Have you been wondering if you should invest in a solar installation? There are many advantages to getting one, but sure, there might be some disadvantages as well. Yes, it is up to you to see if the pros outweigh the cons, but in order to help you out, I will be listing all the reasons why you should or should not get a solar installation.
The benefits of a solar installation
Let’s directly start with the biggest benefit of getting a solar rooftop installation. This is by far the number one reason why people choose to go for solar energy. It is the fact that you are generating completely clean, zero emission electricity by using that mighty ball of fire from the sky. The idea of using solar power instead of electricity generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or gas is appealing to many people.
For too long have we been mistreating the planet, and now it is time for us to do the best we can to make this planet a better place again. So that future generations can enjoy it as much as we do. This is a belief that makes a growing number of people get up and start to take action. And if getting a solar installation is helping the planet, then that is a good enough reason to get one.
There is another great reason to consider a solar installation. Using solar energy as a source of electricity can save you a lot of money. Not having to pay for electricity coming from the grid can lower your monthly expenses significantly. Electricity bills can be costly, it is always scary to see the letter or email from the electricity company after a hot month with a lot of air conditioning use. Ironically, these are the best months for generating solar energy.
It gets even better. If you manage to produce more energy than you consume, your electricity will be sent to the grid. This way, you can actually make money for every unit of power you sell to the company. The selling of electricity is called net metering. Make sure to check how much your government and power provider pay per unit sold. You won’t become a millionaire off of net metering, but it is definitely nice making a bit of money, or at least saving money, while helping the planet.
Solar installations also have relatively low maintenance costs. Most solar panels have a warranty of up to 25 years and your yearly maintenance cost will only contain cleaning services if you decide to have someone professional do that for you (more information on how solar panels work here).
The disadvantages of a solar installation
Saving money while helping the planet sure are good reasons to have your own solar installation. There are some things you might want to consider before taking the plunge though. In order to be completely sure you want a solar installation it is good to be aware of the following points.
The initial cost of getting a solar installation is pretty high. Depending on how big an installation you are getting, it can be a bit pricey. This means it will take a while before you have a net benefit moneywise. You’ll need a decent amount of lower electricity bills before the solar installation has paid for itself. Luckily, this technology is still rapidly evolving and panels are getting more and more effective and cheaper at the same time.
You also need to consider the space it takes up. Besides the solar panels on the roof (for example SunPower Solar Panels), you will also need an inverter and a storage unit. Make sure you have enough space for the actual installation. But even the panels themselves can take up too much space for your roof. If you live in a large mansion, then you’ll probably have enough space, but otherwise, you really want to measure the available space properly before purchasing large panels that won’t fit.
Finally, you want to take the climate you’re living in into account. Yes, solar panels still generate electricity in cloudy weather, but it is definitely less than during those sunny days. This might affect the surplus you could create which would help you make more money via net metering.
What type of solar setup should I go for?
The most popular solar panels are PV panels. PV stands for photovoltaic and this is the process of generating electric current using sunlight. Solar panels usually consist of 60 to 72 PV cells. Depending on your consumption and the size of your roof, you will want to install multiple panels. If you’re handy, it is possible to install solar panels yourself. But it is recommended to look for solar installers near you.
The initial cost of a solar installation might scare off a lot of people. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean solar energy isn’t for you if you can’t afford a huge installation of solar panels on your roof. Luckily enough, there are various financing options available that can help make the process more affordable. Let’s look at those in the next section.
