What are the Benefits of Installing Solar Panels? An Explanation of the Surprisingly Unknown Disadvantages!

In recent years, due to rising electricity costs, increased environmental awareness, and the need for disaster preparedness, more people have become interested in installing solar panels.

Among those reading this article, there are likely many who are thinking, “I want to install solar panels at home”.

Therefore, this time, we will explain in detail the benefits of installing solar panels at home, as well as some lesser-known disadvantages.

If you have questions like “How effective are solar panels, really?” be sure to check this out.

What are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy.

They are often installed on rooftops or carports, capturing sunlight to generate electricity, which is then converted into alternating current that can be used in homes. The electricity generated can not only be used in daily life but any surplus can also be sold to power companies.

In Japan today, the introduction of systems like the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) has facilitated the spread of residential solar power generation.

Benefits of Installing Solar Panels

The benefits of installing solar panels at home are as follows:

・Can reduce electricity costs
・Serves as an emergency power source during disasters
・Potential to earn income from selling electricity
・Relatively low maintenance effort
・Increases comfort in daily life
・Environmentally friendly
・Possibility of utilizing subsidies

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Can Reduce Electricity Costs

Previously, it was common to purchase all the electricity used from power companies. However, by installing solar panels, you can generate electricity at home, thereby reducing the amount purchased from the power company.

This effect is particularly noticeable for households that use a lot of electricity during the day or for the increasingly popular all-electric homes. While there is a certain initial cost associated with installing solar panels, the reduction in monthly electricity bills can make it cost-effective in the long run.

Serves as an Emergency Power Source During Disasters

Being able to serve as an emergency power source during disasters is another benefit of installing solar panels. By utilizing the self-sustaining function, you can use up to 1500W of power from dedicated outlets during the day when the sun is shining.

This makes it easier to secure essential services during emergencies, such as charging smartphones, powering computers, and lighting. Additionally, if you have a storage battery, you can use the stored electricity even after the sun has set.

Potential to Earn Income from Selling Electricity

It’s not guaranteed that you will use all the electricity generated by solar panels every day. Some may wonder, “Isn’t it a waste if I generate a lot but don’t use it?”

However, there’s no need to worry about that. This is because any surplus electricity generated can be sold to power companies. Especially in the first ten years after installation, you can expect stable income from selling electricity through the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system, which guarantees a fixed price for the electricity sold.

By selling electricity, you can recover part of the equipment costs, which helps alleviate the burden of the initial investment.

Relatively Low Maintenance Effort

To maximize the effectiveness of solar panels, regular maintenance is important. However, solar panels have no moving parts, so they generally have few malfunctions, meaning you don’t need to conduct large-scale maintenance frequently. By performing regular inspections and cleaning, you can avoid critical failures and issues, allowing for operation with reduced effort and costs.

Increases Comfort in Daily Life

By installing solar panels, the comfort of your life will increase.

This is because you will be able to use electricity without hesitation. Of course, being conscious of energy conservation is important, but it is not advisable to endure or force yourself to save on electricity costs. If solar panels can generate a portion of the electricity used at home, you will be able to use air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter without worry, thus improving your quality of life.

Environmentally Friendly

To achieve a comfortable living, it is essential for each individual to engage in efforts that are conscious of environmental conservation.

For example, if the installation and operation of solar panels emit substances or gases that lead to environmental destruction, it defeats the purpose. However, solar power generation is a clean energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.

Additionally, it does not produce secondary pollution such as noise, vibration, or waste. Solar power generation is a system that is gentle on the environment, life, and household finances.

Possible to Utilize Subsidies

The national and local governments also recommend the introduction of solar power generation, which has various attractive features. In recent years, systems have emerged that subsidize or assist with the costs associated with the installation of solar panels, allowing you to install them at a lower cost by utilizing such systems.

The details and conditions of the subsidies vary by region and year, but it is undoubtedly a beneficial system.

Disadvantages of Installing Solar Panels

While solar panels have various attractive features, there are also disadvantages such as the following.

・High initial costs
・Power generation is affected by weather conditions
・Batteries are needed to store electricity
・Regular maintenance is required
・A suitable installation location must be secured

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

High Initial Costs

Installing solar panels incurs significant costs.

The costs vary depending on the installation location, the number of panels, and the contractor you choose, but generally, it requires more than 1,000,000 yen, so caution is necessary. However, by utilizing subsidies or creating a plan that fits your budget, it can become easier to manage costs.

