Home Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages

Solar energy has become one of the most common forms of renewable energy. Over the past several decades, sun-powered energy generation has become more affordable and accessible than ever, allowing more people to switch from traditional fossil fuel-based power to clean, eco-friendly forms that support the Earth’s delicate resources while saving money. 
Explore the pros and cons of solar power below and see why the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, making solar an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create a more sustainable lifestyle.

Before understanding solar energy's advantages and disadvantages, we must first learn how it works. Solar panels capture sunlight using photovoltaic cells, which contain semiconducting materials that release electrons when struck by sunlight’s photons and produce an electric current. Then, the panels convert the light directly into DC electricity. This DC electricity is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity through the system’s inverter, making it compatible with your home’s electrical system. 

A solar energy system can be grid-tied or off-grid, allowing you to return excess energy to the grid or utilise storage options to save excess energy at night or during outages.

Solar energy comes with many advantages, from long-term savings to earth-friendly impacts.

One of the most intriguing reasons homeowners switch to solar is the consistent reduction in monthly electricity bills. Solar system equipment requires an initial investment, but after that, the solar panels generate free electricity, providing years of low-cost power. Depending on your energy consumption and location, a solar system will pay for itself within 5 to 10 years through these ongoing savings.

Another attractive reason to go solar is the emissions-free electricity that does not release greenhouse gases or other pollutants. The energy gathered from the sun is not a fossil fuel; it is a renewable, clean resource that protects the Earth and reduces your carbon footprint.

If you want a better illustration of the impact switching to sun-powered energy makes, think of it this way: the average system offsets around 900 kg of carbon dioxide each year, equivalent to driving a car for 5,500 kilometres. Over its lifetime, that’s a total of 137,500 km. It’s a significant difference.

The sun is one of our most abundant energy resources. It delivers more energy to Earth in an hour than humanity could use in a year. Solar energy is infinitely renewable and available virtually anywhere, making whole-home solutions like the EcoFlow Home Battery a sustainable solution for long-term energy needs. This system leverages the full extent of sun-generated electricity, storing power over time to ensure you can still run your home even on cloudy days or during evenings.

Photovoltaic panels, inverters, and other equipment are easy to install and require minimal ongoing maintenance. If you already have a rooftop panel array, installing something like the EcoFlow PowerOcean DC Fit is even easier and can be retrofitted to existing setups. Professional installation can happen in as little as a day. To keep your solar system in good health, it only needs occasional cleaning to remove dust and debris.

Solar technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with modern panels reaching efficiency rates as high as 20-22%. This is a significant jump from a decade ago, when panels could only provide around 12-15% efficiency. This difference equates to more power generation from the same roof space, making solar more viable for more people.

In the UK, you can leverage government incentives to reduce the initial cost of solar power equipment. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), for example, is a scheme that allows you to sell back excess electricity to the grid and earn additional income. Other opportunities include the Warm Homes: Local Grant, available in England, for those on a low income or living in a particular area.

Properties with solar installations built-in can sell faster and at higher prices than similar non-solar homes. One UK study showed that solar-powered homes sold at a premium of more than 6% more than the average selling price. This creates immediate equity and increases the incentives to invest in solar energy equipment.

While solar’s advantages are quite compelling, as with anything in life, it’s not without drawbacks. Critics of this electricity generation source will point out the high initial costs associated with the equipment, the reliance on sunny weather, the additional costs of energy storage, and the aesthetics once installed on the home.

Despite prices becoming more accessible than ever, the upfront investment for solar equipment remains significant for many homeowners. A typical residential system can cost from £5,375 to £13,425, with variations based on the size of the system, the pitch and complexity of your roof, and additional features like storage batteries. For larger homes with high energy consumption, premium whole-home solutions like the EcoFlow Power Ocean (Three-Phase) come at a high price point. However, it’s an advanced system that integrates flawlessly with three-phase electrical configurations standard in larger homes, delivering long-term value through increased efficiency and capacity. Long-term savings will help offset this cost, but the initial down payment may prohibit some homeowners from investing.

This type of energy production also relies on sunny weather. Seasonal changes and cloudy days, which the UK is known to have, reduce energy generation. Shorter winter days also minimise solar production, and this is a time when energy needs are often the highest. This is certainly something to consider, but the efficiency of most modern systems can still provide significant electricity. Even if it doesn’t cover the household’s energy needs, it can supplement grid energy to save money each month.

Traditional solar panels impact the home's appearance, especially if visible from the curb. Some homeowners may find this look unappealing. However, new designs offer low-profile setups—there are also solar roof tiles now, which create a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Storage allows you to maximise your solar power by storing any excess energy you can use at night or when the clouds are out. However, battery systems add significant costs to the installation. They can add anywhere from £3,000 to £10,000 on top of already hefty fees. It’s crucial to weigh the additional investment against the benefits of increased energy independence and backup power.

To get the most value from your investment, you’ll need to optimise your home’s efficiency, prioritise placement for maximum sun exposure, and consider getting a storage battery.

Before going solar, you can reduce your home’s energy consumption by upgrading insulation and appliances. You may also want to integrate money-saving habits like turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging electronics when not in use.

When installing your system, place it where it will get the most sun exposure. Consider an array slightly larger than you need to accommodate future additions like electric vehicles.
You should also seriously consider getting a battery to store extra energy to utilise your system's full breadth and depth. This battery will hold on to excess power that you can’t use during the day so that you can tap into it later at night, on cloudy days, or during grid outages.

The most significant advantages of solar energy are the long-term cost savings on monthly electricity bills and the environmental impact of using a clean, renewable energy source that does not produce toxic emissions. The initial investment can be recouped after a few years, and the system provides decades of reduced electricity costs.

Opting for solar power offers a strong portfolio of benefits for homeowners. You’ll see a cut in your energy bills, your home may see an increased value, and you’ll reduce (or eliminate) your reliance on the grid. Additionally, you’ll be cutting carbon emissions, which is excellent news for the planet.

While the upfront costs (i.e., the primary drawback) of switching to solar can be high, the advantages of solar energy far outweigh the cons. You’ll benefit from a reduced carbon footprint, lower energy bills, and increased property value—in short, solar energy offers long-term value, plus significant financial and environmental benefits.

Investing in solar energy for your home, such as the EcoFlow PowerOcean (Single-Phase) home battery, has many advantages. You will save on monthly electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint, leverage clean, renewable energy that’s safe for the planet, increase your home’s value, and access increased efficiency and potential government savings. 
If you’ve considered making the switch, take this as a sign to invest in solar energy today.