What Are The Alternatives to Solar Panels?

Did you know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof typically ranges from $17,000 to $23,000? On average, most homeowners pay around $20,000 as the initial payment. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, offering significant long-term savings and energy independence. However, due to the initial long-term investment cost, residents are always looking for alternatives to solar panels.

With the rise in electricity bills all around the United States, more people are inclined towards solar energy, but if the initial long-term investment worries you, then you can check out Jackery Solar Generator. These solar generators are alternatives to solar panels, and with low investment cost, they provide almost similar benefits to you as rooftop installed solar panels.

In this comprehensive guide to finding the best alternatives to solar panels, you will also explore the best alternatives to solar energy and understand the working principles and usage guide of different solar appliances. Additionally, you can also understand how Jackery Solar Generators is the key to saving electricity bills and is an ideal alternative to solar panels.

What Are the Alternatives to Solar Panels?

While rooftop solar panels are a popular choice for harnessing solar energy, they are not the only option available. There are several innovative and cost-effective alternatives that can help you achieve energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint.

Here are the top 7 alternatives to solar panels that would help you save cost and provide similar benefits as the rooftop installed ones:

Community Solar

Community solar programs allow multiple participants to benefit from a single solar array installed offsite. This alternative is ideal for those who cannot install solar panels on their roofs due to space limitations, shading, or ownership issues.

As per the Department of Energy, the federal government has recently launched a LIHEAP program where as many as 40,000 households with low incomes in Illinois, Washington, DC, and New Mexico can benefit from the community solar subscriptions.

Things to Consider: Under community solar programs, participants can subscribe to a portion of the energy produced by the community solar farm and receive credits on their electricity bills.

Cost for Community Solar

Community solar and other commercial installations cost around $1.84 per watt. For instance, let's suppose you purchase an 8% ownership stake in a community solar farm. If the project generates 10,000kWh of energy monthly, you can claim 800kWh toward your next energy bill.

Ground-Mounted Solar System

Unlike roof-mounted solar panels, ground-mounted solar systems are installed on the ground. This is ideal for those who have ample land space to dedicate to solar system installations. The best part of ground-mounted solar systems is that they can be positioned in different areas for optimal sun exposure, potentially increasing energy production.

Things to Consider: Ground-mounted solar systems would require more space and can involve additional costs for land preparation and mounting structures.

Cost of Ground-Mounted Solar System

Ground-mounted systems cost roughly between $27,000 and $60,000+ compared to traditional roof-mounted solar panel installations. The large cost is due to the requirement of additional infrastructure.

Solar Shingle

Suppose you do not like the look and feel of traditional solar panels and are looking for something that is less noticeable and provides more curb appeal. In that case, you can check our solar shingle, which is also a good alternative to solar panels. Solar shingles, also known as solar roofing, are durable and weather-resistant, offer the same energy savings, and increase property value.

Things to Consider: Installation of solar shingles can be more complex and expensive compared to traditional solar panels. If you already have a house, it would be difficult as you would have to remove the entire roof for it. That is why these are best suited for new construction or roof replacement.

Cost of Solar Shingle

The cost of solar shingles can be high, often exceeding $20,000 - $35,000 for an average-sized home.

Solar Shed & Carport

Solar Sheds and carports are the extensions of a building that offer shelter while generating solar power. These are ideal for those structures that have a limited roof space but offer an ample yard or driveway space.

When one incorporates such solar panels into these structures, they can maximize their property's energy production potential. At the same time, with solar carports, one can also protect their vehicles from extreme weather conduction, while generating electricity to power their home or charge an electric vehicle.

Things to Consider: Solar sheds are ideal for those with additional space. This alternative to solar panels also requires proper positioning to maximize sunlight exposure.

Cost of Solar Sheds and Carport

The cost of solar sheds and carports varies based on the size and complexity of the structure. For instance, if you aim to install a solar shed in a building's parking lot, the cost would be higher than a normal suburban house. That said, they are generally less expensive than full rooftop installations.

