Solar Energy: A Hot Take

Solar energy - what's the word? It is a form of renewable energy that harnesses energy from the sun in order to create electricity. There is a bit of squabble between sides about whether or not it is a viable source of sustainable energy or not.

On the one hand, many argue that the use of solar energy is one of the most sustainable there is because of the excess energy the sun gives off is plenty enough for humans to utilize for electricity. It is an unlimited resource, so it is essentially inexhaustible. It also is a relatively low cost alternative to some other sources of energy that require higher installation and maintenance costs, and is also generally eligible to get rebates from electric companies for whatever portion of your generated electricity that you do not use.

On the other hand, some argue that solar energy is not a viable resource because it is actually much less cost efficient than traditional electricity, even though it requires no tangible resources, because it produces at a lower efficiency than other forms of energy. Another major downside of solar electricity is that (which seems like an obvious point) it does not work at night, or in particularly inclement climates. The final and maybe most important argument against solar electricity, is that it is not the most reliable energy source. Often times people who utilize solar energy are forced to get a back up battery or generator in order to ensure that they don't lose electricity if the solar fails.

Information is a hugely important factor when it comes to deciding whether or not going solar is right for you. There is so much information out there that it is easy to see all sides of the story and make an informed decision for yourself.

Now its up to you to decide: yes or no to solar energy?

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