Therefore, I compiled a comprehensive list of solar energy advantages and disadvantages that will enable you to make an educated decision whether on not Solar Power is right for YOU. Solar Energy Advantages

1. Saves you money

• After initial investment has been recovered, energy from sun is practically FREE.
• The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
• Financial incentives are available form government that will reduce your cost.
• If your system produce more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This is called net metering.
• It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
• Solar energy does not require any fuel.
• It's not affected by supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to ever-increasing price of gasoline.
• The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
• The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.

2. Environmentally friendly

• Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
• It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generations does.
• Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
• It actively contributes to decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
• It's generated where it is needed.
• By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to cost and problems of recovery and transportation of fuel or storage of radioactive waste.

3. Independent/ semi-independent

• Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in event of a power outage.
• A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independent, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than supply of utility electricity to a new site.
• The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
• Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.

1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on land

Orientate your living areas to south side of house, which receives most of sun throughout day (north if you live in southern hemisphere).

2. Insulation and draught proofing

Make sure your walls, roof and floors are insulated and fill any gaps where draughts might come through.

3. Ventilation

Position doors and windows opposite each other to allow for a cooling breeze to flow through house when air cool down in evening of a hot summers day.

4. Windows

Windows on south side of house should be bigger to allow more sun to penetrate house during day and windows on north side smaller to prevent heat lost at night.

5. Landscaping

Position trees and plants to direct a cooling breeze into your house, whiles shading it during summer. Plant trees that shed their leave in winter.

6. Shading

Make sure external shading structures are wide enough to block out sun in summer, whiles still allowing low winter sun to enter.

7. Thermal mass

Polished concrete, tile or slate floors and brick walls will absorb heat throughout day and release it slowly at night, reducing need to run expensive heaters. Carpet acts as an insulator and will not retain heat.

Although it’s far easier to achieve passive solar energy for homes during planning stage, you can incorporate many of these elements into an established house without spending a great deal of money or time.