Pros & Cons of Solar Power/Panels

1. Don Graham

   posted on August 16th, 2011 at 7:25 am

   Here is another article I found pretty interesting regarind solar panels. http://www.buy-solar-roof-panels.com/2011/08/08/build-solar-panels-faq/

2. Cheb Vmobile

   posted on September 4th, 2011 at 6:47 pm

   I just stumbled upon your blog post, and this is a subject I have strong feelings toward so I had to say something, I hope you don't mind. We must promote the green revolution campaign. One example of this is the DIY (click here to see DIY: http://build-home-solar-panel.com/), Presently the best alternative for ways and means of saving hard earned money by trying to adopt other sources of non–conventional energy. This is just one of the revolutions we can take to make this word a better place for the future of our raising children. Cheb Casiño http://build-home-solar-panel.com/

3. Christian Brown

   posted on September 7th, 2011 at 8:58 pm

   wat up

4. Lochlan Bell

   posted on November 21st, 2011 at 6:27 pm

   this was really helpfu, I have a piece of homework on different energy types due in tomorrow! hahal

5. Waylun Curry

   posted on November 22nd, 2011 at 12:07 am

   eefn about times...

6. Blake Kern

   posted on February 26th, 2012 at 6:22 am

   The cons are really all that bad (except for the cost). And as for aesthetics, I think they look pretty cool.

7. Philip Bubernak

   posted on March 9th, 2012 at 5:57 pm

   I like this website.

8. Quinton Hamp

   posted on April 7th, 2012 at 3:49 am

   The graphical rendering of the "world's largest solar power plant" you have up there is really intriguin. I too, run a little solar energy blog at http://www.thesolarenergyfacts.net, and was really fascinated by the size of the Solana plant depicted in the image. They have moved the production date back to 2013, but it is good to see that it is still on track! In two years, 70,000 homes can get their power from the sun!

9. Jeff Umbach

   posted on April 8th, 2012 at 5:02 pm

   Little pollution once they are in operation but producing solar panels isn't a very clean process.

81 Archived Comments

1. 

   Karin

   posted on November 10th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

   In all the pro and con discussions about solar panels that I have heard, the one thing that is always fails to get mentioned is the pollution that occurs during the manufacturing of solar panels. While interning for a state congressman, I read a report of the soil and groundwater pollution that occurred during the manufacturing of solar panels in China.

2. 

   emily

   posted on November 12th, 2008 at 6:30 pm

   Karin,
   I’m a student doing a research project on solar energy and solar panels. I’m wondering if you might have any information on that particular report that would help me locate it. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
   Thanks,
   Emily

3. 

   Albert

   posted on November 20th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

   Hi Karin,
   That’s a good point. Like Emily I am also doing research on alternative energy solutions, specifically solar and wind energy.

   Would you both please be so kind to share some of the interesting resources you have discovered on the topic?

   Best regards, and stay GREEN :)

   Albert

4. 

   tolly

   posted on November 23rd, 2008 at 6:58 am

   iam tolly
   want to share this topic with you

5. 

   tolly

   posted on November 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 am

   how much energy can it generate

6. 

   vid

   posted on December 4th, 2008 at 11:32 am

   While the pollution and labor issues involved with the maufacture of PV panels is a concern, and needs to be addressed, they pale in comparison with the damage we do to our eco-system with conventional power production. I would also dispute the aesthetic concerns. We have all become inured to varying degrees to the sight of sprawling housing developements. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see PV panels twinkling in the winter sun on the endless ranks of cookie-cutter roofs? We can choose to see beauty.
   Solar engergy CAN be used 24 hours. Currently additional cost and effort is required to manage deep-cycle storage cells, but with increased demand the research and developement of more efficient storage means is within our grasp. For six months a year for six years I lived off the grid as a back-country ranger. I can count on one hand the number of evenings I had to curtail my use of a laptop computer, home stereo, guitar amplifier etc. in order to save energy for essentials such as lights and water pump. It can be done.

7. 

   Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo

   posted on December 11th, 2008 at 3:49 am

   Now, no more investment on any renewable energy! Why? it’s dangerous for financial systems! but recovering the money from energy efficiency

8. 

   Joe Thomas

   posted on December 11th, 2008 at 7:10 am

   hi i’m joe and i am writing a senior paper on solar power. my topic is the government is not putting enough money into solar power to make solar power better which in turn will make our oil dependency better. can you help me find anything for this topic?

9. 

   jessica palmer

   posted on December 18th, 2008 at 11:24 am

   how much does it cost to maintain a solar power

10. 

    Joshua McGee

    posted on December 20th, 2008 at 1:28 am

    One option — the one I’m exploring — is to try to find used solar panels (ideally those that would be on their way to a landfill otherwise.) You can reduce your impact hugely by living on other peoples’ waste.

11. 

    A Nc

    posted on December 31st, 2008 at 7:00 pm

    Another thing I learned from others is that the manufacturing of solar panels takes resources from Third World Countries, sort of like how Third World countries are clear cutting their forests to grow palm oil for biodesiel.

    While all this damage is taking place in other countries so we can be green here, is that right?

12. 

