| There's much debate as to the pros and cons of using | | | | - Almost no maintenance - there are no moving parts |
| solar energy, and both aspects should be examined | | | | in PV systems, so the only maintenance needed is |
| carefully by anyone with any interest in having a PV | | | | occasional cleaning and inspection. |
| (photovoltaic) system installed. | | | | - Safety - thanks to the fact that there are no moving |
| Solar energy is at the forefront of the push to | | | | parts and no fuel involved, solar power is extremely |
| increase the use of renewable energy technologies in | | | | safe. |
| view of the serious problems we're currently having | | | | - Become energy independent - another prime |
| with carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. And, | | | | motivator for a lot of people, especially with the rising |
| whether or not you are interested in going solar, it's | | | | cost of energy from the utility companies. |
| good to get some perspective on the good points and | | | | What Are The Cons? |
| the bad points of a technology that many feel is | | | | - Upfront cost - purchasing a PV system costs a |
| destined to play a huge role in our everyday lives in | | | | substantial amount and the initial cost is a major |
| future.so, let's look at the pros and cons of using solar | | | | deterrent to many. |
| energy and the reasons behind them. | | | | - Lack of sunshine - there's only so much solar energy |
| What Are The Pros? | | | | available, so solar panels are only productive for the |
| - Reduced energy bill - this is usually the main reason | | | | part of the day when the sun is shining, which means |
| people decide to invest in a solar electric system, and | | | | that their usefulness is restricted by the conditions |
| rightly so, since utility companies are charging more for | | | | under which they operate. Also, they're less productive |
| their services all the time, and that trend is bound to | | | | on cloudy days. |
| continue since fossil fuels are rapidly disappearing. | | | | - Home must be energy efficient - to minimize the initial |
| - Reduced pollution - this is probably the 2nd most | | | | cost of a PV system, energy usage must be reduced |
| important reason people decide to go solar, and, with | | | | to the bare essentials, and energy must be used much |
| our addiction to fossil fuels and the pollution they cause | | | | more carefully. Making a home more energy efficient |
| showing no signs of dissipating, this may, in fact, be the | | | | can involve considerable expense, but can save a fair |
| most important reason if we are to preserve the | | | | amount when a PV system is sized. |
| planet for future generations. Solar electric | | | | There are many pros to using solar energy, but there |
| - Reliability - PV systems are known to perform | | | | are also cons that need to be considered. Hopefully, in |
| reliably in most weather conditions, which makes them | | | | most cases, the pros outweigh the cons, and solar |
| suitable for use in most environments | | | | energy will be adopted more widely. |