Sunday, August 1, 2010

Six Benefits And Drawbacks Of Solar Power - Can You Afford Not To Have It?

A controversial subject like solar power inspires strong feelings in a great many people, on both sides, for and against. Putting emotional feelings aside, it's best to evaluate both sides as logically and cool-headedly as is possible. An honest analysis would require a dispassionate study of each side as well as the reasons in support of positions. Let's examine solar power and the positions on each side, the Pros and the Cons:

Ready? Then let's start. First the Pro, in favor of/in support of:

The 1st point in support of solar power is it will be around forever. Unless of course, we blow ourselves up with nuclear bombs and block out the sun. However, even if we do there's always wind power. The nuclear dust will fade away eventually but it will take years.

The secondary positive point is most power companies will reimburse the money you spend on your solar power system. That's a big plus. There is also government program that can help you out with the cost.

The third supporting point is the extra power you produce can be sold back to the power company. That's right! After you use the power you need if there's any left over the power companies will pay you for it. You can't beat that kind of deal.

And on the other side, for balance, the Con side, against:

Firstly, the point against will be it's almost cost prohibitive. While supply and demand are low, solar equipment is going to cost you an arm and leg to put in your house.

And the second negative point is it's still on the bulky side. Although they have made solar equipment much small than when it first came out it still takes a up a good amount of space. Either on the roof of your house or in land space

A 3rd significant point against is solar energy is only able to generate electricity during daylight hours. However, if you use the power of the wind as a backup then you can have power 24/7.

So there you have it, the pros and then the cons, the points in favor and also the points against.

Finally then, what's the "bottom line" here? Is solar power something can you afford NOT to have? If we're to cut down on using fossil fuel we're going to have to go solar. As more people install it, and use it the price will come down but until then save your money and remember the power companies will buy back the extra solar power.