    H

    posted on January 7th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Well we can’t win all sides you know, I’d rather use resources from the global south to manufacture solar panels that give renewable energy than take resources from them that are not renewable……. we need to keep thinking long term… we will never stop ripping off the “thrid world” for our own benefit, it might as well be a decent one

13. 

    Ken Ott

    posted on January 8th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    Another “Con” beyond financial cost, is environmental cost. Obviously, mining ores causes some amount of pollution, and we all use metals and minerals of some kind for our daily (industrial) living.

    But if we’re going to choose something, may it be the lesser evil. How much pollution is created when we build solar panels in the US or China?

14. 

    Tom

    posted on January 10th, 2009 at 8:09 am

    What I don’t understand is no one talks about the discarding of the equipment and chemicals (batteries & toxic metals) when it has reached the life of its use. Electric car batteries only have so much life and when the technology becomes obsolete what would you do with the materials? Wind, water and Hydrogen seem to be the best uses and solar & electric seem to be the worst. Anyone?

15. 

    destine

    posted on January 13th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    well i was just going to say that this helped me with my project really well and i would thank the person who ever wrote this must have took a long time and we would have nothing with out this site

16. 

    Helen

    posted on January 15th, 2009 at 2:28 am

    For those of you concerned about the financial aspect of installing solar panels. In many states there is a leasing option which removes the high cost of purchasing the panels. The leasing cost and the subsequent greatly reduced utility bill is less than the original utility. If more energy is produced than is used the meter goes backwards and therefore you are in “credit”

17. 

    suwung

    posted on January 19th, 2009 at 5:19 am

    I found an article about the solar cell manufacturing:
    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225090826.htm

    I would like to comment on H’s opinion: yes, of course we’re the southern do not mind you’re exploiting our natural resources, for your being ethical to the nature…

18. 

    Mandy

    posted on January 21st, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    I have lived off-the-grid for 8 years in N. Ca. Yes my system had a large initial cost, but compared to no power or living in the city, it was affordable. Yes, during the construction phase, there were power supply issues. But for two of those years I didn’t have a backup generator.

    Now I have my 3500 watt solar system, a 1000 watt wind generator, 16 deep cycle marine batteries (48 volt system) and a fine Isuzu diesel generator for emergencies. In the three years since I added the generator, it has yet to use a total of 100 gallons. It is set to run when my voltage drops to 44.5 volts, but even in the recent dreary cold fog we had over the holidays, it only ran three times in two weeks. Usually it only comes on once a month, for “exercise”, so the oil stays liquid and fuel doesn’t gel in the line. Very economical machine.

    And, after 8 years, it is almost completely paid for. Because it is not a grid-tied system there are no rebates but if we go to a carbon tax system, I will be looking pretty good.

    Here is something to ponder under cons. For reasons that are incomprehensible to me, insurance agents are telling me solar systems are “uninsureable”. We need to lobby Sacramento and Washington to make sure we are able to protect our investments in clean energy. I actually found a few agents who are still writing policies for rare properties like mine, but it is getting VERY hard.

19. Solar Home Power- Home Power Generation made easy

    posted on January 27th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    [...] – PV Panels Good news for renewable energy projects like solar which have grown in recent years. Pros & Cons of Solar Power/Panels – Earth911.com Guide to local resources including recycling centers, how to recycle, pollution prevention and how [...]

20. 

    Pete in Miami

    posted on January 28th, 2009 at 8:32 am

    Very good post Mandy! I would like some more specifics on your system if you care to share.

    1. What is the ENTIRE investment?

    2. What is the generator model number/price?

    3. Do you use the system for heating and cooling?

    4. How many square feet is your home?

    5. What is the nearest large city? I want to go to city-data.com and get your average temperatures.

21. 

    Joanne

    posted on January 28th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    Years ago when I lived in Arizona, are house was all solar. I remember how small our energy bills were each month and the system was excellent! Now I live in LA and the smog would probably prevent us from getting the full benefits of solar in our home. I did find information on rebates, etc. for energy at this site: http://www.greatgreenlist.com/

22. Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

    posted on January 30th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    [...] Pros & Cons of Solar Power/Panels PV Panels Good news for renewable energy projects like solar which have grown in recent years. Pros & Cons of Solar Power/Panels – Earth911.com Guide to local resources including recycling centers, how to recycle, pollution prevention. [...]

23. 

    Bernard

    posted on February 7th, 2009 at 10:18 am

    The following website can help you decide if using Solar Power is right for your needs.

    http://www.solartradingpost.com/calculate.php

24. 

    quarterton01

    posted on February 7th, 2009 at 11:50 pm

    Pursuant to Mandy’s comments, it can also be difficult to get a mortgage loan since there a realatively few compairable properties, particually within any given geographical area to be used as comps in preparing a real estate appraisal. Hence, the true value of these improvements may be reflected at a diminished value in the appraisal.

25. 

    Tinktron

    posted on February 19th, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    Pollution from solar cell manufacture is one thing, energy to produce the cells and panels is another. Many panel manufacturers are now publishing energy recovery figures, showing how many months of electric production from a panel(usually less than 24mo) it takes to offset the energy used to produce it.

