Cons of Solar Panels

Solar energy is being touted as a major renewable energy force, but there are cons with just about everything if you look hard enough. In this article, we look at the cons of solar panels.

Solar power is a subject that is unique when it comes to energy in that the discussion of the technology is so very humorous. The current administration in the White House is pro solar, but practically every previous administration was not or only paid lip service to the topic. At the same time, however, said government has long used solar to power everything in space from satellites to the space station, while also incorporating solar panels into many military installations. Why? Because solar panels work if you can get over two cons.


Price is always the starting point when discussing the cons of solar panels. Going solar will slash your utility bill and pay for itself many times over during the life of your system. The problem, however, is buying and installing that system. There are a wide variety of government financial benefits, but all require that you buy new panels and have them professionally installed. This means you can expect to spend $20,000 and up to go solar. There are now systems being put in place across the country that help with this cost, but it is still a sizeable figure.

The look of solar panels is another of the key cons. Picture a solar panel in your mind. What did you think of? I’ll be it was a big bulky dark blue panel on the roof a home. This is your traditional silicone solar panel and there is no denying it is probably not going to win any fashion contests. Even this area, however, is now changing. One of the areas that is getting a ton of development in solar power is the panel system itself. There are now thin film solar panels that look much better. There are solar shingles that look exactly like traditional roof shingles, but produce energy. This is a trend that will continue.



Are there any other cons of solar panels? Generally, there really are not. Solar produces no waste, makes no noise and is generally “idiot proof” which means even I can use it without any fuss!

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