BIPV

Building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV, integrates solar cells into building materials like roofs, windows, and facades. This allows for a seamless incorporation of solar technology into the building design. One of the major benefits of going ahead with BIPV is that the storage system is essentially free and is also 100% efficient. With BIPV, both the building owner and the utility provider can easily benefit from the grid-tied BIPV.

Things to Consider: A BIPV system would lower the electricity expenses of a building owner. It further reduces reliance on external power sources and thus promotes self-sufficiency.

Cost of BIPV

Compared to traditional solar system installations, a BIPV is more expensive. Typically, the average installation cost of a BIPV system is $244.20/square meter. This means the overall average installation cost can reach up to $500,000 for a rooftop space of 2300 square meters.

Transparent Solar Cells

Transparent solar cells are such solar panel alternatives that can be applied to windows and other transparent surfaces. These transparent cells allow for electricity generation without obstructing the outside view. These types of solar energy systems are ideal for urban settings where one has limited space for traditional solar panels or ground-mounted solar panels.

Things to Consider: The overall efficiency of transparent solar cells is lower than that of traditional solar panels, as they can be added to a very limited quantity.

Cost of Transparent Solar Cells

Transparent solar cells are currently more expensive and less efficient than conventional solar panels.

Solar Generator

If you are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to rooftop solar panels, consider solar generators. A Jackery Solar Generator provides a reliable backup power source and is not only limited to powering up your house during emergencies; you can also carry it around during outdoor activities, RVs, or road trips.

Things to Consider: A typical solar generator is limited by its battery capacity and the amount of sunlight it can capture. However, if you choose large battery capacity solar generators, they can charge up to 99% of your household devices.

Cost of Solar Generators

Solar generators are cheaper compared to rooftop solar panels. Their price depends on the battery capacity and the sunlight they can capture.

Comparison Between Different Solar Panel Alternatives

When comparing solar panel alternatives, one must understand that each option presents unique benefits and considerations.

On the one hand, community solar and solar generators offer flexibility and accessibility and lower upfront costs; their energy output is limited to the battery capacity. Similarly, ground-mounted systems and solar sheds provide high efficiency but require ample space and can have higher installation costs.

Solar Shingles and BIPV are aesthetically integrated solar panel alternatives that enhance property value but come with higher costs and installation complexities.

What Are The Alternatives to Solar Energy?

While solar energy is a widely used renewable energy source, there are several other alternatives that can help you attain your monthly or yearly electricity needs. These alternatives include hydro energy, wind energy, bioenergy, geothermal energy, and marine energy.

Each of the following alternatives to solar energy offers unique benefits, and one can choose them based on their environment, applications, installation budget, and usage.

Hydro Energy

Hydro Energy harnesses the energy from falling water to generate electricity. It is a highly efficient and reliable energy source with the potential to produce large amounts of power. This alternative to solar energy is widely used because it quickly responds to fluctuations in electricity demand and can easily provide a consistent energy supply.

One major example of hydropower is the Hoover Dam in the United States, which produced roughly 1080 megawatts (MW) in June 2023.

Things to Consider: Hydropower plants require a lot of investment, and it is not practically possible for individuals to start one. Moreover, constructing dams and reservoirs required for hydropower can have a significant environmental impact and disrupt the habitat.

Wind Energy

Wind energy harnesses the power of wind through turbines to generate electricity. It is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources that offers a clean and sustainable option with relatively low operational costs once turbines are installed.

For instance, the Mojave Wind Farm is the biggest wind farm in the US. It boasts a combined installed capacity of about 1550MW.

Things to Consider: Wind energy production depends on wind availability and can be intermittent. That's why government bodies must conduct multiple rounds of surveys and audits when they finalize a place to install the turbines. Moreover, wind energy production requires significant land and also impacts local wildlife, particularly birds and bats.

Bioenergy

Bioenergy is one of the oldest alternatives to solar energy. In bioenergy, animal and plant waste is used to produce electricity, heat, and biofuels. One of the major benefits of bioenergy is that it can even reduce greenhouse gas emissions if the animal and plant waste is sustainably sourced.