    Tom, on batteries, many manufactures are now claiming 100% recyclability of all components, including the cases.

26. 

    Renewable Energy Geek

    posted on February 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm

    Hello,

    I recently wrote a post on my blog called Solar Panels Exposed: Is Your Health Seriously Being Damaged Because of Renewable Energy?
    http://www.renewableenergygeek.ca/solar-power/solar-panels-health-warning-hazzard/

    The biggest thing is the manufacturing that goes on in other countries and their poor environmental laws. And more needs to be done to get solar panels recycled when no longer being used. Governments should enforce recycling of them, especially with over 50 toxic chemicals used to manufacture them. This needs to be a global effort!

    You also want to look at a report released mid January 2009 by the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition called “Toward a Just and Sustainable Solar Energy Industry”.
    http://www.etoxics.org/site/PageServer

    My question is what can we do about this? Who do we lobby? Any suggestions?

    Thanks
    Eric B

27. 

    Montrell C.

    posted on March 2nd, 2009 at 4:19 pm

    greetings everyone, i’m from Columbus Mississippi; and i’m looking for anyone in the MS area or close by that has solar energy in there home. I am seriously thinking of going solar, and would love to see actual proof and hear your facts about solar energy. If anyone knows of anyone in MS, please email me and let me know, at genesis2dmaps@yahoo.com

28. 

    bob

    posted on May 20th, 2009 at 8:03 am

    very detailedand efficent but what is the best thing about solar panel-should i buy them?

29. 

    Bob

    posted on May 20th, 2009 at 8:15 am

    Hello, I am trying to write a paper on the pros and cons of solar panels for my school but every website I go to seems to have the same information on it. Does anyone know any pros or cons of solar panels that are not metioned here or on most websites? Thanks!

30. 

    krystal

    posted on June 2nd, 2009 at 6:47 am

    i think solar power is the best because without solar power no other resources can be there who cares what u guys think u dont kno anything

31. 

    Kipper

    posted on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm

    I agree with Krystal. I think solar powers advantages cancel out its disadvantages. Solar power never causes pollution when it is collecting energy. Solar panels can save heat and use it for other objects.
    Solar panele also are very quiet unlike those noisy machines.Solar cells can harness energy in remote areas like space. Solar panels can be installed on yop of many rooftops, which eliminates the problem of finding the required space for solar panel placement.Solar power is also the most available resource in the world. I hope this will help anyboby that has to do a project. Good Luck!! P.S. If anybody has any cons about biomass power.

32. 

    Ebony

    posted on June 16th, 2009 at 11:41 pm

    I am doing a debate on Slar Panels and i think that they re very good and all the cons don’t really mean anything

33. 

    Princess

    posted on August 13th, 2009 at 7:18 am

    I am very interested in promoting solar energy use in my country in Africa since we have the sun throughout the year and our grid supply is greatly epilepticor better comatose. I am looking for companies that manufacture solar rechargeable lamps and rugged solar PVs using inverters for storage with provisions for training of local hands for installations. Our NGO want to jumpstart a solar revolution to green the world and reduce the 90% dependence on fossil fuel generating sets. Are you ready? does your company have what it takes? what we want is quality and efficiency at a fair price. contact me please lets see how we can partner together at chucess@yahoo.com Waiting to hear from you.

34. 

    Tangie

    posted on October 7th, 2009 at 10:30 am

    man, i think i mightjust hafta get one of these solar panels :P
    but i dunnoo….
    it might be a little too expensive!
    hmm…
    i’ll think about it!

35. 

    teddy

    posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:24 am

    I might get solar panels if they lower the cost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

36. 

    Bob

    posted on October 19th, 2009 at 7:04 am

    Thanks for the info. Now I can finish my project I’m doing. I think solar panels are great.

37. 

    Keep Gretzky

    posted on October 26th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    Mr. Joe Thomas? Since when was it the governments responsibility to promote technologies? If it offers benefits that the public demands, the technology will grow at an incredibly fast pace.

    You have to be careful of government involvement becuase subsidies, tax credits and capital spending can really detriment long term growth. The benefits offered by the government materially change the economic viability of such products and as soon as the government aide is pulled back, many suppliers can no longer operate profitably. This is NOT good for the long term growth of solar technology.

    I think solar offers an excellent opportunity for us to harness a natural energy source. However, a few cons:
    1 – Have you ever done the math as to what surface area is required to fully meet the energy demands of our nation? Its in excess of a 1000 times the rootop surface area. So while this technology is great for “off the grid single family homes” running an aluminum extruding facility is a little different then running your computer and television.
    2 – Payout of this technology is still very, very poor. People can argue their individual cases and make you think that you can pay out an investment in solar power quickly. But the reality is that the payout is in the 10′s of years for savings the average home would see. Calculate the IRR of that investment and if you still move forward you’re a pretty sorry business man/woman.
    3 – I also think we need to weigh the effects of this technology on our environment. GLOBAL COOLING could be a real concern if every rooftop were using solar technology. You see, rather than reflecting the suns rays as heat, solar panels abosrb that energy and convert it to electricity. This will certainly have a material impact on earths temperatures.

