As clean, sustainable energy sources become increasingly in demand, solar energy has emerged as the dominant presence. Whether on residential rooftops or on utility scale solar farms, harnessing the power of sunlight and creating electricity has never been more attractive. Of course, every source of energy has its advantages and disadvantages. How much trust can we put in the sun to carry us into the future?
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What Are the Benefits of Solar Energy?
Solar energy has many benefits that make it one of the most viable renewable energy sources available today.
Renewable, Sustainable Energy Source
Solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. The sun shines down on the earth, providing approximately 173,000 terawatts of energy every second — more energy than the total combined energy use of the world (which is estimated to be a little over 10,000 terawatts). Unlike fossil fuels, we won’t “run out” of sunlight in our lifetime; therefore solar energy can be viewed as a sustainable energy source, (which probably can’t be said of any fossil fuels).
In states such as Arizona, where there are a lot of sunny days, communities are engaging this endless energy source even more by putting solar panels on their homes, schools, and shopping malls!
Reduction of Electric Bills
The reduction of monthly electric bills is one of the first benefits noticed by consumers.
Depending on the place of residence and energy consumption, an average residential homeowner in the U.S. can save between $10,000 and $30,000 for the entire lifetime of the solar system.
Solar panels also protect consumers against rising utility rates, providing some financial stability that many find attractive.
Wondering how solar installations are likely to affect your electric costs? Check out our Solar Panel Calculator to find out how much you could be saving.
Low Maintenance Costs
Solar systems are very durable, and they require very little maintenance for their 25 to 30 year lifespan.
Generally speaking, when having a professional come to check on the system every so often and having the system cleaned when necessary are all that is needed.
Inverters may need to be changed out after around 10 to 15 years, but prices are decreasing based on technological advances.
Technological Advances Improving Efficiency
Today’s solar panels are not the same as the panels made a decade ago.
Monocrystalline solar panels are now able to achieve upwards of 23% efficiency if they are commercial models, which is the highest level recorded to date.
New technologies like bifacial panels (which utilize sunlight hitting the solar panel on both sides) and solar roof tiles are making developments, and unlocking new levels of efficiency.
If you want to learn more about the new panel options available today, read our guide on Types of Solar Panels.
What Are the Disadvantages of Solar Energy?
Solar energy has its disadvantages as well.
High Initial Installation Costs
The costs of installing a solar energy system in your home can be anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000, pre-tax credits or incentive.
Even with great rebates given in a lot of areas, financing or paying for a system is still a struggle for a lot of residences.
Luckily, solar is getting more popular quickly, so options like solar leasing and community solar are making the process easier and easier to access.
Weather Dependent Performance
The cloud coverage, rain, or snow on the horizon or in the area also affects the amount of solar energy produced.
If it is a cloudy day or it is the middle of a snowstorm, performance might lower dramatically. Although newer solar panels are improving in low-light efficiency, seasonal and regional weather are still a big consideration when planning for installation.
Space Considerations for Solar Panels
The more energy you need, the more panels you will need — and the more space you will require.
Large commercial and utility-scale solar farms require substantial amounts of space and it’s easy for land priority for agriculture vs. solar land use to become a contentious issue.
One new concept is to install solar canopies over parking lots or to incorporate solar into the design of commercial buildings to maximize limited space.
Environmental Impact of Producing Solar Panels
Although solar panels are a clean energy source, the impacts of production can be costly for the environment.
There are impacts related to mining some of the minerals, including silicon, silver, and rare earth metals.
Manufacturing solar panels also requires energy, which may be from a non-renewable energy source.
However, the solar panel industry is advancing quickly to more environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and designs which allow for recycling to minimize long-term effects.
How Does Solar Energy Compare with Other Renewable Energy Sources?
It is helpful to compare solar energy with the other renewable energy sources, and it will be useful to see how solar stacks up against alternatives.
Solar Energy vs Wind Energy
| Factor | Solar Energy | Wind Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Residential installations are easier; location isn’t limited to specific wind conditions. | Wind turbines require specific wind conditions (property must provide strong, consistent wind). |
| Output Predictability | Affected by the seasons and weather, causing variability. | Energy production can be highly intermittent. |
| Space Usage Need | Rooftop solar requires moderate space; utility projects require moderate land. | Wind turbines require much larger land footprints. |
While wind turbines typically generate more energy per unit, residential installations for solar energy can be easier and more accessible.
Want to take a deeper dive into wind power? Check out our article about The Role of Wind Energy in the Fight Against Climate Change.
Solar vs Hydro Power
Hydropower is a tried, tested, and dependable high-output renewable source. However, geographic limits and often immense ecological impacts (including wetlands degrading and river life ceasing to exist) pose significant challenges for hydro energy.
Solar can be deployed nearly anywhere with adequate sunlight and has the potential for distributed and scalable solutions.
Solar Energy in 2025 and Beyond
While the future is bright for solar energy, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptionally bright year.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that solar PV will represent 60% of all new renewable energy capacity additions in 2025.
Costs continue to decline, as efficiencies and storage-related technologies are improving at a significant pace.
Coming technological breakthroughs, such as perovskite solar cells, appear poised to deliver cheaper, lighter, and smaller panels — very likely changing the solar energy sector within the next few years.
On many levels, extracting energy from the sun feels almost like recapturing an ancient and original connection — using the sun that gives us life on this planet to help secure a clearer future and greater energy independence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is solar energy really worth it in 2025?
Yes, because installation costs are dropping, efficiency is improving, and electricity prices are rising, solar energy has proven to be positive for homeowners and businesses, both environmentally and financially.
How long do solar panels last?
Generally, a panel will have a warranty of 25–30 years, but a number of panels still perform above average after that time.
What are the biggest challenges for solar adoption at this time?
Currently high upfront costs, limited space, and reliance on sunlight are the biggest challenges, but technological advances are continuously being made to alleviate those constraints.
Can solar energy be stored for night?
Yes. Battery technologies, such as the Tesla Powerwall and other units, allow homes to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or during outages.
How does solar power help fight climate change?
Solar power helps address climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. On a large scale, solar energy use helps reduce billions of tons of CO₂ emissions each year while moving us closer to a low carbon economy.
