The Margin Between The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Power Is Narrowing At An Alarming Rate.

July 29, 2009 by Go Green Tips · Leave a Comment 

The gap between the advantages and disadvantages of solar power is getting smaller at an alarming rate.

By far, the main disadvantages is the startup cost of the equipment. Solar energy technology is still a costly alternative to the use of readily available fossil fuel technologies, but that margin is getting smaller every month. Now that the price of materials to build your own panels have decreased, the idea of running your own house on solar, or even wind power, is more practical then ever before.

Even though the cost of building your own solar panels is reasonable, disadvantage #2 would be the batteries required for storing the energy produced for when the sun goes down or on those cloudy days. In years past, there have been 2 points of concern when it comes to the batteries. Problem being that batteries can cost even more then the panels in some cases. Now with recycling efforts and a global push to ‘go green’ – batteries don’t cost nearly as much as they did if you know where to look. There are even locations that offer free batteries. The other downside is the chemicals that they possess. Both lead and sulphuric acid are toxic to the soil, water and air, and is highly toxic to marine life. Again, recycling efforts have been able to recover 98% of lead that would have gone into landfills. By the same token, proper maintenance of batteries can triple there life expectancy. So if you look at it that way, it turns out to be less of a disadvantage and more of an advantage – relatively speaking.

The third thing to consider before investing in a self sufficient solar power system is the location or efficiency factors. Regions like Southern California, Florida , and Hawaii would be an a perfect spot to start such an endeavor. Heck, even places in Alaska could run solar energy 24 hours a day, but only for half of the year, if you keep the snow cleared off of the array. Simply put, Problem is that most locations are seasonal. Places like Phoenix can count on 5 ½ hours of direct, usable sunlight a day most of the year while tornado alley may only get 2 – 4 a day depending on the time of the year.

Another barrier in regards to location is the fact that it is going to take up a lot of space if you are going to see any major differences in your energy bill. You could do just fine with one panel to light a shed. Three if you want to light a room or hot water heater. More if you are wanting to store it and use it at night via batteries. There are so many variables as to what your power requirements would be, but don’t be surprised if you find your self needing a dozen or more.

So what does this all mean? Yes, transitioning over to your own personal power company is a big step. It is a major investment. The flip side of the coin though is that we are thinking long term here. In general you will cut even in 3 – 4 years time and after that it’s all profit. Even better is that if you remain connected to the utility company, and you produce more electricity then you use up, they will be sending you a check. The value of the home goes up, It raises the resell value of a home, [spin] and just in January of 2009, congress passed the new Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 which lets the government pay for up to 30% of the installed system. Plus, as a bonus, additional tax breaks year after year.

Do it yourself solar power is making a comeback because in the past it was just to far out of reach. But now with the lower costs and additional cash back incentives folks are beginning to see that the advantages of solar power have out weighed the disadvantages.

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