Solar energy as a new green, clean and sustainable energy source is now becoming more and more popular and the cost of installing solar panels is decreasing every year.
In recent years, the combination of solar panels and small houses has become increasingly popular, and in fact solar panels are indeed the most suitable for powering houses, as they have no environmental limitations, and as long as the sun is shining, they can produce a steady stream of cheap and clean electricity.
Solar panels for small houses have some environmental and economic advantages, but there are also some potential drawbacks. I’m going to take you through the pros and cons of solar panels for tiny houses.
Advantages of solar panels for small houses
1. Protect the environment. Solar energy is a green energy source. Compared with fossil fuels, solar energy can effectively reduce the carbon footprint and carbon dioxide emissions, which is conducive to protecting the environment.
2. Storing electricity. By installing a solar system, you can store the excess power converted every day through solar battery. Even if something happens to the power grid, you don’t have to worry about it.
3. High applicability. Unlike wind power or hydro power, which require a specific environment to generate electricity, solar power can generate electricity by installing solar panels wherever there is sunlight.
4. Reduce electricity bills. Electricity is always an indispensable and large expense in the monthly bill, which can be effectively reduced by installing solar panels to generate electricity. Normally, a 3kw solar power system can power most small homes, and this system can save about $500 a year. If you install an off-grid solar power system, you can even live completely off-grid, no longer needing the grid to supply energy, realizing power self-sufficiency and getting rid of the grid bill completely.
5. Increase home value. Installing a solar power system will increase the value of your home, if at some point in the future, you need to sell your home. If at some point in the future you need to sell your house, then a house with a solar power system installed will sell better and be worth more.
6. Solar panels are simple and durable. Unlike wind power or hydroelectric power, which requires not only a specific environment, but also the installation of complex equipment, solar panels are easy to install and durable. Solar panels are simple to install and durable. Solar panels rarely fail or break down, making them one of the most reliable sources of energy.
7. Policy subsidies. There are tax incentives available for installing solar systems in some areas, which will reduce your investment costs.
8. Provide a return on investment. Installing a solar energy system requires a significant cost in the beginning. But don’t worry, after installing a solar system, you will get a return on your investment every year in the future. It takes about 4 to 5 years to pay back your money if you don’t install solar cells and about 6 to 7 years if you do. And solar panels can last at least 50 years or more, and once you get through the payback period, you’ll get a return every year after that.
Disadvantages of solar panels for powering small houses
1. Higher initial investment cost. Despite the fact that the price of solar panels has been dropping year after year because of technological advances. But the price of installing a complete solar system is still not expensive.
2. Unstable power supply. Solar panels only generate electricity when there is sunlight, and at night or on cloudy days the amount of electricity generated will be reduced or even not generated. Of course, this problem can be solved by installing enough solar cells, but this will bring higher costs.
3. Adequate roof space is required. Solar panels require sufficient roof space for installation, but small houses may not have enough roof space. In this case, the choice is either to install more efficient solar panels or to install portable solar panels. Either option means a higher cost.
4. Inverter placement issues. The inverter is an important part of the solar power system and its installation requires some space. Small houses have small indoor spaces, just enough for normal living, and there is no space to place the inverter. Also, the inverter emits a low humming sound while working and placing it in the house can be annoying. So the inverter should only be placed in a box outside. In addition to this, please note that the inverter should not be exposed to sunlight for a long time and the box should be placed facing north.
5. Maintenance cost. Solar power systems need regular maintenance to work better, which may bring some repair costs.
6. Safety hazards. Solar panels are mounted on the roof, if they are not mounted securely or the fixing brackets are old and rusty, the solar panels may be blown down when the wind blows.
Conclusion
These are the pros and cons of solar panels to power a tiny house, and on the whole, the combination of solar panels and tiny houses has more pros than cons. If you live in a small house, then installing a solar power system will undoubtedly bring a lot of convenience to your life. I hope my summary can give you some help.
