Introduction

In today's present economical and environmental climate, it is evident that both are not performing as well as they could be. With this being said, it's crucial that alternative methods to the ones we have now are discussed, in hopes of turning declining trends around. Among these methods are the various power sources we use as a whole, and concepts we can use to make the switch from the damaging use of fossil fuels, to renewable energy sources. The use of solar panels is one that many people are debating, and some already are implementing. While there is some controversy around the topic and concerns, further inspection of the methodology allows members to see that the use of solar panels serves many benefits to the nation, both environmentally, and economically.

The Positives and Negatives

The use of solar panels provides many benefits, the most obvious one being the fact that it is a renewable energy source, one that is a lot better for the environment than the burning of fossil fuels. Indirectly, because of this, the air quality and the health of humans improves as well, since the air we are consuming is more clean.

Some concerns people express is the notion that since solar panels use the sun's energy, they will only work in the morning, which leads to inconveniences. However, contrary to popular belief, solar panels can be used to power things at all times of the day, because of the ability to take the suns energy in the morning, and store it for use later in the day. Other "negatives" people express in regards to solar panel use, is the fact that they don't like the way it looks on their house, however, once normalized, everyone will become used to it, and finding it visually unappealing could cease.

Cost

When it comes to how many solar panels to power a house, answers can vary, but a typical sized house in America needs about sixteen solar panels to function normally. This rounds out 10-16 thousand dollars to purchase and install the panels initially. While this amount seems costly, and may turn individuals off to the idea, it should be noted that this can in many cases be a sort of one time payment. Maintenance for solar panels is very insignificant, meaning most can go years before needing an additional work done. On average, a family will save $3000 a year from electrical bills, by the use of solar panels.

Other Economic Impacts

With normalization of solar panels also comes many other benefits to the economy. This can be seen most evidently in the number of jobs it will create. Solar panel installation and maintenance is a growing market, and depending on what level of work one may be in, workers can get paid anywhere from sixteen to thirty dollars an hour. After obtaining a license online, one can start the work, so this career is one that is easy for people without college education to get into.

In addition to installation, many careers revolving around studying and improving solar energy are created as well. In 2010, 93,000 people were employed in the solar panel energy, and that number jumped to 340,000 as of 2019. Solar panel use not only improves the environment, but helps put more money in the hands of the general public as well.

Conclusion

Overall, the implementation of solar energy in the daily life of humans serves many benefits. While it is a completely renewable energy source, it can also save people lots of money in the long run. Though the first time payments may be a bit costly, in the end, the use of solar energy proves to be more cost effective, and beneficial in totality.