Old Solar Panels: Advantages of Solar Energy

advantages of solar engery

Solar energy is an incredibly clean and renewable source of energy that can be used to power everything from homes and businesses to vehicles. It’s a perfect solution to help us fight climate change and keep our planet healthy.

While solar energy doesn’t have the same efficiency as fossil fuels, it can still be a great option for homeowners and business owners. It has a lot of advantages that are worth considering.

1. Environmentally Friendly

Solar energy is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to generate electricity, as it does not require a large amount of natural resources and does not emit greenhouse gas emissions. It can also be used to produce electricity in areas where fossil fuel infrastructure is not available, making it a great choice for people who live in remote areas or have limited access to electricity.

Although solar energy is more sustainable than other forms of power, there are still a few environmental concerns to consider. For example, manufacturing silicon wafers requires a lot of hazardous chemicals.

These chemicals can be harmful to both the environment and humans, so manufacturers need to make sure they are properly disposed of. Some companies will do this, but others might not.

Thankfully, many solar panel manufacturers have developed recycling programs, such as First Solar’s prefunded take-back system. These initiatives are an important step in ensuring the responsible disposal of these panels and the associated chemicals.

2. Reduces Carbon Footprint

The carbon footprint of every person or household is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced to support their life activities. This includes their fuel consumption, their use of energy at home and the generation of electricity from non-renewable sources.

Compared to fossil fuels, solar electricity has a very low carbon footprint and can help lower global CO2 emissions. It is a great choice for homeowners and businesses looking to make the switch to green energy.

However, despite its benefits, there are some disadvantages to solar power that you may encounter when considering installing a system in your home.

The primary disadvantage is cost. While the price of panels continues to decrease, the initial investment may be high for some property owners. This is a good reason to consider leasing your solar system instead of buying it outright.

3. Increases Home Value

Solar engery is an excellent investment for homeowners who want to do their part to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. It can also increase your property value, depending on where you live and what kind of solar system you have installed.

According to a 2015 study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar photovoltaic systems sell for an average premium of $4 per watt of installed capacity. That means that a 6-kilowatt system can add up to $24,000 in home resale value, on average.

However, installing solar engery on your home can be costly and can take time to recoup. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider other potential ways to add value to your home before investing in a solar installation.

4. Boosts Economic Growth

Solar engery is a renewable energy source, which means it comes from natural resources that are constantly replenished. Moreover, it is pollution free and has a virtually inexhaustible supply.

Increasingly, companies are switching to renewable sources of energy as it is cheaper than other forms of energy and does not involve the environmental damage that comes with extracting fossil fuels or burning them. In addition, switching to clean energy can also help reduce carbon emissions and lead to safer living conditions for people worldwide.

Another benefit of solar engery is that it can boost economic growth. Several studies have shown that renewable energy consumption increases in a positive relationship to GDP. These findings are in line with the ‘bi-directional causality’ hypothesis, which suggests that government policies aimed at increasing renewable energy production or consumption will stimulate economic growth.