Thứ Tư, 16 tháng 1, 2013

Solar Energy: The Pros and the Cons

Is using solar power a viable strategy? The pros and cons of solar energy have been debated at great length. As a result, anyone thinking of installing a photovoltaic (PV) system should carefully evaluate both sides of the coin before making a decision.
We're all aware of the serious problems we're encountering because of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Solar power is a leading contender in the movement to increase our usage of renewable energy sources and decrease our fossil fuel consumption. Even if you're not personally interested in this technology, gaining an understanding of the pros of solar power in addition to its potential drawbacks is a good idea. After all, many believe solar energy will someday have a major impact on how we conduct our everyday lives.
So, let's examine the pros and cons of solar energy, as well as what makes them advantages and disadvantages.
The Pros of Solar Energy
Lower energy bills. This is the main reason most people decide to install a photovoltaic system. Lower energy bills represent one of the significant pros of solar energy because utility companies keep raising their rates. That trend is almost certain to continue as fossil fuels become scarcer.
Lower pollution. Although probably the next most important reason people are opting for PV systems, in the long run it may actually be the most important. As a society we are addicted to fossil fuels, and the pollution caused by our heavy fossil fuel consumption is not showing any signs of disappearing. We need to move to a different energy source in order to ensure that future generations can enjoy our planet. Solar power produces far less pollution than burning fossil fuels.
Highly reliable and suitable in most climates. Photovoltaic systems perform reliably in most weather conditions and climates.
Low maintenance. Photovoltaic systems have no moving parts or fuel. Occasional cleaning and inspections are the only maintenance required.
Extremely safe. No moving parts and no fuel mean more than just low maintenance. These characteristics also make solar power extremely safe.
Energy independence. For many people, the ability to attain energy independence is another of the important pros of solar power. As utility company energy charges continue to rise, this advantage will become even more important.
The Cons of Solar Energy
High initial cost. Photovoltaic systems can be expensive to buy and install. This is one of the cons of solar power that deters many people.
Sunshine is limited. A PV system will only generate solar energy when the sun is shining. In addition to not producing any solar energy at night, solar panels are less productive during cloudy days. This, too, is one of the big cons of solar energy.
Homes must be energy efficient. Energy usage in the home must be reduced as much as possible in order to offset part of the high initial cost of a photovoltaic system. Energy must be used much more conservatively. It can be very expensive to increase the energy efficiency of a home, but once it is accomplished the savings can add up.
As you can see, there are many pros of solar power, but the disadvantages must also be considered. One hopes that in most cases the pros of solar energy will outweigh the cons, resulting in the wider adoption of sun as a power source.
William Craft is a green energy enthusiast and is very interested in energy efficiency and energy saving. He has a website dedicated to renewable energy's and that has all the information you need about all the pros of solar energy and also the cons of solar energy.

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