Financing options for solar installations
| Financing Options | Description |
| Solar Loans | A loan product with lower interest rates than standard loans, designed to finance solar installations. Homeowners can afford the investment because it can be paid off over time. |
| Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) | The solar panels on a homeowner’s property are installed and owned by a third party, and the homeowner consents to pay a fixed price for the electricity the panels produce. This choice is appropriate for homeowners who want to use solar energy but don’t want to pay for the installation upfront. |
| Solar Leases | Similar to PPAs, but the homeowner pays a monthly lease payment to use the panels rather than buying the energy they produce. Homeowners who want to use solar energy but can’t afford the up-front costs of buying a solar installation should consider this option. |
| Government Incentives | Many governments provide financial incentives to homeowners who install solar panels in the form of tax credits, rebates, or grants. Solar energy can become more affordable thanks to these incentives, which can help defray installation costs. |
| Home Equity Loans | A specific kind of loan that enables homeowners to finance a solar installation by borrowing against the equity they have in their properties. This choice is appropriate for homeowners who want to use the substantial equity in their properties to pay for a solar installation. |
| Community Solar Programs | Communities with solar programs can split the savings from a single solar installation. Homeowners who lack the finances or the space to install solar panels on their own property should consider this option. |
Check out our next section, which includes some solar devices, if you’re still not convinced that installing solar panels is the best course of action but still want to live more sustainably.
Further approaches for a more sustainable life
Using renewable energy sources, in addition to reducing one’s overall energy use and trash output, is one approach to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Solar devices, in particular, are a great way to take advantage of the sun’s renewable energy.
There are several instances of solar-powered electronics, such as solar lanterns and solar outdoor lights, solar-powered generators, and solar-powered speakers. Using these solar-powered devices, you may reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources and minimize your overall environmental effect.
Here are our favourites:
| Device Name | Description | Best Feature |
| Jackery Solar Generator | A portable and robust solar generator that includes a 100-watt solar panel. The panel can fully charge the generator in around 8 hours, and it has a 1000-watt-hour capacity. It can run lights, fans, and electronics for an extended period. | Emergency Power Backup |
| Solgaard Lifepack | A backpack with a solar panel integrated into the design. The battery pack can be charged in a few hours of sunlight, and you can power your phone and other electronics on the go. The backpack is constructed from post-consumer plastic bottles, making it an eco-friendly choice. | Sustainable Materials |
| X-DRAGON Solar Charger | A high-quality solar charger with a 20W solar panel. The panel can charge the battery pack in about 4 hours of sunlight, giving you enough power to charge your phone and other electronic devices. It is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use. | Portable & Durable |
| ABFOCE Bluetooth Solar Speaker | A solar-powered Bluetooth speaker suitable for outdoor activities. It comes with a high-quality solar panel that can charge the speaker in just a few hours of sunlight. You can connect it to your smartphone and enjoy your favourite music on the go. | Wireless & Convenient |
| BigBlue Solar Power Bank | A portable solar-powered charger with a 28W solar panel that can recharge the battery in just over 8 hours of direct sunlight. It can recharge your phone up to 26800 times. | High Capacity |
| Solarbank Boombox | A portable Bluetooth speaker with a high-quality solar panel that can charge the battery pack in just a few hours of sunlight. The battery can power the speaker for hours, and it is water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use. | Portable & Waterproof |
| YELOMIN Solar Battery Charger | An affordable solar charger for your phone or other electronic devices. It includes a small solar panel that can charge the battery pack in a few hours of sunlight, providing you with enough power to charge your phone. | Budget-friendly |
| Solgaard Solarbank | A lightweight and high-quality solar-powered portable battery pack. You can power your phone and other electronics from the battery pack, which can be charged in around 4 hours of direct sunlight. It is waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use. | Rechargeable Anywhere |
| 4Patriots Sun Kettle | The 4Patriots Sun Kettle is a solar-powered personal water heater that allows you to boil water quickly and easily without the need for gas, electricity, or fuel, making it an ideal solution for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. | Instant Hot Water |
| Solar-powered Fans | Solar-powered fans are another product that has become more popular over the past few years because they use less energy and are better for the environment. | Instant Coolness |
| Solar Cookers | Concentrating sunlight onto a cooking surface (such a pot or tray) allows the solar energy to be absorbed and converted into heat. | Cook Anywhere |
| Solar Watches | Solar watches are wristwatches that use solar energy to power their functions. | Timeless Classic |