The Ins and Outs of Solar Power For Your Green Building

It’s no surprise that as energy prices soar, many are looking for ways to save money. Some of these ways include making habitual changes in the home or investing in energy efficient appliances. Another thing that people are doing is looking for alternative sources of energy. While there have been different energy technologies in use for decades, it’s now, when the urgency necessitates it, that people are beginning to consider it seriously.

One of the greatest sources of energy in the universe is that of the sun. If it were effectively harnessed, the sun could solve the energy crisis. Why isn’t solar power commonplace? How does it come out in regard to value and efficiency? In this article we will discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to determine whether solar power is worth the investment on a commercial and domestic scale.

Strengths of Solar Power

• Solar power is sustainable and renewable. Except for the manufacturing of the hardware required for harnessing solar power, it is a completely green source of energy with zero emissions. While the materials used in solar panels come with a carbon footprint, the do have a lifespan of 30 years with the correct maintenance so they don’t need replacing very often.
• Solar power makes users self-sufficient. Those who can generate their own energy are independent from external providers, giving users more control and smaller bills. Any extra energy that is generated and not used can be stored in batteries which are very helpful in the event that a backup is needed. Alternatively, they can generate an income and be sold to energy providers.
• It doesn’t cost much to maintain. After the installation process, there is no need to testing or maintenance by anyone other than a standard electrician completing an electrical installation condition report. Electrical testing can be done by any qualified person or company, such as Western Industrial. However, in order to maintain efficiency and condition, it’s important to inspect solar panels regularly and keep them clean.
• Solar panels can have a diverse number of applications. Solar panels don’t need to be in direct sunlight all the time, they are very effective when they’re somewhere exposes that also has a bit of shade. The technology is also advancing all the time meaning that they are becoming even more effective and efficient.

The Weaknesses of Solar Power

• It can feel like an expensive investment at first. Purchasing and installing solar panels is not the cheapest thing to do so lots of people can get put off because of the initial cost.
• They rely on good weather. Depending on your location, you are not always guaranteed bright sunshine. Even though solar panels can operate during the winter and when the weather is overcast, they’re output isn’t as good as when it’s bright and sunny weather.
• The selling price for unused energy isn’t great. While an energy company will buy your energy for around 5 pence per kilowatt, they will go on to sell it for 52 pence.

The Opportunities for Solar Power

• They are various government grants available to help you pay for the cost of solar panels.
• They are an investment for the future. Investing in solar panels now could save you a lot of money in the future.
• It can add value to your property.
• The selling price of unused energy is going up so that could help you get a bit of your investment back.

The Threats to Solar Power

• With the unstable economic climate at the moment, there is no guarantee when it comes to pricing.
• Any remaining balance due for the purchase of the solar panels is tied as a debt to the property.