It has never been a better time to go solar. Today, let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a solar power system and show you how to access cheaper, reliable and clean energy.
Advantages of Using a Solar Power System
Having a solar power system comes with many benefits. Here are some of them:
Decreasing Cost - The continued decrease in solar prices is opening up the world of solar power to more and more individuals and businesses. In many parts of the world, solar power is now cheaper than power obtained from the grid.
Low maintenance - Solar power systems are comparatively low-maintenance. All that is required is replacement of the inverter and batteries (if you’re using batteries) once every 5 to 10 years, hosing down the solar panels with water or wiping them off with a clean cloth every six to 12 months, and checking for damaged cables once or twice a year.
Environment-friendly - According to the Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market (the “Finkel Review”), solar is one of the most environment-friendly sources of electricity. Looking at the Emissions Intensity Table in the Finkel Review (see Appendix B, p203), it is clear to see solar and other renewables are the best choice for environmentally-friendly energy.
If you want to be able to contribute to reducing carbon emissions, solar energy is the way to go.
Disadvantages of Using a Solar Power System
Reliance on sunlight. The sun does not shine all the time. When the sun goes down at the end of the day, when the clouds come, or if there are trees or buildings blocking the sun, then the solar panels can’t produce power.
System Cost. The installation of a solar power system requires you to effectively buy your energy upfront.
How to Address Solar Power Issues
Although solar power systems may have some disadvantages, there are easy and affordable ways to address them to ensure that you will not miss out on the benefits that they bring.
Reliance on sunlight. The decrease in solar energy supply during low sun light hours can be easily remedied by purchasing batteries that can store excess energy generated by the system and reserve it for later use.
System Cost. The good news is solar power systems are now cheaper than ever and can generate solar energy that is competitive in price with traditional energy sources. One cost-effective way to obtain solar power for your business is to sign up for a Solar Power Purchase Agreement of Solar PPA.
What is a Solar PPA?
A Solar PPA is an agreement wherein a solar PPA provider designs, installs, operates, and maintains a solar power system on the client’s premises at no upfront cost to the client. The client, in return, only pays for the solar energy generated by the system at a rate that is typically lower than what they would have paid for electricity obtained from the grid.
Solar PPAs typically last between 10 to 20 years. As the operation and maintenance of the solar power system is entirely managed by the Solar PPA provider, the client does not have to worry about the periodic inspection and replacement of components.
Also, because Solar PPAs allows clients to lock in energy rates at a price that is only escalated by CPI, Solar PPAs provide clients with additional protection from volatile energy price increases.
Learn More About Solar PPAs
Energy Terrain offers several Solar PPA plans that you can choose from depending on the energy needs of your business. We also offer solar financing schemes and buyout options if you would like more control over your solar power system.
Get in touch with our Sales team today and we will ensure you have the highest quality system available at the most affordable price.
About Energy Terrain
Energy Terrain is a solar and energy storage solutions founded in 2017. We serve the solar needs of the commercial and industrial sector by way of Solar PPAs, Solar Power System Financing plans, and Buy Outright schemes.
References:
Henbest, S 2018 , Henbest: Power System Will Dance to Tune of Wind, Solar, Batteries Bloomberg NEF, 25 July, viewed 12 December 2018. <https://about.bnef.com/blog/henbest-power-system-will-dance-tune-wind-solar-batteries/>.
Energy Saving Trust 2018 , Solar Inverters, Energy Saving Trust, n.d. , viewed 12 December 2018. <http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/reports/Solar%20inverters.pdf>.
Meehan, C 2017, What are solar batteries? Does my PV system need them? Solar Estimate, 28 Sep, viewed 12 December 2018 <https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/is-solar-battery-storage-worth-it-given-current-solar-battery-cost>.
Finkel, A, Moses, K, Munro, C, Effeney T, O’Kane, M, 2017 Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Government, June, viewed 12 December 2018
Energy Source & Distribution, 2017 More than 240 power outages in Australia last year, Energy Source & Distribution, 31 March, viewed 12 December 2018,
Baldwin, K. 2017, Renewables will be cheaper than coal in the future. Here are the numbers, The Conversation, 27 September, viewed 12 December 2018,
Energy Terrain, 2018, What is a Solar PPA? Energy Terrain, 25 August, viewed 12 December 2018 <https://www.energyterrain.com.au/post/what-is-a-solar-ppa>.