    All in all, if we can improve battery performance and lower the cost of implementing solar systems, this technology has a lot of potential. Hopefully solar becomes so cheap (without goverment subsidies) that everyone will want it. But then you’ll be fighting against the people buying up thousands of acres for solar farms.

38. 

    nevada

    posted on November 2nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    we need renewable energy to save the arctic and the pros defently out weigh the cons

39. 

    Keep Gretzky

    posted on November 5th, 2009 at 4:26 pm

    Nevada,
    Very intelligent comment there. Really blew me away with your reasoning. First of all, how will solar save the arctic?

    I agree that solar technology offers a great deal of opportunity. But replacing natural gas demand with solar is ridiculously unrealistic based on solar technology today. Not only is it simply not possible from a surface area standpoint, it would drive the price of electricity up 10 fold.

    Offer me a solar system that is competitive from a cost and efficiency standpoint and I’ll be the first one in line to buy one.

    Also, how much natural gas is being produced in the arctic? I think you’re referring to oil which when discussing solar power you’re really not comparing complimentary commodities. The current offerings from solar power would replace things like natural gas, coal, nuclear, etc.

    Here’s a plan i think you’ll sign up for. We continue to develop and explore for unconventional shale gas (which has 100′s of years of supply) within the lower 48. This saves your arctic and meets the demands of the people.

40. 

    Rob

    posted on November 9th, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    Keep Gretzky,

    What is your problem? Keep in mind, “Earth911.com is your one-stop shop for all you need to know about reducing your impact, reusing what you’ve got and recycling your trash”.

    I agree that subsidies are a challenging approach to support economic sectors, which is evident with current federal subsidies for utilities and gasoline, two key industries that significantly contribute to global warming and pollution through the use of non-renewable energy resources. I wonder when these industries will be able to survive on their own? Also, the federal government and several states currently provide solar power subsidies: http://www.pvpower.com/SolarIncentives.html

    I don’t think anyone was looking for the solution to your calculation of the required surface area necessary for solar power “to fully meet the energy demands of our nation”, but thank you. No one here is suggesting replacing all current energy production with solar power. The subject matter is the “Pros & Cons of Solar Power/ Panels”, and I believe the intended audience is people interested in a residential application.

    First you say, “this technology is great for off the grid single family homes”, then you say, “Calculate the IRR of that investment and if you still move forward you’re a pretty sorry business man/woman”. Huh? I think we have established the main disadvantage of solar power is price. Maybe this can help others with calculating the IRR of investing in solar power for their home: http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme

    I think there is consistent commentary and concern here regarding the unknown effects of solar panels on the environment, which was not included in the pros & cons section. Hopefully, we will begin to more fully understand those impacts in comparison with continuing our current energy consumption patterns. However, “GLOBAL COOLING” should not be included as a pro or con because it is a completely bogus claim. There is absolutely no reputable scientific proof that solar panels cause global cooling.

    Why are we going to “be fighting against the people buying up thousands of acres for solar farms”? If anything, shouldn’t we work to find technologically efficient alternatives to old technology that uses non-renewable energy resources, which contribute to our global warming and pollution problems?

    Then you go on to belittle nevada. Why? This person believes we need renewable energy to save the arctic and the pros outweigh the cons. No one throughout these comments disrespects another person’s opinion. Plus, you miss nevada’s point and instead trash nevada in an effort to create a platform to fill our heads with more nonsense about using non-renewable energy resources. No one here is suggesting “replacing natural gas demand with solar”. Although the idea is extremely impractical, it is possible. However, you want to continue to cling to your magical mathematics to tell us there isn’t enough surface area and use fear tactics claiming electricity would increase by 10 times based on nothing but your opinion. Even if this was the case, how can power companies justify the cost of construction of solar thermal plants they are building today?

    I don’t even want to bother with your claims regarding the inordinate supply of shale gas or the lack of discussion regarding the environmental impacts of its extraction, production and transportation for commercial use. I don’t think anyone should sign up for your plan if they believe the use of fossil fuels directly contributes to global warming and pollution. I think you are a fossil fuel lobbyist, and your comments belong elsewhere.

41. 

    Keep Gretzky

    posted on November 10th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    Rob,
    Thanks for the detailed response, seriously. I am happy to finally see some logic regarding the use of solar power (or at least a valient attempt at logic). I’m certainly not a lobbyist for fossil fuels; however, I am a realist when considering how we meet the energy demands of our nation over the next 10-20 years. Nat gas WILL play a huge, huge role in meeting that demand. Few other comments:

    1 – Green energy sources HAVE to be economically viable to truly be effective. Most americans simply cannot afford solar technology that currently exists. That is why I bring up IRR because you have to be able to argue that its a smart business decision as well as being best for the environment. Spending $15,000 (thats what it would cost for my home) on solar technology to save $75/month is just crazy. My hope is that the price becomes something along the lines of $1,500 for an installation. The botton line is that middle america, regardless how “green”, can’t afford these pricey installs.

