Installing solar panels on domestic homes is a fairly recent development in the energy industry. Solar heating has been getting more and more popular since the 1980s, helping families across the nation to save money and switch to renewable energy in homes. But installing solar heating on your home can come with both benefits and downsides. If you’re currently trying to decide whether or not to install solar panels on your home, check out our list of pros and cons below!
Advantages of Solar Heating
Saves energy
More energy is saved using solar heating because the heat absorbed by the panels is used to pre-heat water in a storage cylinder. This pre-heating method reduces the amount of energy needed to bring the hot water up to the desired temperature, reducing your energy consumption.
Saves money
You can use your solar panels alongside your general energy supply, meaning you use less electricity from the grid, which results in a reduction in energy bills. If your solar panels absorb a surplus, you can even sell the extra back to your supplier!
Low maintenance
Solar energy systems generally don't require much maintenance. You only need to clean them a couple of times a year; some companies can come and clean them for you. There is no moving machinery resulting in no wear and tear. The inverter is typically the only part that will need changing after 5-10 years, as that is the bit that does the work of converting solar energy into electricity and heat.
No CO2 emissions during operation
By using solar electricity, you are reducing your carbon footprint. Solar electricity is green renewable energy therefore, it doesn't release any carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants into the air.
Disadvantages of Solar Heating
Costly installation
Even though the ongoing costs for solar energy are much lower than paying for conventional heating, the initial cost of installing a solar system is high. This means that you need to have a lump sum available to pay for the installation. However, many solar panel companies will offer payment plans to ease the financial burden, and solar technology is continuously changing, which will continue to drive prices down in the future.
Weather dependent
While solar energy can still be gathered during cloudier and rainy days, the efficiency of the system lowers. They depend on strong sunlight to effectively collect the energy; it doesn't gather energy at night time. A few miserable days can have an obvious effect on the solar system. In hot, sunnier countries this isn’t a significant issue.
Uses a lot of roof space
Depending on the energy demands of your home, you may struggle to meet it through solar alone. The larger demand you have to meet, the bigger the area you will need to cover with solar panels. If your roof isn't big enough to fit the panels, a great alternative is to install some of them freestanding in your garden or around your property.
Would you be interested in the solar energy switch? Solar energy can be used to save energy and cut your bills all around the home! If you have a pool, solar pool heating can reduce your bills and maintenance needs. Come chat with a member of our expert team at Green Star Solutions for more information.