Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to many, but solar energy is indeed good for the environment. In fact, many scientific experts and governments around the world are pinning their hopes on this renewable source of energy to save them from the impending doom of climate change. That being said, solar energy isn’t exactly without its disadvantages.

Most advocates for solar energy leave this part out when they recommend it to people. Although we believe solar energy’s benefits far outweigh whatever faults it possesses, it is still in our best interest to know about them.

So to perfectly balance the conversation around the topic, we would like to take a look at both sides of the coin. As such, for those who are intrigued to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy… this article is for you.

Solar Energy Pros and Cons

I) Advantages of Solar Energy

1. 1. 1. Reducing Electricity Bills
      This is perhaps the first benefit you will experience with a switch to solar energy, i.e. a significant reduction in your electricity bill. With solar panels installed on your rooftop, you are mostly relying on energy generated at your place for electricity, thus drastically bringing down your electricity consumption and with that bringing down your utility charges as well.
   2. 2. Take Advantage of Tax Incentives
      In a bid to encourage its citizens to use solar energy, the Government of India offers lucrative tax incentives to all those who choose to install solar panels on their residential or commercial buildings. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Solar Energy, the Indian government pays 30 % of the installation cost to installers as a subsidy.
   3. 3. Multiple Applications
      Aside from electricity generation, solar energy can be used for a variety of other reasons. It can be used to heat water, power electric generators, and supply hot water to buildings that need it.
   4. 4. It is environmentally friendly
      Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that, unlike fossil fuels, does not emit harmful greenhouse gases, waste water, or dump pollutants in the environment. Solar energy is useful in reducing carbon footprint as an ideal green source of energy.
   5. 5. Cost-effective
      Besides low electricity bills, most solar energy generating products are cost-effective in general. For instance, products like solar panels are known to possess a service life that can extend to up to 20 long years. You will hardly pay anything for maintenance, thus bringing down your expenses considerably.

   II) Disadvantages of Solar Energy

   1. 1. High Initial Costs
      Although solar energy proves cost-effective in the long run, the initial installation costs can be expensive. In hindsight, however, the price you pay is worth it when you consider how much money you will be saving on electricity bills and maintenance.
   2. 2. Weather Dependence
      Solar energy depends on sunlight to generate power. As such, cloudy skies and monsoons can hamper energy production. Fortunately, India’s tropical climate is ideal for harnessing solar energy. We get 300 sunny days in total to harness an ample amount of solar energy.
   3. 3. Your Roof Might Prove Inadequate
      Whether or not you will reap the benefits of solar energy will depend on the space, material, orientation, and shading of your roof. For instance, a roof that is surrounded by large trees may find it difficult to harness sunlight. Suffice to say, producing solar energy might be difficult if the dimensions of your roof are off.

   Fortunately, solar panel dealers in India that help you with installation can help you find a solution. For quality solar products, we recommend you approach none other than Oriana – the largest distributor of solar panels and other related products in India.