    2 – If the pricing does come down to a number that creates a competetive financial advantage (ie, power companies can put power into the grid with solar at a cheaper cost then fossil fuel) those power companies will race to buy up huge tracts of land to install solar panels. I’m worried about this becomming a reality and personally would not want my view of the mountains to be filled with a 1,000 acre solar farm. This is a real concern that you must consider.

    3 – Gasoline is not subsidized. Not sure where that claim is from…. depending on the state you live, 30-40% of the price you pay at the pump goes directly to GOVERNMENT TAXES. This is the opposite of a subsidy. The government is trying to make gasoline less economically viable and using those tax dollars to make green energy more economically viable. I prefer to let free markets (controlled by the demands of the people) drive market advancement.

    4 – If #2 becomes a reality, my claims of global cooling make just as much sense as your claims of global warming and our ability to influence these natural events. I added that comment becuase that is how ridiculous i think your global warming claims are. In any event, you cannot argue the heat loss that is evident in converting the suns rays to electicity on a solar panel. Its physics…

    5 – Companies today justify the costs of solar farms they are installing today because they HAVE to. The federal and state governments have demanded that these companies meet green power output % requirements. This is further justified by government subsidies. If on a pure cost basis and true free market, solar technology is a HIGH cost energy. This is anti-capitalism that i am forced to support because i pay taxes.

    I guess in conclusion, i dont see why my comments belong elsewhere. I may have been a little brash with Nevada but for petes sake, bringing the arctic into this discussion is just silly. In general, i feel that most of the comments on this site are from the uniformed. Why is it not ok for your ideas to be challenged? Mine are challenged every day from the liberal media. I’ve done the research and have studied these areas myself. I am informed and can present a logical argument based on fact. I dont see much else of that here.

    Also, just for your information i am all for renewable energy. But we need to do it right and have a plan that provides benefits to all americans, not just the wealthy.

    Three things that will surprise you:
    1 – A friend of mine works at earth911.
    2 – I’m a limited partner in a company that was featured on the Sundance Channel for being one of the greenest companies in America.
    3 – I am part of a different company that is working with a major city looking at anerobic digestion technology to generate electricity from unsorted waste. At a profit!

    I’m probably greener that you are…

42. 

    Rob

    posted on November 10th, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    We’ve established solar power is expensive. Leave the horse be.
    That’s funny! Sorry folks, we’ve sold out of solar panels. Get practical.
    claim is from… http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/09/eli-20090918.html
    It’s Physics? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_module Try reading.
    I’m unclear what mandates you speak of, but I’m curious because I can’t seem to locate them either. We do not have a “true free market” when the government provides subsidies to any private sector of our economy. How much are you willing to include in this “pure cost basis”? I think that is what some of the people were commenting about earlier. Again, we have established solar is expensive. “As early as 1916, the federal government instituted income tax incentives to encourage individuals and corporations to drill for oil.” http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/energy/subsidies/ If government subsidies are anti-capitalism then we’ve been this way for awhile. Taxes? http://www.warresisters.org/pages/piechart.htm
    Stay greener!

43. 

    Thomas

    posted on November 12th, 2009 at 10:30 am

    Of note, the California Solar Initiative currently provides a $1.90/Watt (for residential PV or thermovoltaic installed) rebate check directly to the buyer in addition to the Federal Tax Credit of 30% effective January 1, 2009 – a significant increase above the former $2000 tax credit allowance. This effectively cust the cost of a system by approximately 50%.

    Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)

    Owners of solar systems less than 50 kilowatt (kW*) may apply for an up-front cash rebate known as the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)**. Program Administrators calculate a customer’s rebate using the expected performance of the owner’s system based on equipment ratings and installation factors such as geographic location, tilt, orientation and shading. Customers receive their incentive payment in a lump sum after their system in fully installed and interconnected.

    Federal Tax Credits Extended through 2017

    The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which was signed into law on October 1, 2008, contains renewable energy legislation which is great news for our solar customers. Not only was the 30% commercial solar investment tax credit extended through 2017, but the same tax credit was also extended to residential installations. Under this new legislation the previous $2,000 cap for residential solar installations is eliminated. This means that, as of January 1, 2009, the purchase of a residential solar electric system makes you eligibile for a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of your solar system, including installation.

    The effective breakeven point is approximately 8 years for my 4.1KW system.

    References:
    http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/csi/rebates.html
    http://www.wholesalesolar.com/federal-tax-credit.html

44. 

    laura

    posted on November 16th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    So much debate on whether solar power is the perfect solution seems childish, and quite frankly, fear based. Logically, we all know that one course of action cannot serve all applications, and that many different approaches working together will be what eventually lessens our dependency on oil, as well as improving our footprint.

    There’s quite a bit of knowledge, and good information popping up throughout the debate, and here’s a little more on a residential application. We “went solar”were able to take out a lower rate mortgage which included our solar investment and that mortgage will be paid off within the ten years that were remaining on our original mortgage. For the short term, the new mortgage costs us less every month than we use to pay for electrical, and over the past six months we have only bought about $100 worth of electricity from the city. In the longer term, after ten years, we will pay nominally for energy (based on current payout, about $200. a year). Our neighbors are paying out more, and will never have the ability to pay nothing for their energy use. The total cost of our system, after our city’s cash back, was $30,000, and the government does owe us $10,000 in tax rebates, so that is cool as well.

