Should I Use Solar Power For My Home?

High Initial Cost

Many people are dissuade by the high upfront cost of installing a solar power system. The prices of typical equipment like the PV panels, batteries, and inverters can be high. Prices are declining though, so you should spend time conducting thorough research on what is the most suitable setup for your home before making a final decision.

Weather Dependance

Solar energy production will fluctuate depending on weather conditions. Cloudy days and even the orientation of your home may not allow you to gain optimum efficiency out of your solar power system. Bear in mind that a solar power system typically requires a few hours of peak sunlight every day in order to be truly efficient.

Space Requirements

Solar panels require adequate roof space and the size of your solar system is limited by the available area. The orientation of your panels also affects how much sunlight they are able to absorb. If you are looking to power your home’s air-conditioners alone, you will need quite a wide area to install sufficient number of solar panels.

Energy Storage Costs

If you want to store excess energy with batteries, the cost of purchasing and maintaining battery systems can be high. Thankfully though, modern batteries are improving in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Intermittent Power Supply

Solar panels only produce electricity during sunny daylight hours. This means you are relying on battery storage or the grid for night time power needs. Varying weather conditions and fluctuating power usage may deplete your batteries quicker than expected.

Variable Savings

The financial benefits depend on local electricity prices, available incentives, and individual energy consumption patterns. You should conduct thorough research to determine whether or not using solar power will really benefit your home.

Permits and Zoning Laws

Local regulations and processes related to work permits can complicate the installation of a solar power system. You should take into consideration these factors as it might add to the cost and affect the timeline of your project.

Decreased Efficiency Over Time

Solar panels gradually lose efficiency, typically by about 0.5% per year. This deficiency can reduce overall electricity output after many years of use. If your solar system becomes obsolete quickly or requires unexpected maintenance, then your investment may end up to be a waste.