Over the past few decades, the issue of global warming has taken center stage around the world. Scientists have been calling for a quick transition to renewable energy sources, and solar is one of the most widely-promoted options. Governments around the world have even been offering incentives for citizens to install solar panels. But are they worth using? Will you really save money? And what risks or issues should you expect with these systems? Let’s find out.
Do Solar Panels Save Money?
Solar panels are often marketed as money-saving investments. But is this really true? The short answer is ‘yes’. This may confuse you since the upfront costs of these systems are very high. What you need to focus on is the long-term benefit of installing solar panels. In most cases, solar panels will take 6 to 10 years to pay back the initial investment. Keep in mind that this period varies depending on several factors, including:
To calculate your average cost of energy per month, you should go through your bills over the last year. This is the amount you’ll be saving every month once you install solar panels. Keep in mind that the cost will likely go up over time, so your savings will be even higher in the coming years.
Which Issues Are Associated with Solar Panels?
One problem you can expect with solar panels is the accumulation of dirt and debris. This can lower the efficiency of your system, so you should clean your panels at least once every year. A lot of the dirt consists of pigeon dropping as these birds tend to find the panels warm and cozy. Therefore, a simple way to minimize the issue is by setting up solar panels pigeon proofing. This involves adding specialist stainless steel guards and securing them with clips. Keep in mind that these systems are humane and don’t cause any injury to the birds. All they do is provide a deterrent to stop pigeons from nesting under solar panels.
Another issue you may experience with solar panels is low output. This could be because they don’t have sufficient access to sunlight. Check whether they are installed under the shade of a tree or building. If it’s in an area with sufficient sunlight, you should contact a professional to find out whether the system is working properly.
Solar panels may also be damaged by severe weather. Storms, hurricanes and heavy downpours may dislodge the systems, and flying debris will eventually compound the damage. After such events, you should monitor the solar panels to see whether there’s a drop in output.
Solar panels are extremely popular, even in countries with low sunlight like the UK. These systems may be expensive, but you’ll end up saving money in the long term. This is because your energy bills will practically be non-existent. You may even be able to sell energy back to the grid. Still, you should be wary of issues like low output and accumulated dirt on the system.
