Table of Contents
Solar energy is a force of nature—rivaling even the legacy forms of energy production in terms of cost/benefit. This is true now true on every scale from utility scale, commercial industry, community and down to residential homes & off-grid living. Nonetheless… any emerging technology is sure to beg the question, what are the pros and cons of solar installation?
The question correctly assumes that there are legitimate reasons to say where & how solar works… and where & how it doesn’t work. This article will offer an honest assessment for anyone interested in going solar, highlighting the benefits of installing solar panels and the challenges.
Pros of solar installation
Reduce your energy bill.
Perhaps the single highest motivating factor for homeowners who wish to go solar is the immediate cost savings. Installing solar panels on your home means producing your own electricity—rather than buying it from the local utility company. Depending on the size of your solar system, you can produce some or all the electricity your home requires. The average solar homeowner will see their energy bill reduced by about a third of the cost without solar—but again, this will depend on how many panels you have and how much electricity your home uses. Many solar systems can generate enough to completely offset the need for purchasing power from the grid, saving you hundreds per month.
Solar installation increases home value.
Many new homeowners appreciate the pros of solar energy, such as the value it adds to a property. They are often ready to pay more for houses with solar panels already installed. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than homes without solar panels. That’s an additional 4% value to the price of your home.
Solar panels work in different weather & climates.
Many new homeowners appreciate the pros of solar energy, such as the value it adds to a property. They are often ready to pay more for houses with solar panels already installed. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than homes without solar panels. That’s an additional 4% value to the price of your home.
Modern solar panels are long-lasting and needs less maintenance.
Pros of residential solar panels include their durability. They are designed to last more than 25 years and most high-quality panels have a warranty covering this period. When it comes to solar panel maintenance, homeowners should know that solar energy systems are built for little to no maintenance at all. Solar panels have no moving parts, so unless something out of the ordinary happens to block sunlight from getting to the panel’s surface, you shouldn’t need much maintenance. Some homeowners will clear heavy snow from the panels after a storm, but this must be done with caution so as not to scratch the panel surface and reduce efficiency. Most solar panel owners will simply wait for the snow to slide off naturally. The best way to ensure longevity from your solar panels is to hire a high-quality solar provider who will install the system with special care given to the regional characteristics associated with your local climate.
Net metering allows homeowners to sell excess solar energy to the grid.
In regions with net metering policies, homeowners can benefit financially by sending unused solar energy back to the grid, often receiving credits on their bills or even getting paid for the excess power they produce. Even marginal net metering utility programs can hasten the period of time where you break even on your solar system. Visit our location page to find your city and check the local incentives.
Homeowners can see long-term savings with residential solar installation.
Because solar energy is renewable and the panels last so long, every solar system will eventually pay for itself. The time to break even on a solar investment has been declining—now at an average of about 7 years. After that, you’re effectively generating free energy from the sun. Over the course of your solar panels’ 25–year warranty—even with a small solar system—you can save more than $40,000 on electricity. You can enter in your address and get a free solar savings estimate using Google’s satellite data below.
Cons of solar installation
Solar doesn’t work for every roof type.
Certain roofing materials, like slate or cedar tiles, can be challenging for solar installation. Check with your local solar provider to assess whether they are experienced with solar panel installations on your home/roof type. Additionally, the direction, angle, and shading of your roof also play a significant role in determining solar feasibility. If your roof receives shade from a large tree for the majority of the day, this may create a challenge when it comes to solar productivity.
Solar panels do not power your house at night.
One of the main cons of solar energy and the primary reason why solar hasn’t completely taken over the energy market is because, well… it requires the sun to be shining! That means half a day’s worth of energy production is lost, right? Yes and no. More homeowners are choosing to add solar storage, or batteries to their solar systems. A solar battery (like Tesla Powerwall) can allow you to store some of the excess energy earned during the day for use at night.
Inability to move with you.
Like any investment that becomes a fixture of your home itself, you won’t be able to take it with you when you move! The good news is that installing solar panels can increase the value of your home in the event you do plan to move.
FAQ’s
A well-designed solar system ensures you will save money on electricity bills. Exact savings will depend on how many panels you have and how much electricity you use at home. On average a homeowner with solar can save ~33% or more on their electric bill. Take caution in choosing an experienced local solar provider.
Yes. A solar energy system pays for itself over time with renewable energy from the sun. Even with a small system, the average homeowner can save more than $40K over the course of the 25-year solar panel warranty and monthly savings on electric bills take effect immediately. Calculate your solar energy savings here.
Reducing your energy bill (~33%), increasing the value of your home (~+4%), performance longevity (25-years), low/no maintenance, selling energy back to the grid (with net metering), long term savings (~$40K), and ability to function in any habitable climate.
Solar panels require daylight to produce energy, however many homeowners will add battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall) to their solar system in order to use stored solar energy at night.
