From Guest Blogger Charlie – The Big Question: Is Solar Actually Worth It?
Ever since solar power became an accepted alternative as an energy resource, the general consensus has been to wait and see what happens. As with anything new that has been introduced as a way of saving money, we are skeptical — and especially so when it is on something that we don’t understand. Whether it’s the environment or technology, the natural reaction is to question it`s function, benefit and place in our world.
It`s an understandable reaction, however, the popularity and growth of the solar panel industry has increased rapidly and this could be to do with the emphasis governments and society are placing on “going green” and with becoming more energy conscious. With mention of the Ozone layer, our children`s future and the state of the natural world, people have started to take notice of these energy alternatives to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Currently there is a guaranteed feed-in tariff rate of 21p per kWh if the system is installed before the 31st March 2012. It would be guaranteed for 25 years and it`s tax free. So far, so good. It`s a good incentive but with popularity and growth, comes the opportunity to make more money and I`m sure many were waiting for the caveat with using this wonderful new energy resource solution. The government launched an appeal to the high court and we still don`t know whether solar panel users will receive 43.3p per kWh instead of the standard 21p currently in place but as this issue hangs in the balance, consumers either way earn some money by participating in this scheme and helping to contribute to the environment, albeit in a small way.
From April onwards stricter guidelines will be enforced on property owners and solar pv installers regarding energy efficiency in the consumer`s property itself. This makes sense in that it would be a waste of time and money for the consumer if they had a system installed where the maximum potential of that system wasn`t reached but on older properties that don`t qualify for a full feed-in tariff, it would cost more to outfit the property so it is up to standard. Are we becoming elitist as to who can have this service and who can`t? Or are we ensuring that the efficiency side of the project takes priority?
One aspect that cannot be denied is the cost of solar panels. Prices have been reduced and this would make it a more viable option for those looking to not make too big a financial commitment but that want to participate in the scheme. However, we all know that energy prices are increasing constantly and that doesn`t look like changing anytime soon.
So considering these points, there is a lot to be said for solar energy as an acceptable resource and the cost of installation and set-up is justified by the advantage of reduced energy bills in the long run. We just have to be aware that as the scheme changes and evolves and more consumers get on-board with solar energy, we need to be prepared that like with most things, the advantages could disappear. Now is definitely the time to jump on the bandwagon.
Solar panels are already being effectively and successfully used in remote areas of developing countries. Many people in those areas would be completely without electricity without solar panels. The solar power they get permits them to have electric lighting for a few hours in the evening, recharge cell ‘phones, and listen to a small radio. That has certainly improved the quality of their lives. If they are sometimes without power because of cloudy weather, they are still better of than if they had no power; they can revert temporarily to using kerosene lamps which is what they used before they had solar power. Kerosene lamps are inferior because they cost more to operate, breathing the products of combustion is hazardous and cannot always be avoided, the lighting is inferior, and there is a risk of fire.
Attempting to use solar power to provide a significant percentage of the power required for large prosperous countries is an entirely different matter; the numbers just do not add up. However, solar panels can provide the minimal power required for yellow flashing lights at school crossings and operate security gates; often that is more practical than using grid power because so little power is required and there isn’t always a convenient way to connect to the grid. When little power is required, solar panels can provide enough power to get by even on cloudy days.