Solar Power Systems

Solar Panel Pros and Cons – Are Solar Panels Worth the Cost?

If you are one of the many homeowners considering the installation of solar panels on your home’s rooftop, then undoubtedly one of the burning questions on your mind is whether the pros of solar energy outweigh the cons when it comes to solar panels for homes.

A new asphalt shingle roof with PV solar panels

Let’s examine the main benefits and drawbacks of residential solar energy systems to help you make a well-informed decision.

Advantages:

  1. Dramatic reduction in price per watt installed
  2. Short payback period
  3. Reduced reliance on power grid
  4. Electric energy price security
  5. Ample federal tax credits and local incentives
  6. Mandatory net metering rules
  7. Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs)
  8. Clean renewable energy source
  9. Increased property values
  10. It’s easy to find a quality solar installer

Disadvantages:

  1. May not be suitable for some homes
  2. Won’t work during a blackout or power outage (unless…)
  3. Poor installation may lead to fire hazards
  4. Poor quality installation may lead to premature roof leaks
  5. The weight of solar panels can put excessive stress on the roof-frame
  6. Pollution and environmental hazards
  7. The “bulky” look of solar panels may turn off some people
  8. No energy production at night
  9. Solar battery storage is expensive
  10. Use of rare earth metals

Benefits and Advantages:

1. Dramatic reduction in the cost per installed watt

One of the strongest benefits of domestic solar power today is that the solar price per watt (PPV) installed has come down from almost $9.00 per watt installed in 2008, to the current average cost ranging from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt installed, before the 30% federal solar investment tax credits (ITC) that apply to the full amount paid for a new solar system.

Did you know? Homeowners going solar today are paying almost 66% less than they used to pay for solar energy just a little over a decade ago! That’s a very significant reduction in the upfront cost of investment, especially if you take into account the rate of inflation since 2008.

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Different Types of Home Solar Incentives: How They Work

Since solar panels can provide clean electricity for decades, many governments and utility companies have incentive programs to encourage their use. These incentives can be classified into many types, but they have a common goal: improving the financial returns for solar panel owners.

via Berkshire Photovoltaic Services Inc

Some incentives offer upfront benefits, while others provide ongoing rewards based on the performance of your solar panels.

Here we will review the main types of solar incentives offered by governments and electric utility companies. Keep in mind that incentives change depending on where you live and finding a place with all types available is unlikely.

That said, solar panels have become more affordable in recent years, and they make sense economically even before applying incentives. In other words, solar incentives improve an investment that is already viable on its own.

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Polycrystalline vs. Monocrystalline Solar Panels: The Ultimate Guide

Solar panels can be manufactured from many different materials, but crystalline silicon is the most common option by far. Depending on how molten silicon is solidified into photovoltaic cells during the production process, there can be two different types: polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels. In this guide we will compare both options, highlighting their pros and cons while giving you some buying tips.

Polycrystalline solar panels have a lower price per module, but they also have a lower efficiency. On the other hand, monocrystalline panels produce more watts per square foot thanks to their higher efficiency, but this comes at a premium price. If you have established a solar generation target in kilowatt-hours per year, you will need more polycrystalline panels to reach that mark.

  • The exact wattage of solar panels depends on the brand and model, but mono solar panels are typically 15-20% more productive.
  • This is not an issue for homeowners with plenty of roof space for solar panels, since you can simply cover a larger area with poly solar panels.
  • However, when space is a limitation, monocrystalline panels will maximize the kilowatt-hours produced – and the corresponding savings on your power bill.

Before we continue discussing this topic, it’s important to clarify a common misconception. Polycrystalline panels are less efficient by design, but this does not make them low-quality products, and you can find excellent panels of both types with solid warranties. An SUV will use more fuel than a sedan when traveling a given distance, but there are high-quality vehicles of both types – the same applies for solar panels.

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