Advantages of Solar Energy
- Solar Energy is readily accessible. Anywhere on Earth where there is sunlight, you can generate electricity. It is so accessible that even in space, in our solar system, you can have a ready supply of solar energy and electricity.
- Solar energy is clean and non-polluting. In both the actual manufacturing of solar panels and in the generation of energy and electricity. According to the Department of Energy, an estimated 80% of our energy comes from oil, natural gas and coal power plants. So for now, America draws its energy from hazardous and polluting sources.
- Gives you a independence. Depending on how many solar panels you have, you can be either partially or completely independent from the energy system. And this is important because for every watt of energy you generate at home, its one less you need from big energy corporate combines. This gradually frees you from the political and literal power they can exert over you and your family. You also shield yourself from their shenanigans and manipulations.
- Solar Energy is Abundant. All you need to do to access this energy, is to go outside! And that’s it! Sunlight falls everywhere. It is so abundant that a single day’s worth of solar energy could power America’s energy needs for a year!
- Solar Energy Is Silent And Safe. All you have to do to access solar energy is to put some panels outside, get it all hooked up and that’s it. No moving parts. No meltdowns to worry about, no airborne hazards like mercury or carbon monoxide to worry about. And it makes no noise. If you had solar panels out of sight for a long enough time, you’d probably forget that you even had solar panels!
- Solar Energy Is Distributed. Since there’s no need for a central location to generate energy, there’s little fear about one little mistake taking down the entire power grid. And because of its potentially distributed nature, it can grow organically with our energy needs, without us needing to build a giant power plant. Just strap on some solar panels in a few days and presto!
- Solar Energy Decentralizes power. It takes political, economic and literal power away from big energy corporations. So they can exert less power over you and your family. And can’t go price gauging you or blackmail you with higher prices.
- Solar Energy Is Low Maintenance. It’s almost entirely a set it and forget it deal. Once you install it, you don’t need to worry about maintaining it. No moving parts. You don’t even have to clean it. When it rains, the water will just wash the solar panels. And it won’t be negatively impacted.
Of course, everything has a price. And in this case, it comes in the form of some drawbacks.
The Disadvantages Of Solar Energy
- Cost. Solar energy is currently very expensive to setup in decent amounts, and doesn’t produce as much energy as other sources can. Or as cheaply either. Without government subsidies, solar energy would be too expensive on a large scale to use. The high upfront initial costs is one of the reasons why America still runs on coal, natural gas and oil for its energy needs.
- Doesn’t Work In All Weathers. No brainer right? No sun, no energy. If where you live has little sunlight, rains constantly or is too foggy, then it might not be worth it to buy solar panels. Other than as a backup supply of energy.
- Limited Availability. The sun is only out for so many hours a day. Once it hits nightfall, then you have no energy.
- Needs Space. No matter the type of solar panel you get, you will need a decent amount of space just to get some energy from solar panels. This is also another reason why coal, oil and gas is favored over solar energy, its relatively space efficient. Just put a power plant there, and feed it constantly.
So these are the major advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. But regardless of the advantages or drawbacks, solar energy is a reliable source of backup power anywhere, anytime, and any place in the world, or in space. But as a permanent long term solution to America’s energy needs….well, we’re not there yet.
