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
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.
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.
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.
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.
