What are the pros and cons of Solar Energy?

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Sun is an unlimited source of clean energy. Depleting fossil fuel and natural gas reserves have made us look out for more sustainable and renewable energy resources that can provide us abundant and continuous energy supply. Solar energy is considered as one of the best possible solutions for overcoming energy crisis. Several experiments have been underway for the past few years to gear this nascent technology for replacing fossil fuel energy production.

What are the pros of Solar Energy?

• Solar energy does not produce pollution and is highly eco friendly, except the negligible amount of air and sound pollution created during the production of solar panel devices, transportation and installation.
• Traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels create noise pollution during electricity generation, whereas, solar energy can be harnessed silently.
• Solar energy can be produced and utilized in areas that are away from national grid. For examples, solar cells are often used for satellite systems functioning in the space.
• For remote locations, solar panel installation is more cost effective than installing high voltage wires.
• Solar panels can be easily put on roof tops and therefore they do not block any utility spaces.
• Apart from the basic installation cost of solar cells, no other investment is required to harness solar energy. Thus electricity can be produced for years without any extra maintenance cost.
  
   

What are the cons of Solar Energy?

However less, solar energy production poses some negative problems. Some of them are:

• The initial cost of solar panel or solar cells is sometimes way beyond the reach of common man ($1000/solar cell). This can pose to be a major hindrance in making this renewable energy source more acceptable. Moreover, installation costs are also on the higher side.
• Since sun is the sole resource for the production of solar energy, electricity can be generated only during day.
• Cloudy and dull weather can hamper the efficiency of solar panels.
• Existing pollution layer in the atmosphere can pose a problem to the efficiency of solar cells. In industrial areas, where the pollution is beyond normal limits, solar energy production can be very low.

What is the cost of installation of Solar Panels?

Installation of solar panels is very costly due to which a common man often feels discouraged to adapt this technology. The cost of PV panels is high because highly expensive semiconductor materials are used for production. A couple of years back, the solar panels on an average were priced at $ 3 to $4 USD/watt. Experiments and researches currently been made are expected to reduce this production cost eventually leading to decrease in the installation prices of solar panels. The cost of PV solar cells are calculated depending upon the rebate given by different states for encouraging solar energy adoption, number of panels required, location of integration of panels (roof top or side corners ), component prices and several other factors.

Calculate your solar energy costs by clicking below,

What are the incentives for going Solar?

The incentives or rebates offered for installing solar panels differ from state to state and country to country. But most of the governments offer reasonable incentives for solar system installation. Incentives can be in the form of low interest loan, exemption from state tax credits and similar other perks. Lately, green companies and NGOs working in renewable energy sector are coming forward to promote solar energy in the remotest parts of the world. In America, the federal law has a provision of giving 30% tax credit for installing solar water heaters. Moreover, fuel cells are sold at subsidized rate of $2000.

For additional information on Solar Companies, click on the links below:

JA Solar Holdings

Trina Solar

Hanwha SolarOne 

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