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Using solar energy to power your home is an undeniably eco-friendly option—and the list of benefits to solar power doesn’t end there. But while there are plenty of reasons to switch to solar energy, it is not a decision that should be rushed. Take the time to evaluate the pros and cons of solar energy to determine if making the conversion is right for you.
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Perhaps the biggest selling point to using solar energy is that it is a sustainable energy source. That means you aren’t consuming resources that future generations will need. And, at the same time, you are lessening the impact of your energy use on the environment. That’s a clear win-win situation. However, installing solar panels remains relatively expensive, and not every home is a good candidate for relying on solar power.
Whether you are building a new home or considering adding solar panels to your home, there are some important solar energy pros and cons to weigh.
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How Can Homes Use Solar Power?
If you are considering going solar, the most popular and efficient option is to install solar panels. Generally placed on the roof of the home because of exposure to sunlight, solar panels use Photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb photons from sunlight. This then creates an electric field and that electricity can be used or harvested for later use.
Although solar panels are the best way to use solar energy to power your home, there are other ways to use solar energy that have a lower barrier to entry. For example, solar water heaters work in much the same way as solar panels—but are less expensive to install than full solar panel systems. For the purposes of this article, however, the pros and cons of solar power will be based on solar panels.
What Are the Pros of Solar Energy?
Solar Energy is Environmentally Friendly
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, using solar energy minimizes the amount of carbon and pollutants generated. That translates to cleaner air, fresher water and more environmental stability for future generations. Better yet, unlike the widespread energy grid that is reliant on non-renewable resources like …….
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/solar-energy-pros-and-cons/
