Solar panels are a possibility for you if you want to consume your own, clean energy and save money in the long term. Solar panels are a long-term investment, so to help you to make the decision, we've put together a guide with the various advantages and disadvantages of using this renewable energy for your house, as well as an outlook of the future horizon of solar energy.
The advantages of solar panels in your home
The use of solar energy has the following benefits and it is beneficial to be aware of them. Let's have a look to make your decision a little easier:
- Zero emissions
The main attraction of solar energy is that, unlike other sources, it does not generate polluting emissions either directly or indirectly. Once you install the solar kit on your home, there will be no more greenhouse gas emissions. This is a good reason to opt for the installation of these devices.
Energy saving
The installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels is an initial costly investment, but in the medium term the energy savings achieved are already very high. Your electricity bill will be cheaper and, in addition, with bi-directional meters you will have the possibility of returning the energy you do not use and "reselling" it. This is an option for anyone who wants to save on energy consumption.
- Noise free
One of the most important aspects of solar energy is that it does not generate any type of noise, unlike conventional electrical energy generators. If you do not want to put up with annoying sounds, then this is a possibility to gain in well-being.
Compatible with other types of energy
Photovoltaic energy is compatible with other sources and, in fact, many homes have two installations for conventional energy to work when the other one does not. This is the way to make a gradual transition to solar energy and, above all, to avoid problems.
- Available worldwide
The sun is an inexhaustible source of energy throughout the planet, at least in the very long term, because it is expected to continue emitting energy for 5 billion years. It is important to point out that energy is obtained from the sun in places where there are no other options because in remote areas, this is a way for a small installation to operate autonomously.
Disadvantages of solar energy
Although the use of solar energy is positive overall, there are a number of negative aspects that you should also consider. It is important to remember that the energy mix offers several possibilities and that, depending on the location, you may be interested in one source or another.
- You have to make a high initial investment
The installation of solar energy panels requires a high initial investment, ranging from 600 to 800 euros per square metre of panel. There are differences depending on the company, but it is advisable to start from this initial calculation so that you don't come across unpleasant surprises. This means that betting on this structure can be expensive at first and this factor undoubtedly puts some individuals off.
- Limited power
A solar panel has limited power and, for that reason, the use of this type of energy is sometimes not enough, by itself, to cover the needs of a house. Think that a small house in a temperate area does not spend less than 7Kw per day and a standard panel only generates 250W.
- Climate dependency
This inconvenience must be put into perspective because in general, we have the capacity to predict or measure the average hours of sunshine per year and per day. If you're investing in solar panels in Spain then this factor won't worry you too much, but if the weather in your area is more changeable and you do not have much capacity to store energy, you may run into problems. If you live somewhere where there is no sun, it is obviously not the best option either.
Types of solar panels
Solar panels are variable in terms of size and power, but we've highlighted two of the main types that are most widely used:
- Photovoltaic panels
Photovoltaic panels are made of silicon cells that collect energy from the sun to transform it into alternating current. This is the panel that is most commonly used in self-consumption structures and can be in two forms: monocrystalline or polycrystalline. This type of panel has different applications depending on the climate and the profitability you expect in each case.
- Thermal panels
Thermal panels are less common and are mainly used in community facilities to generate heat or steam. It is important to note that there are high, medium and low temperature collectors. The purpose of these panels is to generate energy, but it is true that they are not usually used for day-to-day purposes.
The future of solar energy
Renewable energy has a medium-term horizon and Europe has already set 2030 as the year where energy consumption will be 35% renewable. In the automotive and vehicle sector, it is expected that by 2040 there will no longer be any internal combustion engines and the industry will also be committed to this objective.
Solar energy is an interesting alternative in those places where conditions are favourable and, above all, in small buildings and for self-consumption. This is important if you are interested in building a private home and want to have an autonomous and sustainable way of generating energy.
In Spain, the generation of solar energy has had ups and downs due to contradictory legislation and the wrongly named "sun tax", but in the short term a rebound in use is expected.
Conclusion
Solar panels are an option for those who want clean, economical energy with a durable structure. Now that you're aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy, you will be able to make the right decision for your needs without running into problems. Are you up for trying them out?
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