Whether you own a home or business, it is important to accurately weigh the costs and benefits of installing a solar energy system. Here are some of the costs and benefits of a solar energy system:
Benefits
- The fuel of solar (the sun) is free
- Photovoltaic panels typically have a long life
- Solar energy is available wherever the sun shines
- Solar energy can be plentiful when consumption of electricity is highest
- Solar energy allows us to be less reliant on fossil fuels
- Rebates and funds help offset set-up costs
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Costs
- Solar energy systems require planning
- Start-up costs associated with solar energy are relatively high
- Overall solar generation costs may not be lower than the cost of energy from your present supplier
- Insurance premiums to cover a solar energy system is an additional cost and often can be expensive
- Maintenance of your solar energy system is your responsibility
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More information about planning and installing a solar energy system is available on these pages.
