Plexus Energy is all for solar energy and advocates for solar energy. However, we have recognized that there are better fits for everyone, both advantages and disadvantages of going solar.

Solar energy is sustainable and helps you lower your electricity bill, raise your home/property value, reduce your carbon footprint, protect you from rising electricity costs, you know, all the good stuff that would have you dialing us right away.Â

However, it only works for some roofs or properties. It requires a huge up-front investment, and savings can be minimal if your electricity bills are low.Â

Advantages of installing a Solar Power System.Â

• Reduces/Eliminates energy costs, aka electricity bills.Â

Your energy needs will be met with the electricity your solar power will generate. In return, your electricity bills will drop or be eliminated. Music to your ears? Not so fast because how much you save on your bill will depend on the solar system size and your electricity or heat usage. Â

• Improves property/home value.Â

Solar power systems, without a doubt, improve your home value. Real estate agents use this as a selling point, and who wouldn’t want to pay top more for a solar-powered home?Â

• Good Return on Investment.Â

For heavy energy consumers such as factories, manufacturers, and commercial complexes, the ideal type of solar power system would be the Grid-tie (Captive) Solar system, designed to help reduce their electricity bills.Â

A properly sized system with a lifetime of 25 years will have them have an average payback period of 5 years. So that means, from year 6, they are generating savings. It doesn’t get better than that, right?

• Reduces your Carbon footprint.

We are experiencing climate change. Having Solar, a clean, renewable energy source, will help reduce the carbon emissions and greenhouse effects that contribute to climate change. Wouldn’t it be cool to be part of the movement that is saving the planet?

• Strong and favorable government incentives.Â

Solar panels and inverters are duty and VAT-exempt. However, accessories such as cables are taxable. In Kenya, legislation enables you to sell your excess solar energy generated back to the grid. Once implemented, one will see an earlier payback period due to more generated savings.Â

• Low maintenance.Â

With no moving parts, Solar power systems require very minimal maintenance. Only wiping down the panels due to dust accumulation ensures maximum energy generation.Â

• Sustainability.Â

Solar energy’s source is the sun which is constantly replenished. You don’t have to worry about exhausting for future generations. Oil and gas aren’t sustainable as we exhaust sources.

Disadvantages of installing a Solar Power System.Â

• It doesn’t work for every roof type.Â

Some residential homes have roofs that are difficult to install solar panels while others have utilized the space with other utilities.Â

Other properties have too much shading, which isn’t ideal for solar, for we want to maximize the sun’s irradiation.Â

The solution to this problem would be to ground mount the solar panels, but we would need space for that because solar panels take up a lot of space.Â

• Low electricity costs = Low savings.Â

The ultimate goal when installing solar is to reduce our monthly electricity bills and enjoy watching our savings grow.However, that depends on whether you have sizeable bills, to begin with. Check out our previous blog, Six (6) important Things to Consider Before Going Solar.Â

• Upfront Costs can be very high.Â

This disadvantage is very clear. It can be very intimidating, but if you are paying for a25-year plan, it will hurt a little bit.ÂThe good thing is that financiers are available with options that make the deal worth it.Â

• Weather and daytime dependent.Â

Solar energy can be collected during cloudy and rainy days, but the solar system’s efficiency drops. Solar panels are dependent on Sunlight to gather solar energy effectively.Â

When this happens, the system is smart enough to use alternatives or draw from the batteries depending on your installed solar system. At night, residential homes use the energy stored in the batteries.Â

• Wrong installation = bad investment.Â

You would be tempted to install with just anyone because you need to start cutting your energy costs like yesterday. Tread carefully because you need qualified engineers to develop the right solutions and do a good job. Luckily, you’ve stumbled across Plexus Energy Ltd.Â

A poorly installed solar system will cause more problems than solutions. BEWARE!

The table below presents a comparison between the advantages and disadvantages of solar:

CONCLUSION

Is Solar worth the Investment? Solar is worth every shilling you spend; it reduces greenhouse effects and saves you money too! Talk about sleeping well at night!

Would you want a FREE assessment of your solar needs? Contact us atinfo@plexus-energy.co.ke orsales2@plexus-energy.co.ke.Â

Grace Wachira

Technical Sales Engineer

Plexus Energy Ltd.