11 Environmental Benefits Of Solar Panels: The Real Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

At SolarFIX, we get conflicting messages about solar power:
“Solar is wonderful for the earth!”
“…but I heard it’s not?”
“Does it really save money—or not?”

No wonder folks are confused. The thing is, solar power does have a lot of benefits, but also a couple of limitations that need noting. Let’s go over them so you can determine if it’s the way to go for your house.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

1. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

Conventional electricity is one of the largest contributors to pollution. Fossil fuel power plants in the U.S. emit approximately 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power does that with clean, renewable energy.

U.S. solar capacity by 2020 can power 18 million homes—the greenhouse gas savings equate to planting 2 billion trees. Each solar home counts.

2. Saves Money in the Long Term

Yes, solar panels do cost an upfront investment. But most systems are paid for themselves in roughly 8 years, then generate free electricity for decades. Homeowners pay little to no electric bill, and some even get credits for the excess power they feed back to the grid.

If ownership is too expensive, leasing plans let you enjoy solar with fewer cost hurdles.

3. Federal Tax Credits Make It Affordable

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) now allows you to deduct 26% of installation fees from your tax bill. This program has driven tremendous growth in the solar market, creating jobs and saving families money.

The credit will phase down in the future, so today is the ideal time to act.

4. Works in All Climates

Solar panels do not only function in hot, sunny states. They produce electricity in rain, snow, and cloudy weather. Indeed, panels will function more efficiently in cold weather, since heat can detract from efficiency.

Light snow alone can assist by scraping dirt and debris off as it melts.

5. Relieves Pressure on the Grid

When there’s a surge in demand, the energy grid can become strained or even fail. Solar does its part by spreading energy sources and providing clean power during peak usage. U.S. solar already generates electricity for 17 million+ homes today, and that figure grows every year.

6. Make Money Selling Excess Energy

In most states, net metering enables homeowners to sell back excess energy to their utility. We purchase that excess from our clients at SolarFIX and provide them with bill credits. That is, your panels save you money—but they can also earn you money.

The Drawbacks of Solar Energy

1. Exorbitant Upfront Costs

The cost of a rooftop system is approximately $20,000 upfront before incentives. Although prices are falling, it’s still a considerable amount. For people who can’t afford panels, SolarFIX has solar electricity plans so you can enjoy clean energy anyway.

2. No Electricity at Night

Panels only produce electricity during the day. At night, you’ll need either battery storage or backup from the grid. This is important to consider if you’re planning to go fully off-grid.

3. Storage is Expensive

Solar batteries, like Tesla’s Powerwall, cost $7,000+ each, and most homes need more than one. While prices are expected to decline, today many homeowners rely on net metering instead of investing in batteries.

4. Hard to Move Panels

Panels are custom-fitted to your roof, so moving them to a new house rarely makes sense. The upside is they boost home value—by an average of $15,000—so you’ll likely see the return when selling your property.

5. Mining Rare Earth Metals

Certain panels call for rare earth elements, which in mining may have environmental effects. Nevertheless, recycling is becoming more common, and most tech firms are trying to recycle these metals ethically.