    OUR BOTTOM LINE: We are paying less for MORE, getting a a huge rebate at tax time, and eventually (ten yrs.) our house will provide us with energy at no cost. Plus, we feel good about vastly lessening our footprint over the next 20-30 years or so.

    Less DEBATE about the perfect solution. Just find a solution that works for you individually, and move forward towards lessening YOUR footprint. In the end, it may be a whole lot of little, individual acts that make the difference any way. The longer we all wait, the deeper our footprint sinks.

    At our house, we made our decision. It feels good, and it costs less. Neither time or money is free, and in this case, time may be the more costly of the two. It may actually be more powerful to convince yourself, than it is to convince others in a case like this.

    BE the change . . . . .

45. 

    Milne68

    posted on November 19th, 2009 at 11:01 am

    Not sure if I agree with the statement about aesthetics either. I actually like the way panels look and the new generation of solar tiles are even better. After attending the Solar Decathalon in DC last month it’s easy to envision where solar roofs can become the norm and look better than other roof surfaces. Now its just time to find a solar installer – http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com

46. 

    raeechel:)

    posted on December 15th, 2009 at 9:54 am

    you people seriouslyy need to get a life.
    Find a man, get married, have kids.
    You are arguing over freakin solar pannels?
    WTF?!?

47. 

    Wakisha

    posted on January 8th, 2010 at 11:51 am

    you rock

48. 

    Jenna

    posted on January 8th, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    OMG!!! i love my old teacher…. hello people i love solar power :)

49. 

    savanna

    posted on January 8th, 2010 at 12:11 pm

    hey my peeps wat up savanna and jenna are my 2 best friends

50. 

    wakisha

    posted on January 8th, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    hey wat up my peeps wakisha and savanna are my best friends

51. 

    susie

    posted on January 12th, 2010 at 8:45 am

    I find this topic to be very interesting because for one thing I am also doing a paper on this topic and I need some help finding out pros and cons of this topic.

    Thanks:]

    Susie-

52. 

    Max

    posted on January 21st, 2010 at 11:23 am

    I have seen alot of papers about solar energy lately. It is in fact getting alot of attention as a future pollution free source of energy after oil. I can imagine 50 years from now that the oil on earth will be finished. I live in saudi arabia and here the sun is shining 70% of the year. Even in winter, there are barely any clouds in the sky. And when there are clouds they are only there for a day at most. As the oil is not going to finish for another 50 years, i expect that by then the solar power will be at a technological level that it can be used as a constant source of energy. I want to remind people that even though the sun does leave the sky at night, it is always shining somewhere on earth! With the emergence of the New World Order and the one world government with current countries as states, i expect that there will be energy sharing deals between the so-called countries now in order for energy to be availible everywhere on earth regardless of the weather conditions in that place. As i said, the sun is always shining somewhere on earth. If enough efficiency levels can be reached in solar energy this sharing will be made possible.

53. 

    Dan Kuthy

    posted on January 28th, 2010 at 9:51 am

    I’m writing from a retailer of solar products in Chicago.

    We’ve done a lot of looking around at renewable sources of energy and solar definitely seems to be most promising. If you’re serious about solar, come check out our site at http://www.pvpower.com or give us a call at 866-274-0642.

    Our customer support staff is great and would be happy to simply answer questions, help you design a solar system or set you up with an installer in your area.

    We’re also happy to help you find incentive programs you’re eligible for or do a break-even analysis on your installation.

    Sorry for the solicitation, just extending our expertise to earth911 readers.

    Love the conversation happening here.

    Thanks,
    Dan

54. 

    capt'in kirk

    posted on January 29th, 2010 at 12:56 am

    I’ve heard all the same logic from my brother that was almost a carbon copy of
    what Keep Gretzky was saying. The logic of the discussion is iron clad.
    But I would say that out of the “far reaches” of the bantering came a very out- of- the
    box comment from Max. “The sun is always shining somewhere” Perhaphs through
    satelite tecknology, and world co-operation this can be a reality for residental supply.
    I have to say though in off topic, please don’t applaud or hail the New World Order,
    my god.

55. 

    Odinulf

    posted on March 8th, 2010 at 5:29 pm

    Solar power rocks!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

    or does it…

56. 

    PRD

    posted on March 25th, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    I live up north Ya! Ya! Canada. I’m a student writing my essay on “Should we abandon older technology for more environmently friendly options.” I looking for pros and cons on solar, wind and geothermo heating. Living up north mother nature is a concern or is it?

57. 

    M Ullmann

    posted on April 6th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    While one of the biggest drawbacks to solar energy is indeed the initial cost, that cost can be minimized by choosing the panel with the highest efficiency for your situation, making sure that solar is indeed your best alternative energy option and whatever you choose first reduce your energy consumption which is the biggest saver of all. I recommend two sites that help people choosing solar http://www.solar-energy-advantages-blog.com. The second site helps people determine which alternative energy is best for them http://www.affordable-alternative-energy.com

58. 

