The public has developed a far greater interest in recent years about the search for renewable resources. Solar energy is one of the shining stars of the movement, for its low cost of implementation and efficient rewards in the form of electricity. Many people choose to put solar panels on their roof, either with DIY kits or buy purchasing pre-made panels. There are pros and cons to each, and to using solar energy in general. The pros seem to far outweigh the cons in many cases. The largest pro is the benefit to the environment.
Traditionally, people have torn through fossil fuels and coal since the industrial revolution in order to feed the high demand for energy that modern society requires. This has led to carbon emissions and a depletion of natural resources. By switching over to more renewable energy sources such as using solar panels on the roof, you can make a difference from the comfort of your own home, without suffering any major drawbacks. The government is providing a greater incentive to switch over as well, by offering tax breaks and rebates as part of a stimulus package to encourage more people to make this change in their household energy usage.
Another huge pro in favor of using solar panels on the roof is the money that it can save. Electricity bills can drop to as little as five dollars per month, and very little maintenance, if any, is required once the system is in place. The cost of installation is usually only a couple of hundred dollars, though this will depend on the type and number of solar panels that are required. Some care should be taken in this installation to make sure they are positioned properly and are able to soak up as much of the sun's rays as possible.
The only con seems to be that solar energy can be inefficient in areas where the sun does not often shine, and can be subject to changes in weather patterns. This is combated with the use of batteries that store up the energy, however if there is a long period without sunlight, as in certain parts of the Arctic, then this will not be the best energy method of choice. However, in most cases, solar energy is a viable and convenient alternative to the environmental damage caused by other overuse of electricity, or nuclear power. Small steps like these can make a big difference.
