California Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

Take a few moments to review the California solar energy advantages and disadvantages. You will see the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and with Applied Solar Energy Solutions partnerships with Schuco and Sharp, the disadvantages are easily overcome!

Advantages of Solar Power in California:

• The payback period for a solar investment is relatively short.
• Solar investments provide an IRR of 10-20%, significantly better than a savings investment and more secure than the stock market.
• After the initial investment has been recovered, your solar energy is practically free.
• Saves you money on your electric bill and possibly even eliminates it!
• Fixes your costs of electricity, shielding you from electricity rates that are increasing by approximately 6.7% per year on average.

• Solar is environmentally friendly energy. It is clean, renewable and sustainable. Installing commercial and home solar panels helps to protect our environment.
• Solar does not generate pollutants that contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
• Solar energy reduces our country’s dependence on foreign sources of energy.
• Solar energy supports local job growth and local economic growth.
• Solar power systems require minimum maintenance, at most, hosing off a few times during the dry season.
• Solar power systems are adjustable and can be added to when needed to produce more energy.

Disadvantages of Solar Power in California:

• Initial cost can be somewhat high, but even including the cost of financing, a solar power system can save you money on your bills as early as day one.
• Solar roof panels require a large, non-shaded area for installation.
• The efficiency of your solar power system will depend on your location relative to the sun. Some of these issues can be overcome with proper design and solar energy equipment.
• Production can be influenced by unexpected natural weather and other occurrences. With net-metering, you remain connected to your utility at all times after your solar power system is installed. Therefore, during times of reduced production you can continue to draw electricity from your utility.

California solar energy advantages and disadvantages should give you comfort that the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages. Solar energy advantages and disadvantages are affected primarily by natural occurrences, similar to traditional utility resources. These pros and cons provide a good starting place for those considering a solar power project for their home or commercial building.