    Ris

    posted on April 20th, 2010 at 4:19 pm

    Hi! I am doing a science fair project on solar power so if anyone could refer to some informative websites or share some knowledge with me that would be greatly appreciated. My project’s deadline is in two weeks so I don’t have much time. Thank you!

59. 

    Faith Barry

    posted on May 19th, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    heyy, I just wanna know whats happinin with the solar panels after people have no use for them any more. Do they throw them away or do they recycle them and make new ones? But if they throw them away there would be a great ammount of polution in the air from making them.

60. 

    Faith Barry

    posted on May 26th, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    Heyy Cassidy, wuz up in da hiz owz?

61. 

    Antoinette02

    posted on May 26th, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    Heyy, i agree with faith.. What does happin to solar panels after ppl have no use of them??

62. 

    Akiza

    posted on June 21st, 2010 at 3:02 am

    @PRD you can get your answers about solar lights and solar panels. Please leave your comment here if found it useful?

63. 

    Holistic-Pet-Products

    posted on June 21st, 2010 at 11:19 am

    I do like the idea of using solar power. Some of the first comments are about the pollution that is created durring the manufacture of the pannels and the cost. There have been great advances in the creation of pannels and materials that can harness the solar energy. I just seen a show on the science channel about this and some of the solar pannels that are produced today are paper thin and flexable. The production cost is half of what it used to be and supposedly affordable. I still can’t get them but it’s nice to know that this something that is still being explored and I hope that one day it will be a standard in the construction of new buildings and homes.

64. 

    Solar Power Cost

    posted on June 27th, 2010 at 11:41 am

    Solar systems are definitely starting to be a viable source of renewable energy for the common home owner, especially with the advent of solar shingles and thin solar film technologies.

    @Faith Barry

    There are solar panel recycling programs that enable the modules, including the glass and the encapsulated semiconductor material, to be treated and processed into raw material for new products.

65. 

    Sam

    posted on June 30th, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    What about the Bloom Boxes? I saw a teaser story on the television and missed the show. Heard it was better than solar panels. Any one know the full details?

66. 

    Sue

    posted on July 1st, 2010 at 7:54 am

    Hello Sheila,

    Excellent article! I really like the thinking behind solar panels. The upfront costs on them are probably pretty pricey. However, after you have had them for awhile they are supposed to pay for themselves in the long run. I’ve seen pictures of these panels on top of houses.

    By having these panels on a rooftop, the question that comes to mind now is does it make the inside of ones home cooler since the heat is being stored in these panels? The sun isn’t beating directly on the rooftop but is being captured by the solar panels.

    Thanks. Have a great Fourth of July!

67. 

    James Post

    posted on July 4th, 2010 at 3:16 am

    Hi Sheila,

    Excellent article! I would just like to add that solar prices are dropping – like small wind turbines. Prices of both are expected to hit the 2$ / W barrier -which makes it economical. Another issue to consider when building a new home is to use solar panels as a replacement for roof tiles. See an example at http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/06/10/solar-panel-roof-tiles/

68. 

    David Chambers

    posted on August 26th, 2010 at 5:23 am

    I have a few observations about solar energy and how it’s growth as a potential resource is currently being challenged.
    All governments claim to serve the needs of the people whether socialist, democratic or totalitarian. The argument is that “the masses” aren’t educated enough to make good decisions for themselves and so they should leave these decisions to the politicians. Every couple of years “the masses” decide which politician they want to vote for (if they live in a democracy) then they’re supposed to go back to work and shut up!
    The politicians then focus on supporting the needs and whims of big business. The benefits of this are economic growth and job creation. The problem is that the established big businesses (like oil and fossil fuel dependant companies) don’t want to compete with new ideas like solar or wind power. These companies make billions of dollars and are controlled by a tiny fraction of the world’s population. The truth is that the owners of these companies will go to great lengths to misinform the public by using money, coersion, and corruption to alter the findings of scientific studies, the lectures of educators at all levels of education. and what we read in the paper, watch on television. and hear on the radio. They try to deny the reality that the use of fossil fuels have contributed to global warming by perpetuating BS like “global cooling”
    If you want to have any kind of impact towards positive change in your world you have to remember that YOUR SPENDING DOLLAR IS YOUR VOTE. if you buy solar (no matter what the cost) you are sending a strong message that you want a cleaner more environmentally friendly world. If enough people choose to do this then solar power research will find new support, prices will drop, and the people in power (owners of big oil) will be forced to adapt by investing in new ventures. This is how we will evolve as a species. In our current economic situations it can be very hard to consider the long term benefits of being environmentally responsible. Our use of fossil fuels is destroying our shrinking natural resources. If we reduce our consumption we will buy ourselves time to discover new technologies and inovations which could make our world a much better place to live. This is the biggest reason to invest in alternative energy solutions like solar power

69. 

    SolarEnergyAdvantages

    posted on September 5th, 2010 at 12:02 am

    @emily and karen: I found a blog site that would help to sustain you knowledge about solar energy, solar wind power, solar power cost, solar power energy. There are also videos that will help you on how to setup a homemade solar panel and many more.View more:http://www.solar-energy-advantages-blog.com/

70. 

    yellowlite

    posted on December 4th, 2010 at 5:42 am

    YellowLite.com A full service agency for renewable energy sources and services to install at first. Recommend planning and installing solar and wind energy, and service. Institutional change and new businesses in all areas of life and the life that is not understood.

