Solar energy’s popularity has been increasing exponentially over the years because it comes with many advantages. To save money in the long-run, many people are looking into solar panels as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, but are still a bit wary to make such a huge switch. Like everything else, there are pros and cons that will affect which decision you end up choosing. Here are some things to consider when making your decision about getting solar panels.
Pros
1. Save Money
One of the biggest benefits of having a solar energy resource is that you save money in the long run. Yes, your electricity bill each month will drastically decrease once you have solar panels installed, and, in many cases, you might be able to sell back energy to the grid which will end up making you money.
2. Protect Your Roof
Another great perk gained from installing solar panels is the added protection for your roof. It’s a large bonus that not many people even consider, but according to Cox Brothers Roofing, solar panels can actually extend the life of your roof. They help prevent sun damage, heavy wind damage, and can break the fall of limbs and other debris from directly hitting your roof.
3. Increase Home Value
With its increasing popularity comes a bout of interested buyers when it comes to selling your home. A recent study completed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) found that solar panels can increase the value of your home by $15,000 or more just by having them pre-installed. The savings on your energy bill, the tax incentives and selling power back to the grid are several variables that buyers are interested in seeing returns on when considering solar panels for their home.
Cons
1. They’re Unattractive
Unless you’re intending on spending the money to get the newer roof shingles that double as solar panels, standard solar panels aren’t exactly visually aesthetic on a standard roof. The standard panels are big, bulky and are typically installed to stand out against the roof of your home. As technology advances, they are starting to get sleeker and less-noticeable, but the more subtle, better-looking options are going to cost significantly more.
2. High Initial Cost
Of course, the money you can save by having solar panels is exponential, but the initial cost of buying and installing the solar panels has been a deterring factor to pulling the plug for most people. And it’s true, getting them installed is not a cheap venture – if it was, everyone would have solar panels!
3. Weather Dependent
A massive factor to weigh into the final decision about if solar panels are right for you, is the Sun. If you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, like the Pacific Northwest (PNW), or where there’s months of little to no sunlight, such as in Alaska, then investing in solar energy may not be the most cost-effective option for you. Regardless of where you live, the winter climate of your area can impact how often the sun can be seen.
When deciding whether or not to get solar panels, it’s best to do your research and shop around at different solar companies so that you’re making a well-informed decision. As with most things, there are pros and cons to installing solar panels on your home. Look for tax credits and local incentives that can help offset the high cost of installation, then you can start reaping the benefits of having a solar powered home.