Is solar energy free and the answer is both, yes, and no. While collecting energy from the sun can cost you nothing, the purchasing, installing, and maintaining of solar energy equipment actually has a price attached to it, even with the most reliable of solar energy grids and despite costs of this equipment dropping dramatically over the years.
For small to moderately sized solar energy grids, the cost of a home with solar energy does not cost more or less than a home without solar energy. The only difference is that heating and utility bills for homes with solar energy are lower. This is because the home with solar energy relies on the Sun all year round and requires lesser focus from cooling and heating systems.
As environmental impacts change the world, such as global warming, society will need cleaner technology and generally favorable policies that encourage healthier living. Studies project that by the year 2100, eco-friendly resources will greatly outweigh nonrenewable resources. This is not a change that is easy, but one that many people feel is necessary.
3kw solar system cost is already affordable for rural and urban neighborhoods alike. Solar hot water technologies are very fruitful, with general payback of about 6 years, compared to your typical electric water heater.
Costs of solar panels are already competitive as solar companies jockey for position to win over the curious customer. If it is not a battle over value, it is one over eco-friendly materials, and to impress customers of how “green” they are.
Consumers should be aware of “green-washing”, as solar energy owners install solar systems without using energy efficient equipment. There is more that homeowners can do with energy conservation instead of using solar energy on its own, in order to reduce the carbon footprint.
The decision to pay for 3kw solar system costs over traditional electricity sources depend on the economic and environmental rewards that come with it. While solar energy systems have high upfront costs, they do not require a fuel source and need little maintenance throughout their life.
Because of these characteristics, the longevity of the solar energy grid needs to be taken into consideration to determine whether or not it is a direction that a home or business owner wants to go in. There are some fears and doubts that come with the possibilities of going solar, especially for businesses. Large expenses mean that companies would consider attrition off their staff or taking jobs overseas.
There are three different kinds of economics: pecuniary, physical, and social. Pecuniary is relative to money and currency. Physical economics is the energy and efficiency required to make such decisions happen. Social economics are the expenses that other people or the environment pay as a result of the decision. For example, plastic bags are cheap to make, but they are very harmful to ocean waters. The environment always tends to take the brunt of technologies that either require a lot of power or are cheap to make. But this is what many companies have been hoping to reverse.
Rather than looking at the ordinary way of business and prioritizing in reduced costs, an economic analysis should be conducted to examine life cycle costs. Life cycle costs are all costs that refer to the life of the solar energy grid. What power is required, how much money is needed, and how it impacts life around it are all things to consider when it comes to life cycle costs.
So now you know that when you collect energy from the sun with your solar system, it’s not entirely “free”. Learn how to save money with a solar expert today.
Make Sunny Sky Solar your Brisbane solar company of choice today.