71. 

    Fernando

    posted on December 14th, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    Hello i am a person who is creative and always trying new things and i found alot of recycleable materials in my community that are discarded.I want to help the enviorment and make some money at the same time. I already collect aluminum cans, clear plastic bottles, and scrap metal for cash.I was wondering if anyone knows the names of some national recycle other material such as electronics, tires, glass, construction material, all kinds of plastics, metal, and paper for cash.Thank you or reading my post please enjoy your day. Good bye.
    -Fernando-

72. 

    Solar Panel Installer

    posted on March 13th, 2011 at 12:53 am

    There are many more pros to solar than cons. Often times the cons need further explanation. And often times, explanation needs even further explanation. As the author wrote, one of the cons is the cost. The simple answer to that is there is financing and lease options available. But theres more… In order to qualify for the solar or leasing options in most cases, you must be able to afford it. A loan company will not loan the household or business money unless they are liquid. So if you have limited funds, solar may not be a great option as of yet. But if you have cash available and would like to hold on to it via a financing program, solar could be a cost effective option. It will get less expensive as times goes on… I assure you.

73. 

    ben

    posted on March 18th, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    I agree that pollution comes from panel production and it’s not mentioned much, but rarely is the pollution from mining/drilling/transporting for coal/oil/gas (and much less for mining and processing uranium for nuclear power) mentioned.

    One thing I rarely hear about is solar thermal – mostly NOT an individual homeowner’s solution except for solar hot water heaters – and the absolute fact that the U.S. could produce all of it’s electricity on 100 square miles of abandoned agricultural land in the desert southwest. An interview with a couple of solar thermal company executives AND a Bush DOE administration official brought this fact to light. The DOE official actually admitted that it could be done for much less than nuclear after economies of scale kick in (currently it’s about the same cost per kilowatt). Of course, distribution could be the issue, but that could be rather easily solved by updating our already decrepit electricity grid.

    The interview was on NPR (I think it was Science Friday). I hope that this is food for thought for someone and that nuclear should never be the solution – especially in the sunny U.S.

    Food for thought.

74. 

    brandon

    posted on March 29th, 2011 at 10:23 am

    i am also doing a paper on solar panels and i would love to know more if anyone can help me it will be awesome and would help me pass my class :)

75. 

    elaine roede

    posted on March 30th, 2011 at 11:01 am

    Not nice to look at? What are you talking about? Solar panels are beautiful. We need to start changing our way of thinking about these kinds of things, since they are the wave of the future! Thinking that something isn’t nice to look at just because it looks different than what we are used to is just downright silly. I’ve even talked to people that think that solar panels are a new kind of status symbol. Well, I guess that’s ok if that’s what they need to start the new trend to using alternative energy. Whatever it takes – we need to start using alternative energy if we are going to save ourselves from being the oil gluttons that our nation has become! The more we use them, the cheaper they will become, and the more available they will become to the masses! I think that every single new construction should include solar panels, for hot water at the very least! Let’s change our ‘old’ ways of thinking that got us into this mess to start with. We now have the technology to change all of that!

76. 

    yoatmon

    posted on March 31st, 2011 at 7:15 am

    There are no cons to solar panels only pros. There are, however, two inherent disadvantages that apply indirectly to solar panels: bad weather and the day and night cycle.

77. 

    Lee

    posted on April 11th, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Let me address each of these cons:

    Cost: With new loan programs offered by Sun Run and others, homeowners avoid the up front cost and can actually save money the very first month with their solar system.

    Climate Variability: It’s more about daylight hours than weather. Lots of solar radiation gets through clouds. Solar works in Northern states also. Germany is the most solar country in the world and the entire country lies further north than the lower 48 states.

    Aesthetics: Solar tiles exist. Also, I think solar panels look nicer than a large coal power plant.

    Not 24 hours: You don’t have to store any power at all if you get a grid-tied system, like the vast majority of people do.

    Also, here are some more Pros: http://community.pvpower.com/profiles/blogs/some-benefits-of-going-solar?xg_source=activity

78. 

    Alison Brady

    posted on April 18th, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    This really helps with my project. Thank you so much. I was wondering, I once read something about a harmful chemical that is produced while making Solar panels. Could you explain that?
    Thank you,
    Alison

79. 

    Ray

    posted on April 21st, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    Solar energy is a great opportunity to save big money on electricity. Therefore building your own solar panel should be the best chance to save even greater. Now, I know this may sound complicated, but it IS if you search for info on your own. Instead visit diy home solar panels to get step by step instructions to pull this project in no time!

80. 

    Renewable Energy

    posted on May 26th, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Colleges will play a huge role in our future energy endeavors as a country. It’s very important that our universities contine to train students for a greener future

81. 

    Renewable Energy News

    posted on May 26th, 2011 at 11:32 am

    We are trying to help promote green energy, if you or anyone at your school has any original content, please contact our site. Thank you.