{"id":7025,"date":"2024-02-22T14:14:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-22T12:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/10-pros-and-cons-of-solar-panels\/"},"modified":"2024-02-22T14:14:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T12:14:55","slug":"10-pros-and-cons-of-solar-panels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/10-pros-and-cons-of-solar-panels\/","title":{"rendered":"10 pros and cons of solar panels"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover the world of solar energy with its benefits and challenges. Save on your energy bills, enjoy independence and increase the value of your home with solar panels. But beware, high costs, aesthetic impact and changing legislation require careful consideration. Find out all about it in this article.   <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><b>Advantages solar panels<\/b><\/h2>\n<h5><strong>Saving money<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the one hand, you will save energy on your energy bill because you won&#8217;t have to pay money to your energy supplier. On the other hand, solar panels also bring money in the long run. You will have recouped the investment after about six to eight years. A positive point about solar panels is also that the sun does not have to shine all the time and daylight is often sufficient.     <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Independent energy<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned earlier, you are no longer dependent on your energy suppliers and therefore not on their fluctuating prices. You generate your own energy so you don&#8217;t have to rely on that outside supplier. <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Environmentally friendly  <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solar panels have no CO2 emissions and therefore do not produce greenhouse gases. You can also easily recycle your solar panels when they need replacing. 90% can be reused so you don&#8217;t have to buy new ones.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Grants &amp; subsidies<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government wants to encourage green energy so that&#8217;s why at the regional level they often give premiums to individuals to motivate them. They want to convince people to make a purchase that can contribute to a greener world.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Property appreciation<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you would like to sell your house later, adding solar panels is definitely an advantage because it increases the value of your home. Therefore, this allows you to raise the asking price. Why does the value increase? You have less monthly expenses and the EPC label is more favorable.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Little wear<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to clean your solar panels regularly, but there is no real wear and tear. There are no moving parts on the panels, which also reduces the chance of this happening.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Quick installation  <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you choose a good company, the solar panels can usually be on your roof within a few days.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Transportable<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you moving? You can also simply take your solar panels with you to your new home. Just make sure you have them reinstalled by a licensed company.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Long lifespan<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solar panels last about 20 to 25 years. This is a long time considering that they pay for themselves within 10 years. So it is a very good long-term investment.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Conscious use<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owners of solar panels tend to be more conscious about their power consumption. This means lower costs and less burden on the environment. In addition, if you generate more energy than you consume, you receive compensation from the power company from the grid for it.    <\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3301\" src=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/OLD-300x169.png\" alt=\"solar panels\" width=\"712\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/OLD-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/OLD-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/OLD-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/OLD-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/OLD.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 712px) 100vw, 712px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Disadvantages of solar panels<\/b><\/h2>\n<h5><strong>High purchase price<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solar panels cost about 250 euros per square meter. For example, if you want to put ten solar panels on your roof, you will spend about 5,000 euros.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Visually less attractive<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A roof often loses its charm with the installation of solar panels. They are not the prettiest things around. In the meantime, make sure they are placed neatly next to each other so that everything definitely looks orderly.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Environmentally polluting materials<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The materials required for the manufacturing process of solar panels are not very environmentally friendly. That same manufacturing process and the recycling of solar panels are also not immediately sustainable.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Decrease in efficiency<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have lower-quality solar panels, they may start to lose value over time. Usually the loss is about 1% per year with quality panels.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Varying legislation<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solar panels remain fairly new so it is also somewhat less familiar territory for the government. Because of this, legislation regarding solar panels does dare to change. So this can create uncertainty.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Not enough power<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If solar panels do not produce enough power, there may be additional costs involved. You will then have to use the general power grid which means new costs. <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Modify meter box<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After installing solar panels, the meter box needs to be adjusted. The installer can often do this for you. If you still have an old meter in your home, it might be a good idea to install a new one right away that no longer requires you to report readings.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Uncertain netting<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned earlier, you get compensation when you generate more electricity than you consume. Only this compensation is quite uncertain. Often the supplier pays you nothing so it&#8217;s best to check this from time to time.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Expensive to maintain<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, solar panel maintenance should not be done often. They recommend it once every four years. Such a maintenance can cost a bit since they subject the panels to a thorough inspection.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Long payback period<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of your solar panels depends on the brand, number of panels and installation costs. The payback period is about six to eight years. This is longer than many other investments, but will bring a greater return after 25 years.    <\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 618px;\" width=\"954\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Advantages<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Disadvantages<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Save money<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High purchase price<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Independent energy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visually less attractive<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmentally friendly<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmentally polluting materials<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premiums &amp; subsidies<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decrease in return<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property value increase<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing legislation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Little wear<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Too little current<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick installation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modify meter box<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Movable <\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncertain netting<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long lifespan<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expensive to maintain<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conscious use<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long payback period<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Solar panels: yes or no?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After considering the various pros and cons, the question arises: is it worth installing solar panels?  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons, taking into account individual circumstances, budget, and long-term goals. For some, solar panels may be a worthwhile investment, while others may prefer other options. Consider seeking professional advice and doing thorough research before making a decision on whether or not to install solar panels. We are already fans!   <\/span><\/p>\n<p>On your way to an energy-efficient home?  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/groene-lening\/\">Then take out a green loan!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3299\" src=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Banner-Appartement-10-Verplichte-attesten-bij-de-verkoop-van-je-huis-of-appartement-keuring-300x169.png\" alt=\"solar panels\" width=\"745\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Banner-Appartement-10-Verplichte-attesten-bij-de-verkoop-van-je-huis-of-appartement-keuring-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Banner-Appartement-10-Verplichte-attesten-bij-de-verkoop-van-je-huis-of-appartement-keuring-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Banner-Appartement-10-Verplichte-attesten-bij-de-verkoop-van-je-huis-of-appartement-keuring-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Banner-Appartement-10-Verplichte-attesten-bij-de-verkoop-van-je-huis-of-appartement-keuring-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Banner-Appartement-10-Verplichte-attesten-bij-de-verkoop-van-je-huis-of-appartement-keuring.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 745px) 100vw, 745px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zonnepanelen-gids.be\/zonnepanelen-voordelen-en-nadelen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">zonnepanelen-gids.be<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zonnepanelen-info.be\/voordelen-en-nadelen-van-zonnepanelen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">zonnepanelen-info.be<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vastelastenbond.nl\/zonnepanelen\/voor-en-nadelen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">vastelastenbond.nl<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the world of solar energy with its benefits and challenges. Save on your energy bills, enjoy independence and increase the value of your home with solar panels. But beware, high costs, aesthetic impact and changing legislation require careful consideration. Find out all about it in this article. Advantages solar panels Saving money On the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":5890,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1150],"tags":[2508,2324,2169,2505,2506],"class_list":["post-7025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration-en","tag-ecological","tag-energy-saving-tips","tag-save-energy","tag-solar-panels","tag-sustainable"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7025","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7025"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7025\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7025"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7025"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7025"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}