solar panels for homes
In order to make a good decision about converting or not converting your home to solar energy, you need to look at the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy homes. In a prior article we have listed certain advantages such as:
- Having free electricity once the initial investment has been repaid
- The fact that solar power is non-polluting and does not contribute to Greenhouse Gas emissions
- Most solar panels arrays are maintenance-free and will operate for decades at a time
- Solar energy systems do not contribute to noise pollution
However, if you are going to make the best decision about whether or not you want to switch your home over to solar energy, you are always wise to consider the disadvantages as well. The following is a list of what is considered to be the biggest disadvantages of solar energy homes:
Cost Factors are the most common deterrent – the primary disadvantage for most people is the amount of the initial investment necessary to purchasing and installing one of these systems so you can have a solar energy home. Some solar arrays cost $25,000 or more, depending on the size of the home and annual consumption averages. Despite the desire to power one’s home by employing solar energy, some individuals or families just don’t have the budget and resources to afford it. Additionally, it can cost you more to purchase and install a solar power system compared to what other technologies employing fossil fuels would cost.
Significant space is required for installation – another one of the major drawbacks to solar homes is the amount of area that is required to set the system up. You can solve this issue by mounting solar panels to your roof, but that will detract from your roof’s aesthetics. Living in densely overpopulated cities carries with it the issue of insufficient space for installation. Either there isn’t sufficient space to install the system or the costs to create it are horrendous.
Wasted energy is common – a large amount of energy is typically wasted when living in solar powered homes. The energy needs to be converted into Alternating Current (AC) but PV cells can only produce Direct Current (DC). The conversion factor from DC to AC is created by inverters hooked to the grid which usually results in an energy loss factor of between 4% and 12%.
Ineffectiveness during night time – energy from the sun can only be generated during daylight hours so days that are overcast and rainy will witness a significant drop in the efficiency level of solar homes. PV cells can be totally ineffective when the sun doesn’t shine. Basically, this means that that huge investment referred to as a solar energy array can’t be used during night time hours.
Current pollution levels are an indirect solar energy disadvantage – ironically, the pollution generated from the use of fossil fuels pollute the atmosphere and serves as a huge disadvantage creating solar energy homes. The heat and light from the sun are dramatically reduced in smoggier areas because it reduces efficiency levels of a solar panel’s wattage output.
Josh Howard is a Going Green enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on solar energy homes, visit http://www.GoingGreenDIY.com
Solar Panels For Homes Guide
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P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
$29.99 Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your elec... |
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Concept SL-100 32 LED Solar Security Light with Motion Detector
$41.16 Add low-maintenance security light with this motion sensor, solar powered outdoor light. Just position the panel in a sunny location. At night, the light will automatically turn on when motion is detected and turn off again after a user-defined timer setting. No wiring is required, making this ideal for remote or hard to light locations. Brightness is equivalent to a 20 watt bulb. White finish UV ... |
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Fulcrum Motion Sensor LED Porch Light
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A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems
$55.00 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri... |
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Go Green!
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Tanita HS302 White Solar Powered Digital Bathroom Scale
$68.99 Tanita introduces the second generation for "going green" with the HS-302 Solar Digital Scale. This environmentally-conscious scale has built-in solar cells that draw power from sunlight or ordinary household light, eliminating the need to buy or recharge batteries, saving our landfills from additional battery contamination. The HS-302 is also now made with ABS plastic using biodegradable resins,... |
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Moonrays Rechargeable NiCd Batteries for Solar Powered Units, 4 Pack
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LED Multi Color Changing Solar Power Float Globe Hotel Dining Party Pond Pool Home SPA Bathtub Décor
$4.99 This listing is for Brand new Environment friendly Solar floating LED light.Package includes: one Solar rechargeable floating rainbown pool LED light.Size: Diameter 4 3/8" x H 4 3/4" (11.2cm x 12cm)Completely waterproof, Made of High quality anti-heat plastic.Built in Solar Panel to absorb the sunlight to power the LEDs.Easy to light up, just push the middle bottonFree energy, no electricity requi... |
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Fi-Shock SS-440 Solar-Powered Low Impedance 10 Acre Medium-Duty Electric Fence Charger
$107.80 The Fi-Shock Solar Fence Controller controls up to 5 miles of electric fence! Recharges its 4 Volt battery with a high efficiency, built-in solar panel. Controller delivers more shocking power than ordinary fencers. Low impedance provides 1/3 less battery drain. U.S.A. Application: Fence controller, Works With: Electrical fences, Amps: 3, Battery Required: Yes, Solar Power Compatible: Yes, Dimensi... |
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Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker
$17.28 You don't have to be Dorothy or Pollyanna to appreciate beauty in the ROYGBIV. Designed by David Dear, this solar powered rainbow maker will delight everyone who sees it. The genuine Swarovski crystal attaches to your window with a suction cup, and rotates as it refracts sunlight to create a swirl of rainbows.... |
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Portable 5-watt 16-volt Personal Solar Panel
$46.49 This amorphous crystal solar panel can power an appliance, light, small motor or battery. Its small size makes this solar panel portable, efficient and inexpensive. |
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OEM 10-watt 16-volt Solar Panel with Charger Kits
$69.83 Use the 10-watt 16-volt solar panel by Oem to power a convenient appliance with free green energy from the sun. With an amorphous crystal design, this solar panel performs both in the bright sun or partial shade. |
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iMob Charge Controller for 15-watt Solar Panel
$24.24 iMob Solar Charge Controller is used with 15-watt solar panels to prevent overcharging and dischargingSolar battery charger is rated at 7 ampsBattery accessory is made for use with ISC1000 solar panels |
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Standing Girl Pond Fountain with Solar Pump Kit
$82.49 The off white cream-like color goddess Aphrodite Standing holds a pot made of polyresin material. The hand-painted color accents and antique finish further add to the depth and richness of the artwork. |
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Blinking Dragonflies Solar Light
$20.99 This solar-powered light features five blinking LED dragonflies. The lighting is powered by the sun, and is recharged by solar panels under sunlight. |
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Tricod Plastic Copper Fence Mount Solar Lights (Set of 6)
$46.99 These Tricod square solar fence lights are perfect for areas where conventional electrical supply is not available. These copper lights turn on automatically at dusk and are recharged by a solar panel under sunlight. |
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Stainless Steel Solar Landscape Wall-mount Lights (Set of 6)
$67.99 Stainless Steel Solar Landscape convert sunlight into electricity during day timeGarden lighting provides up to 8 hours of light when fully chargedBatteries recharged by solar panels under sun light |
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Solar Butterfly Color Change Light Garden Stakes (Pack of 2)
$13.02 Solar garden stake has a unique design which features an integrated solar panel midway down the stake. One LED atop the stake shines through the clear acrylic butterfly with the wing up to give a spectacular, decorative color change. |
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Copper Stainless Steel 2 LED Solar Landscape Lights (Set of 12)
$83.99 Low-maintenance solar lights add a charming, decorative glow to your driveway or flowerbedsGarden lights are made of durable stainless copperLights have solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity during the day |
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Tricod Solar-powered Faux-rock House Address Number
$23.99 Lighted faux rock lets everyone know where you liveTricod landscape light has solar panel to charge its internal batteriesGarden light turns on automatically at dark and run up to 10 hours per charge |
