Skip to content
Call Now: 800-610-2146
  • Smart Security
  • Solar Energy
  • Water Filtration
  • Insurance
Request a Quote
December 30, 2020December 30, 2020

Solar Energy vs Conventional Energy: Which is Right For Me?


Solar, Benefits, In Review, FAQS
5 min Read


A pregnant woman sits on the couch inside of a living room while knitting next to her husband, who is drinking coffee.

Solar energy is a popular topic for discussion nowadays. More and more families are deciding to install solar panels onto their homes and leaving conventional energy behind. But what are the key differences between solar energy vs conventional energy? What makes one better than the other? 

First, let’s address the basics. We realize most people know that the production of solar energy involves the sun. What is not clear to most people is the process of turning sunlight into power; this is where photovoltaic solar panels convert sunbeams into solar energy. It’s applicable to residential and commercial setups. Solar energy is also renewable energy, which means that it continually replenishes itself and is kind to the environment.

Conventional energy is energy produced from non-renewable sources, like coal and petroleum. In recent years, different stakeholders examining how energy affects the environment have found discrepancies in conventional power. Conventional power is also bound to run out, eventually. For this reason, there is a growing sense of urgency to go green, which means utilizing eco-friendly energy.

But which route should you take to power your home? We break down the pros and cons of solar and conventional energy to help you build a conclusion. This review will look at the differences and preferences that fall on either type of energy. By making comparisons of solar energy vs conventional energy, we hope to help our readers understand each kind of energy’s benefits and consequences.

Solar Energy vs Conventional Energy

A man is lifting solar panels up over a roof during an installation.

Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

Everything, including solar energy, has two sides to it. Below we have listed the pros and cons of solar energy. Read through them and weigh in on how each point influences your life.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Eco-friendly
  • Can increase home value
  • Replenishes naturally 
  • Linkable to conventional electricity grids
  • Works during power outages

Cons

  • Installation of solar panels is pricey
  • Determined by weather
  • Solar panels alter the aesthetic of compounds
  • Installation of solar panels often requires professionals
  • Solar panels take up space

Contrary to common belief, solar energy has become a more affordable option for homeowners to use as a power source. It can even help you save money in the long run, up to $100 a month on electricity. Some states even offer solar incentives to motivate homeowners to make the switch to cleaner energy. These incentives provide solar tax credits and in 2021 will be 22% of the total cost to install solar panels at home. A few of the other cons listed above are debunk-able misconceptions. You can read more about the common myths about solar energy here.

A power plant factory with clouds of smoke being released from the top.

Pros and Cons of Conventional Energy

Conventional energy has its benefits and downfalls. We have gathered and used information from trusted sources to break down traditional power’s pros and cons. Read through them to understand the impact of this type of energy fully.

Pros

  • Widely used
  • Highly efficient
  • Affordable 
  • Easy-to-use
  • Familiar

Cons

  • Close to depletion
  • Causes pollution
  • Limited in terms of quantity 
  • Take millions of years to replenish
  • Expensive to mine and process

One of the biggest benefits to conventional energy is how familiar it is. For many of us, conventional energy is all we’ve ever used. However, that doesn’t make it the best option. Unlike solar energy, this form of energy production will not be available forever. The pollution this energy creates is also detrimental to our environment. However, if you’re truly searching for something that’s easy to access, then conventional energy might be right for you.

A large potted plant inside of a home with sunlight trickling onto it.

Understanding The Most Likely Option for Homeowners

Most homeowners will overlook the disadvantages of solar energy and focus more on its cost-efficiency. For example, after installing solar panels on your home, you can expect them to last up to thirty years. Most people will find this more advantageous than paying gas bills or purchasing petroleum. Some homeowners opt to go for solar energy when they compare their utility bills with those who use it. 

When you choose solar, you don’t have utility companies expecting you to pay them for providing you with power. If you engage with a solar energy provider, they offer tariffs at more reasonable rates. Solar energy can also continue working during power outages, whereas conventional energy will require you to sit in the dark. If your solar panels process excess power, this energy will go back into the grid. This is how you can receive credits on your utility bills. 

If you’re seriously considering switching to solar, we recommend doing thorough research beforehand to find the right solar company. The company you choose will play a substantial role in determining the installation fees, payment flexibility, and warranty. For example, when you work with a company like ONIT, you can enjoy your solar energy with no payments for up to 18 months.

