Pros and cons of solar energy?

Question

for debate ()

and articles as well as FACTUAL INFO would be great!

lets try and not get too opinionated :)

Answer 1

solar panels r expensive

Answer 2

Pros: Clean energy

          Effective source of energy

          Less Expensive in the long run

          Available commercially

          

Cons: Expensive

           Not the best on cloudy days

Answer 3

Pro-If you power your whole home w/ solar panels for 10 yr. you will make up for the cost by paying no electric bills.  About $10,000 to power average house.

Cons Have to wait 10 yr. to save money.  A lot of money to use all at once.

Answer 4

http://environment.about.com/od/renewabl...

http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/so...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Pros-And-Cons-...

http://earth911.org/blog/2007/10/15/pros...

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Pros-And-C...

http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/articl...

http://living.amuchbetterway.com/2007/07...

these are all good articles. I hope i helped!

Answer 5

Pro:  Solar power is reusable it's not really using anything up.

Cons:  expense and probably not feasible in places like Alaska and Scandinavia where it is dark so much during the winter.

Answer 6

panels are expensive to buy and mainthain, and quite alot are needed for a decent amount of energy.

Answer 7

the con is a cloudy day and the pro is a sunny day

Answer 8

Pros:

    * No Pollution — It does not release carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide or mercury into the atmosphere. It does not burn fuel and generates no emissions.

    * Saves you Money — Well, after the initial investment, since you’ll be using less energy, your utility bills will be much lower and often times there won’t be an amount due at all.

    * Less Consumption — Because it requires no fuel, you will save money on the cost of gasoline.

    * Tax Breaks — The U.S. government offers a tax credit of up $2,000. Start by looking up DSIRE, a database by state of incentives for renewable energy.

    * Nearly Maintenance Free — Manufacturers are offering warranties of 20 years and more.

    * Energy Credits — You can build a credit of energy if your solar system produces more energy than you use. Check out net metering, a program that gives you credit for excess electricity, and actually spins your meter backwards.

    * It is Sustainable and Renewable — Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are non renewable and dwindling. Solar energy will never run out.

    * The Noise Factor — They are silent and have no moving parts.

Cons:

    * $$$ — The main disadvantage is the price. The panels and installation have high starting costs.

    * Climate Variability — Although solar energy can be used in most climates, the number of hours of sunlight will determine the number of panels you’ll need and what the wattage of power will be.

    * Aesthetics — Solar panels take up quite a bit of roof space and to some and aren’t pleasant to look at.

    * Not 24 Hours — They only work when the sun is shining. At night you will have to rely on stored energy from net metering or have an alternative system.