Weigh the Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy For Yourself
Consider the pros and cons of solar energy. Have you ever sat a tomato on a sunny windowsill to ripen? Have you ever made sun tea? Have you ever hung clothes outside to dry on a clothesline? If you've done any of these things, then you've used passive solar energy.
Active solar energy takes it up a notch, using the power of the sun to generate electricity that can be used for virtually anything that requires electric power. Solar energy is increasing in popularity, and you should know the pros and cons of solar energy so you can evaluate the best energy source for your needs.
The Pros Of Solar Energy
Solar energy has many advantages over hydroelectric energy and nuclear energy.
Solar energy is renewable; the sun comes up every day to restore the energy supply to solar panels.
Solar energy can be used in remote locations where it is impractical or too expensive to install power lines. One example of this kind of solar energy is the use of solar panels to power traffic signs along interstate freeways. These self-contained units allow highway workers to warn motorists of danger without having to set up temporary signs or stand on the side of the road holding a sign.
Solar energy cells can be installed on the roof of virtually any location. The panels don't take up valuable square footage, nor do they block windows or add height to buildings.
The Cons Of Solar Energy
Solar energy does have a downside, although solar energy enthusiasts embrace pros of solar energy and downplay cons. The initial cost of a solar energy system is high, for one thing. Eventually, the system will pay for itself, but not everyone can afford such a high initial outlay of resources.
Another con of using solar energy is that cloudy and smoggy days can interfere with your solar energy plan. However, new technology blurs the line between the pros and cons of solar energy, because today's solar panels can actually extract solar energy right through the clouds and the air pollution.
Finally, a disadvantage of using solar energy is the effort required to maintain solar panels. In order to function efficiently, solar energy panels must be cleaned regularly, because a clean surface will collect more solar energy than a dusty or dirty surface.
Solar panels are usually cleaned by brushing the surface of the panel with a dust mop or spraying the panel off with water. Cleaning the panels with water is not recommended, however, because such a wasteful use of clean water defeats the purpose of using solar energy in the first place. What's more, solar panels are usually located on rooftops, so cleaning them can be awkward or even dangerous.
After you weigh the pros and cons of solar energy, hopefully you will decide that solar energy will meet your energy needs.
