Are you wondering whether it’s a good idea to become a solar power engineer? Solar panels are on the rise in domestic and commercial applications as a form of renewable energy. But what are the pros and cons of solar power and is renewable energy engineering a good career choice? Keep reading to find out!
Advantages
There has been an introduction of solar panel grants and increasingly competitive prices in the electricity market. This has allowed solar energy to become the primary source of electricity for many families in the UK. Solar energy technology has been developed greatly over the past few years, with solar battery storage systems preventing energy from being wasted. This has made it a more efficient source of green energy. Let’s take a look at some of the main advantages.
Reduces Electricity Bills
Energy bills are sure to drop for those who have solar panels installed. The amount of money saved will depend on the size of the system and the amount of energy you use. Businesses with solar panels installed will see huge benefits as the large system will cover large amounts of their energy bills.
It’s also possible to receive payments for any surplus energy given back to the electrical grid through the Smart Export Guarantee. If there is more energy being produced than is being used, this surplus energy can be sold back to the electrical grid to be used by someone else.
Diverse Applications
You might think that it’s just electricity that can be generated by solar panels, but that’s not the case. Solar panels can generate electricity (photovoltaic) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can produce electricity for those without access to the grid as well as power satellites in space!
You might be used to seeing the standard solar panels on people’s roofs, but this isn’t the only form of solar panel. Advancements have been made to integrate solar technology into the infrastructure of homes. For example, Sharp has created transparent solar windows.
Technology Development
Technological advancements are constantly being made in the solar industry. It looks as though the growth of the solar energy industry will continue for years to come, so now is the perfect time to start your training as a solar power engineer. You can contribute to the development of a clean energy source while being part of an industry that will continue to thrive.
Disadvantages
As with most things, solar energy does come with some negatives. These disadvantages will have more of an impact on those relying on them for power. Although these negatives are minor in comparison to the positives. Read on to learn more about these disadvantages.
Weather Dependent
Energy can be generated by solar panels in cloudy, rainy weather, however, it is less efficient. Ultimately, solar panels rely on the sun to collect energy. This means a reduction in energy collection will be noticed on cloudy days. It’s also worth noting that no energy will be collected during the night when there is no sunlight. Thermodynamic panels can be used when there is little or no sunlight for those who use solar thermal panels to fuel their hot water systems.
Initial Cost
Although money will be saved in the long run, the initial cost of having solar panels installed can be quite high. We can predict that prices will drop in the future, however, as technology advances. As well as this, we previously mentioned solar panel grants, making it less costly to have solar panels installed in the UK. As prices drop and grants continue, being a solar panel engineer is a great position to be in.
Uses a Lot of Space
If you want to produce more energy, you’ll need more solar panels. Solar PV panels can take up a lot of roof space, which might not always be available. If a roof isn’t large enough to hold all of the necessary panels, they can be installed in gardens. It’s important to ensure that the panels have enough exposure to sunlight. This is why roofs are the best place for them. If only a few solar panels can be installed, it will still help energy costs although energy may still need to be bought from the grid.
Become a solar power engineer
Now that you know about the pros and cons of solar panels, you can see that it’s still a great career choice to become a solar power engineer. You’ll have a secure position for years to come while knowing that you’re positively contributing to the development of renewable energy solutions.
Does that sound like something you might be interested in? Get in touch with The Trades College today to discuss your course options and start your training!
