I have been following a post on Wiki Answers for a while on the advantages and disadvantages of solar power and wanted to share the results. The discussion started a while ago and has had a lot of feedback. Here are the results.
Advantages:
- Solar power is pollution-free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted after installation
- Reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels
- Renewable clean power that is available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce some power
- Return on investment unlike paying for utility bills
- Virtually no maintenance as solar panels last over 30 years
- Creates jobs by employing solar panel manufacturers, solar installers, etc. and in turn helps the economy
- Excess power can be sold back to the power company if the grid inner tied
- Ability to live grid free if all power generated provides enough for the home/building
- Can be installed virtually anywhere; in a field to on a building
- Use batteries to store extra power for use at night
- Solar can be used to heat water, power homes and buildings, even power cars
- Safer than traditional electric current
- Efficiency is always improving so the same size solar that is available today will become more efficient tomorrow
- Aesthetics are improving making the solar more versatile compared to older models; i.e. printing, flexible, solar shingles, etc.
- Federal grants, tax incentives, and rebate programs are available to help with initial costs
- No trenching is needed since the solar can be close to or at the place of installation
