Technologies like solar panels and solar cells are used to harness radiation from the sun. They provide light, heat water and generate electricity in industries and business. While it has been highly criticized for being expensive, solar energy has proved to be reliable. The unpredictability of fossils has spooked big players in the energy sector. It has led to an increased exploration of renewable and cheaper alternative sources of energy. 

Though hydropower still rules the world in terms of energy supply, solar energy is an emerging choice to many people. Although it has some inconsistency and high initial cost outlay, it still boasts of being a dependable source of energy. It has numerous uses which include: 

Running calculators 

Solar oven and cookers 

Fly planes 

Swimming pool heating 

Due to the high demand, the technology has rapidly increased. This has significantly turned it into an efficient source of clean energy. 

Benefits of using Solar Energy 

Solar energy is an unlimited renewable energy source that does not produce hazardous emissions. Besides that, there are other numerous benefits of using solar panels that are not quite obvious.  

Here are a few benefits that will motivate you to go solar: 

1. Reduce your electricity bills 

If you generate your electricity it means that you will be consuming less from the utility supplier. And this will translate to savings on your electricity bill. Additionally, you can go to the extent of making extra money by simply selling unused electricity which you have generated to the grid. In short, the more energy you produce using solar panels, the more you save. 

2. Solar energy is applicable everywhere  

Usually, energy is higher around noon. In most cases, this is the time when the electricity peaks. And it is these hours when solar get to reach its maximum energy production. Today, there are still many people around the world who are yet to access electricity. Solar energy would be the best choice in that case. 

3. No permit required 

You don’t need to have a permit to install solar panels from the local authority, usually, they are considered permitted development. Though there are few limitations you need to bear in your mind before installing, it doesn’t require amicable skills to be placed on the roof. 

4. Minimal maintenance 

Once you have installed them, they will require minimal or even no maintenance. You don’t have to access the rooftop to clean dust and other trash, a solar panel is installed in an angle which allows rain to run freely drain and in the process wash dirt. They will last for almost 30 years as long as you keep them from becoming blocked by dirt. 

Drawbacks of using Solar Energy  

Although solar energy is praised every day, solar panels users should familiarize themselves with the disadvantages before investing their hard earned money in them. Here are several pros that you need to watch out before going solar: 

1. It is not fully reliable 

When there is no sun, there is no generation of energy. It is not only affected by day and night, but also during winter months. This has made people invest in battery backup. They store energy when the sun is not shining. 

2. Initial capital costs 

Although its installation has brought immense benefits, the upfront costs can be punitive. If you select some companies to install the solar panels, it will cost you an arm and leg. At times it is even impossible to quantify the entire cost of installation without the help of manufacturing companies. 

Indeed the need to use clean energy and became self-sufficient will see a rapid explosion of solar energy technologies in future. And it is with no doubt it will lead to improved quality of life.