Most Recommended Option for Homeowners

After breaking down the pros and cons of conventional energy and solar energy, we suggest solar energy as the most convenient fuel type for homeowners.  

Solar energy is renewable and clean. Sun rays are likely never to get depleted. The panels require a minimal amount of sunlight to produce energy. There is very little work needed for sunlight to convert into solar energy. The only time that solar energy may face up against pollution is in the making of solar panels, which can involve hazardous chemicals to be troublesome if not properly disposed of. Even then, there are U.S. environmental laws maintaining how these chemicals are disposed of. We also mentioned that solar panels can function for a period of up to thirty years. Therefore, the replacement and manufacturing of solar panels are rare.

Another reason we recommend solar energy is because of their cost-effectiveness. Once you have solar installations in your home, you can use the power as electricity to operate appliances and to light up your house. That way, you save up on money that you have otherwise used on electricity bills.

Looking to the Future

Continuing to use conventional energy, which relies heavily on fossil fuels, will lead to consistent pollution in our air. This is because to use a fossil fuel for energy you have to burn it. This releases toxins into the atmosphere. The negative impact of pollution ranges anywhere from acid rain to diseases and respiratory harm in humans. Many experts have also linked pollution to the growing rate of climate change. 

As mentioned above, fossil fuels will eventually run out. This may not be a common thought we consider when determining whether solar panels are worth the investment, but solar energy is a source future generations can rely on.

A young woman with blonde hair is holding her baby that’s playing with an orange as she scrolls on her laptop at a kitchen table.

Solar Energy vs Conventional Energy: Save More With Solar

If you want to learn more about how you can enjoy the many benefits of solar energy at home, the folks at ONIT are here to help. You can count on us to answer any questions you may have about saving money on your electricity bills while doing your part to save the environment at the same time. Call us today at 1-833-433-0331 for more information about our flexible financing options and home solutions that are customized to create the home of your dreams.

Related Articles

A hand over a stack of 50 dollar bills.
Why Are Solar Panels So Expensive and Other Myths About Solar
Dark and cloudy weather approaches a neighborhood in a tropical setting.
Do Solar Panels Work On Cloudy Days? An Explanation Guide
man in orange hard hat installing solar panels
Solar Power: Pros and Cons Review Guide
Sunshine is poking through the tree branches outside of a modern home.
The Amateur’s Guide to Solar Power
professional man in hardhat with clipboard overlooking solar panels
Solar Power Facts vs. Fiction: Is Solar Power Too Complicated and More
two men installing solar panels on roof
5 Reasons to Switch to Residential Solar Power

Other Benefits Articles

skyline view of dallas, part of DFW metroplex
Solar Panel Savings in DFW: How Much Can You Save?
A pregnant woman sits on the couch inside of a living room while knitting next to her husband, who is drinking coffee.
Solar Energy vs Conventional Energy: Which is Right For Me?
Two lit candles sit on a corner table beside a clock in a dark home.
How to Use Solar Panels During Power Outage: A Tips Guide
Closeup of solar panels on a roof.
How Long Do Solar Batteries Last: Understanding Your Investment
Close up of an electrical meter.
What Is Net Metering, and How Does It Help my Home?
two men installing solar panels on roof
5 Reasons to Switch to Residential Solar Power

Related Articles

A hand over a stack of 50 dollar bills.
Why Are Solar Panels So Expensive and Other Myths About Solar
Dark and cloudy weather approaches a neighborhood in a tropical setting.
Do Solar Panels Work On Cloudy Days? An Explanation Guide
man in orange hard hat installing solar panels
Solar Power: Pros and Cons Review Guide
Sunshine is poking through the tree branches outside of a modern home.
The Amateur’s Guide to Solar Power
professional man in hardhat with clipboard overlooking solar panels
Solar Power Facts vs. Fiction: Is Solar Power Too Complicated and More
two men installing solar panels on roof
5 Reasons to Switch to Residential Solar Power

Not sure how to start your next project? We’re ONIT.

Smart Security

Solar Energy

Water Filtration

Insurance

  • Home Services
  • Security
  • Solar
  • Water
  • Insurance
  • Company
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Follow Us
  • Need Help? Give us a call at: 800-610-2146

Copyright © 2020 - ONIT Shared Services

We collect some information in order to provide our services. For more information on the data we collect, please visit our privacy policy.

Proud to be veteran owned and operated.