The advantages of solar energy are numerous and compelling. In fact, there really isn't a debate. As prices for solar panels fall, it is becoming easier and easier for the 'normal' family to afford this technology.

Here are the solar energy advantages....

1. Saves you money

Well in the long run it does. After the initial investment of the solar panels has been recovered, the energy from the sun is FREE. The recovery/payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity or water your household uses.

If you have PV solar panels and you produce more electricity than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! How good is that?

It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all. Also, if you have a solar water heating system then you will save money there as well.

Solar panels do not require any fuel. Just the sun.

It’s not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price hikes.

Once your solar panels are installed, thats it! Its just savings. They are immediate and will last a lifetime. And you don't need to pay for the steep installation costs. If you are competant at DIY you can fit your own solar panels. Click here for more details.

2. Environmentally friendly - solar energy benefits the environment

Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our us and our environment.

Pollution is reduced dramatically by using solar panels. Solar energy doesn't pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, mercury or other harmful fumes into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generations does.

Solar Energy does not add to global warming.

By not using any fuel, Solar panels does not add to the cost and problems of storage of radioactive waste or the recovery and transportation of fuel.

3. Low/no maintenance

Solar panels are virtually maintenance free. Once installed, there are no recurring costs unless for example, on a water system a tube might break. This is unlikely though.

They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release horrid smells and do not require you to add any fuel.

More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family’s needs grow.

4. Independent/semi-independent

Solar panels can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your bills, but will also continue to supply your home/business with electricity or water in the event of a power outage.

A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid. Solar panels can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins or cottages in the country), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.

The use of Solar panels reduces our dependence on foreign or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events like wars, and so contributes to a sustainable future.

So the advantages of solar energy are clear for all to see. If you would like more information on making your own solar panels click here.

Disadvantage of solar energy

The main disadvantage of solar energy used to be that solar panels cost too much. But with costs plummeting all the time as technology becomes better this really doesn't hold up anymore.

So really, I can't find any disadvantages other than if for some insane reason you like paying more and more for your fuel, with no control or influence on price, lurching from one energy price rise to another. You can minimise the impact of this effect and offset your costs and reduce your bills. You will be independent!

And I have some more good news. I have teamed up with Amazon UK and Amazon US to offer my readers the best possible deals on solar products. Check out my US Store or my UK Store for some great deals.

Useful Links

For more about solar energy advantages disadvantages, click on the link.

Click on solar photovoltaic energy for information on solar for electricity.

Click on diy solar heating for information on solar water heating. Click on our solar power gadgets for great gift ideas.

To return to our solar energy home page.

PS. Would you like your very own solar power system for under $200/£100 that will save you 80% on your electricity bill and help the environment? If the answer is 'YES' then click here for more information. As seen on CNN.