The Advantages and Disadvantages of Commercial Solar Panels

The debate over the efficacy of solar panels has been going on for at least three decades now. It seems like everyone has their own opinion on the subject. It's not unusual for some people to say that solar power can save the world, while others say it is no better than the burning of fossil fuels. Like many subjects, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. One thing that is certain is that solar power is here to stay and its usage is likely to increase in the coming years. Many large installations exist all over the world and the share of solar power usage is steadily growing. Here is a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels for commercial use.

Good for the Environment

More than about any other energy source, commercial solar panels do not give off greenhouse gas emissions. The energy produced from solar power also does not generate pollutants of any kind or spew dangerous particulates into the air. The technology is not entirely carbon free because the making of the materials and the installation process does use some traditional sources of energy. The installation of solar panels on a home or a business can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by thousands of pounds each year.

Cost Effective

Solar panels provide a number of cost savings for consumers. Since you are not paying for the energy from the sun, you can save many thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the equipment. This is true for both businesses and for homeowners. It is also possible in some locations to sell unused energy from solar power back to the grid, further increasing your financial benefits. In many states and through the federal government, a number of programs support solar power with tax benefits and grants. While benefits vary by state, in some places you can save as much as 30% of installation costs. This helps make solar power even more attractive. The solar tax credit remains in effect until at least 2021.

Minor Maintenance

Solar technology is rapidly improving with the use of new, tougher materials and much more efficient designs. Solar panels are engineered to withstand the following extreme weather conditions:

• High heat
• Extreme cold
• Hail
• High winds
• Torrential rains

Panels are not indestructible, but they are tough and are likely to last for many years. Once the panels are installed, they require very little maintenance. They just keep producing energy year after year.

Energy Independence

With your own solar panels installed on your home or business, you are liberated to some extent from the changing market of energy prices. If a world event causes a spike in oil or gas prices, you are insulated a bit from this. This means you will have a pretty good idea each month of your electricity costs. It allows you to make a more predictable budget and make more accurate financial projections.

As with any technology, there are pros and cons of solar panels. Here are a few disadvantages to consider.

Initial Cost

You have to pay for the materials and installation of a solar power system. This can be expensive, especially for a large system. Government programs can help defray the costs, but you still could be looking at thousands of dollars in upfront costs. You can take out a loan and make monthly benefits that will not be much more than your savings from a lower energy bill. In fact, it's possible your payments will be even less than your savings. Each situation is different.

Weather Dependence

The amount of energy you derive from your solar panels depends upon the sun. It may not always be sunny where you live and the winter months are likely to produce less energy than the summer months. A period of cloudy days or storms could significantly impact the amount of energy you receive from the sun.