The decision to install solar panels is usually based on economic factors, but there are many other considerations that make solar energy an attractive alternative to conventional utilities. Besides saving a lot of money for the consumer, solar power systems offer a lot more flexibility that traditional power grids and ease the burden imposed by traditional fossil fuel power generation methods on the environment at large.

Money Saving Factors

Of course, the most obvious advantage of switching to solar is the fact once you have recovered the cost of the system, you can produce free power indefinitely with a minimum of effort. If you opt for a grid-tie in system, you can eventually make money off the power you produce by selling the excess wattage back to the power company. There are also a hosts of federal, state and local agencies offering subsidies, rebates and tax credits for those willing to invest in converting to solar energy. Once you have your solar power system in place, you have an infinite energy source that is not subject to fluctuating fossil fuel prices or consumer demand.

Reliability

Because solar panels and delivery systems require little regular maintenance besides cleaning and periodic adjustments, there is virtually no further cost to the consumer once the initial outlay has been made for the parts and installation. There are no moving parts to maintain, and no lubricants are required in solar power generation. Correctly configured, solar panels will generate and store electricity on days that the sun shines so it will also be available on cloudy days. You won't even have to worry about storms knocking out your electricity since a solar power system is not vulnerable to winds, snows or tree limbs that pull down utility power poles.

Environmentally Friendly

When you install solar panels, you automatically reduce the load on the fossil based fuel systems that are causing environmental damage through air and water pollution, mining activities and the costs and hazards associated with transportation of petrochemicals. Solar energy generation does not emit any harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants that contribute to atmospheric warming. As the technology improves, more ecological methods of producing the materials for solar panels are being developed with the goal of making all aspects of solar power generation pollution free.

Continuous Advancements

As researchers investigate new materials and learn more about how to collect solar energy, they produce increasingly efficient and economical products that can be adapted to existing systems and can further streamline efficiency and savings, even to older solar powered systems. There are also new software programs and energy monitoring devices hitting the market every day that complement solar power systems by monitoring energy usage and locating areas where power is being unnecessarily wasted. Such advancements are enabling existing customers to implement further money-saving strategies and expand their solar power capabilities. As a result of continued innovations in solar panel technology and delivery systems, the cost of "going solar" continues to drop. Government subsidies and private research grants are awarded to companies who continue to pursue innovations in solar power.

Benefits of Solar Over Other Renewable Energy Sources

Solar power has become the popular choice for individual power generation stations because it has significant advantages over other renewable methods. For one thing, almost everyone can collect enough solar power to run their systems year round, although there are a few exceptions at high altitudes and far northern and southern latitudes. Wind and hydro powered electrical systems can experience power disruptions if their resources are curtailed for an extended period of time. But innovations in solar panel design are making solar collection possible in ever more challenging locations. Improvements in solar power generation and storage are reducing the necessity of back-up systems and fuel-powered generators.

Another big advantage of 'going solar' is how easy solar equipment is to install compared to other forms of renewable energy. Instead of having to hire professional engineers and installation technicians necessary to use wind or hydro power, most solar panels can be installed using simple carpentry skills. With the help of a licensed electrician, you can be hooked up to the solar power system in no time.

Disadvantages of Solar

There are just a few disadvantages of solar power, and they are mainly concerned with location instead of difficulties with hardware or maintenance. At extreme latitudes, solar energy cannot maintain enough wattage to supply the increased energy required for cold winters, so supplemental energy sources are required in these conditions.

Solar panels do produce a direct current (DC), which must be converted into an alternating current (AC) to work with existing household currents. This requires adding a solar inverter to any kit that is intended for previously wired buildings. Some manufacturing plants have developed specific machinery like water pumps to run on direct current, thereby saving themselves the cost of conversion, but this option is not readily available to regular consumers.