Moreover, it will likely reduce your monthly electricity bills, and there is also the possibility of earning income from selling electricity, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

(*Internal link recommended for solar power generation costs)

Power Generation is Affected by Weather Conditions

Solar panels are equipment that converts sunlight into electricity. This means that they cannot generate power if the sun is not shining. On sunny days, they can generate a lot of electricity, but during rainy or cloudy days, the power generation decreases. Additionally, the efficiency of power generation varies depending on the region and installation angle, so planning that takes weather conditions into account is necessary.

Batteries are Needed to Store Electricity

To store the electricity generated by solar panels, batteries are necessary. By utilizing batteries, you can prepare for rainy or cloudy days when power generation decreases. Furthermore, during nighttime when solar power generation is not functioning, you can use the electricity generated during the day, leading to reduced electricity costs and improved living conditions.

However, batteries can be very expensive, and the installation costs may become a hurdle.

Regular Maintenance is Required

Solar panels do not have moving parts, so they do not require frequent large-scale maintenance. However, regular inspections are important to extend their lifespan. By early detection and addressing issues such as dirt on the panels or loose connections, you can prevent performance degradation and troubles.

Maintenance of solar panels cannot be done by yourself, so you will generally need to hire a contractor. In that case, maintenance costs will naturally apply, so be sure to check in advance.

A Suitable Installation Location Must Be Secured

To install solar panels, a certain area and a location with good sunlight exposure are necessary. Many people might envision the roofs of residential homes when they hear this. Indeed, the roofs of single-family homes often have a sufficient area and good sunlight exposure, making them suitable for solar panel installation. However, depending on the roof’s area and shape, there may be cases where sufficient power generation cannot be expected, so if you have concerns, it is advisable to consult a professional contractor.

Points to Consider When Installing Solar Panels

The points to consider when installing solar panels are as follows:

・Hire a reliable contractor
・Check for available subsidies
・Compare and consider from a long-term perspective

Let’s take a closer look at each point.

Hire a reliable contractor

Solar panels are intended for long-term use of over 10 years.

Moreover, the power generation can vary significantly depending on the installation angle and method, so it is crucial to carefully select the contractor you hire for the installation. If you hire a contractor with limited experience or knowledge, you may encounter issues such as construction defects, so please be cautious.

When choosing a contractor, it is recommended to compare and consider not only the costs but also the proposals, track record, availability of warranties, and after-sales service while obtaining multiple estimates.

Check for available subsidies

Installing and operating solar panels can incur high costs.

It can be somewhat challenging to cover all these expenses with your own funds. Many people may hesitate to install or operate solar panels due to financial concerns.

To install solar panels at a lower cost, it is advisable to take advantage of programs offered by the national or local government. However, the subsidies and grant programs available for solar panel installation can vary by municipality and year, so be sure to check in advance for any programs you can utilize.

Compare and consider from a long-term perspective

If you are unsure whether to install solar panels, consider comparing and evaluating from a long-term perspective.

As mentioned earlier, the installation of solar panels involves significant costs, which may lead you to feel that “the cost performance is poor” when viewed in the short term.

However, by installing solar panels, you can save on monthly electricity bills, sell excess electricity, and store power in preparation for emergencies, which may result in greater long-term benefits. If you only judge based on immediate costs and efforts, you may miss out on the true value and appeal, so think in terms of a long-term span of 10 or 20 years.

If you are considering installing solar panels, please consult Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

Our company handles a wide range of exterior renovations, including solar panels, roof work, and exterior wall work in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. We have received requests from many customers, including renovation companies and real estate agencies, who have contacted us!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. promises “high-quality renovations at low costs”, and we have received positive feedback from numerous customers. We continue to update our construction performance each year and will strive to improve quality to satisfy even more customers in the future.

“I want to know about recommended solar panels“, “I want to keep costs as low as possible“, “I just want an estimate for now“, and other specific requests will be met with optimal solutions. We will never propose unnecessary work focused on profit!
We always stand in the customer’s position and will propose the best construction plan!

We are confident that we won’t be outdone by other companies in terms of cost, quality, and planning for exterior construction!
We welcome competitive estimates as we are confident in our services!

Summary

Solar panels are devices that convert solar light energy into electricity.

In recent years, due to rising electricity costs and increased environmental awareness, more households are installing solar panels on their roofs.

By installing solar panels, you can enjoy various benefits, such as savings on electricity bills.

Of course, there are disadvantages, such as the initial costs, but when viewed in the long term, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks, so let’s compare and consider over a medium to long-term span.

Additionally, to install solar panels, you need to find a reliable contractor.

However, there are several contractors nationwide that handle solar panel installations, which can make it difficult to decide where to seek advice.

In such cases, feel free to consult with “Kakeru Koumuten” which has extensive experience in solar panel installations.

Consultations via LINE are also very welcome◎

For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.

One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!