | | | substantial amount of sunlight throughout the year, |
| that we have more than enough source of free | | | | solar panels can be installed anywhere. |
| energy to power every house in the world. | | | | Many states in the country give tax credits and |
| Unfortunately, most of our energy is still drawn from oil, | | | | rebates to households who want to install solar energy |
| gas and coal. But in recent years, there is a steady | | | | system. Check with your state government the cost |
| increase of demand for alternative and renewable | | | | of these incentives. |
| energy like solar power. It is estimated that the | | | | Cons |
| demand for alternative sources of energy will increase | | | | While the prices of PV cells are in constant decline, the |
| by 53% between 1999 and 2020. | | | | cost of installation is substantially high compared to the |
| Solar energy is clean, renewable and sustainable. | | | | current electric cost. But the good thing is, after your |
| Because the energy created from the sun's rays does | | | | initial cash out, you don't have to pay every month on |
| not produce byproducts like those from fossil fuel | | | | electric bills for the rest of your life. |
| power plants (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury or | | | | On areas cities and areas with heavy pollution problem, |
| carbon dioxide), it does not contribute to pollution. | | | | solar energy may not work as fine. Weather can also |
| Accordingly, the increase in the use of solar energy | | | | affect the efficiency of solar energy. If it is raining, |
| and other alternative forms of energy will decrease | | | | overcast weather or if there is a hurricane, the solar |
| the demand for greenhouse gases-producing power | | | | panels' efficiency is decreased. |
| plants. | | | | You are only producing energy during day time. |
| The price of photovoltaic cells is steadily decreasing. | | | | These are general pros and cons you might encounter |
| The demand for solar panels has risen by 57% in the | | | | when considering the conversion to solar energy |
| United States in 2007 and is steadily increasing on a | | | | system. It would be best if your decision is based on |
| monthly basis. The increase in demand results to the | | | | location, cost, budget, rebates, tax credits and |
| improvement of solar technology as a whole. The | | | | practicality. |