Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
With so much information out there on solar energy, it can feel overwhelming to figure out
what’s true and what’s not. So, we’re here to set the record straight on the key advantages and
disadvantages of going solar.
The gist: between the advancements in solar panel efficiency, $0 down financing options, the
30% Federal Tax Credit, and local incentives, making the switch to solar energy has never been
a more appealing investment. If you want to see if solar is right for you and set up a free in-
home consultation, click here.
Okay, so by now you may be asking yourself, what are the benefits of solar panels? Let’s start
there:
Advantages of Solar Energy
1. Reduce Your Electric Bill (Save Money!)
Let’s be honest – we could all use a break on our electric bill. By installing solar panels, you can
lower your electric bill while avoiding the rising cost of electricity in the long term! Based on your
roof size, sun exposure, roof orientation, and electrical usage, you could even see immediate
savings by switching to solar energy! Plus, if you generate more energy than you use, most U.S
states pay solar homeowners for their surplus via a credit (more information below!)
2. Solar Energy Incentives
The US Government offers a federal solar tax credit that decreases your federal taxes by 30%
just for having solar panels installed on your home. The government created this credit to
incentivize homeowners to switch to renewable, sustainable energy sources. And the good
news is that this percentage is now guaranteed until 2032!
In addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, it is worth noting that some states and utility
companies also offer incentives for installing solar panels. In Pennsylvania, the state offers
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for those who install solar panels on their home
or business. SRECs can help you earn money from the energy generated from your solar
energy system. To learn more about SRECs and to see if your state participates, click here.
3. Increase the Value of Your Home
A study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (the first large scale study around
resell value of solar homes) found homes with PV panels added about $15,000 in value.
Additionally, Zillow research analyzed comparable home sales of solar powered homes and
non-solar homes, and found that solar powered homes sold for an average of 4.1% more!
4. Widely Accepted Alternative Energy Solution
Solar power is an extremely reliable, widely accepted, and extremely popular renewable source
of energy. There are now over 2 million homes in the US with solar panels and installation
numbers are only expected to grow and grow in the near future. Major banks now offer financing
to homeowners, making it easier than ever to go solar. Renewable sources of power like solar
energy have also received support on a state and federal level with awesome incentives. And
with ongoing global initiatives investing in solar energy, there is no question that solar
technology is the future!
5. Low Maintenance Cost and Long-Term Warranty
Set it and forget it! Once your panels are installed it is unlikely that issues will arise, but if they
do, most reputable manufacturers have long term warranties to give you peace of mind. It is
common to see 25-year warranties on the solar panels and 15-year (or more) warranties on the
inverter(s). Additionally, you can get even more coverage from your homeowner’s policy or
through companies who offer solar specific insurance plans!
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
1. Solar Panel Manufacturing
Just like any other manufacturing process, the process of manufacturing solar panels has an
effect on the environment due to the chemical emissions from various stages of solar panel
production and material transportation. The good news? The long-term impact of going solar
FAR offsets the pollutants created through the manufacturing process.
2. Solar only works at night
Solar energy is used in real time, during the day, while the panels are collecting UV rays from
the sun. That means that solar panels do not work at night. Luckily, most states offer Net
Metering, which allows solar powered homes to sell unused power back to the electric company
during the day for a credit, which can then be used at night. Alternatively, there are home
battery storage solutions which can help store unused power and help homeowners gain even
more energy independence.
3. Roof and shade limitations
The amount of solar energy that a homeowner can produce from their system is largely dictated
by the amount of space that they have. Not all roofs are ideal for solar. An ideal roof would have
ample space and minimal shade to get the most offset possible. However, ground mounted
system and tree removal are also options to overcome these obstacles!
4. Low Electrical Usage
Although anyone can choose to go solar, it typically makes the most financial sense when your
electric bill is $75 or higher (depending on your utility company). When homeowners pay less
than $75 per month it is just harder to show a financial return and immediate savings. As a rule
of thumb, the more you spend on your electric bill, the more you’ll save by switching to solar!
8. Homeownership (Can’t rent your home)
Trust us, we wish renters could go solar, but unfortunately, you have to own your home in order
to install solar panels! If you currently rent but want to use renewable energy, it might be worth
reaching out to your electric company. Some electric companies offer different clean energy
plans to power your home.
About Bluebird Sky Solar
At Bluebird Sky Solar, we pride ourselves on our top-notch service and are here to answer any
questions you may have. The best way to get in touch with us is by clicking here!