Things to Consider: Several studies suggest that burning biomass produces more carbon dioxide, which severely impacts the environment. Furthermore, unsustainable practices can even lead to deforestation, soil degradation, and competition with food crops.

Geothermal Energy

Apart from wind and water, there are other ways to source natural energy. One such source is harnessing heat from within the Earth to generate electricity and provide heating. Geothermal energies are reliable and consistent energy sources. Compared to other alternatives to solar energy, they have a small land footprint and low emissions.

For instance, the Geysers in California have 1517 MW of active installed capacity with an average production factor of 63%, which is roughly 955MW.

Things to Consider: Geothermal energy is only operational in areas with suitable geological conditions, such as volcanic regions. The initial cost of drilling and plant construction is extremely high, and there is always the risk of induced seismic activities.

Marine Energy

Ocean energy, or marine energy, is yet another significant alternative to solar energy. In this form of natural energy, we use tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy to generate power. Marine energy can provide a continuous and predictable energy supply and is especially beneficial for coastal regions.

Things to Consider: Marine energy installation requires a large investment from the government's side. Moreover, the harsh marine environment poses challenges for reliability and durability.

Comparison Between Different Solar Energy Alternatives

Each solar energy alternative has distinct advantages and challenges. For instance, hydropower offers high efficiency but has a significant environmental impact. Similarly, wind energy is clean and easily deployable but is solely dependent on the wind's speed.

Similarly, bioenergy provides a way to manage waste, but it must be sustainably sourced, or it will have a larger environmental impact. On the other hand, geothermal energy is reliable and low-emission but extremely expensive to develop.

What Are The Solar Appliances & Equipment

Solar appliances and equipment harness the power of the sun and provide electricity to various household and outdoor appliances in an eco-friendly manner. There are several important solar appliances and equipment which help in harnessing and converting solar energy.

Solar Lights

Solar lights have photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Most solar lights have these cells directly in the light and are charged during daylight hours. When it gets dark, the stored energy in the battery helps power the LED lights.

Usage of Solar Lights

Solar lights are used for a wide range of lighting purposes, including:

• Garden and pathway lights
• Security lights
• Street lights
• Floodlight

Benefits of Solar Lights

Solar lights not only help save electricity, but it is also beneficial for long-term usage. Some of the major benefits of using solar lights are:

Energy Efficiency: Unlike traditional lights, solar lights operate independently of the electric grid, which helps in reducing energy consumption.

Cost Savings: The only major purchase you have to make is when you buy solar lights. Post which, there are no additional charges that you have to bear or pay.

Environmental Impact: Solar lights help reduce carbon footprints by utilizing renewable energy.

Ease of Installation: Modern solar lights are generally wireless and don't require extra wiring or technicians' help to operate.

Solar Tunnel

A solar tunnel captures sunlight through a rooftop dome and channels it into interior spaces using a highly reflective tube. Solar tunnels are also known as light tubes or solar tubes because of their working principle where the reflective lining maximizes the transmission of light. This light is then diffused through a ceiling-mounted fixture that illuminates the room.

Usage of Solar Tunnel

In most cases, solar tunnels are used in those dark interior places where there is no direct access to windows or skylights. One can use them in residential and commercial buildings without significant structural changes. Some of the most common applications of solar tunnels include:

• Hallways
• Bathrooms
• Closets
• Basements

Benefits of Solar Tunnel

Some of the major benefits of using solar tunnels are:

Natural Lighting: It provides bright and natural daylight, which reduces the need for artificial lighting.

Energy Savings: It significantly reduces your monthly electricity consumption.

Easy Installation: Unlike solar lights, it requires the help of experts. That said, the structural changes are minimal compared to traditional skylights.

Solar Oven

Solar ovens are generally used for cooking meals. The working principle of a solar oven is almost similar to that of solar tubes. Here, reflective materials are used to concentrate sunlight into a cooking chamber. This chamber then heats up to high temperatures, which allows food to be cooked without the need for conventional fuels or oven electricity.

Usage of Solar Oven

Solar ovens are also called solar cookers or panel cookers and are mostly used for cooking. Some of its common applications include:

• Dry roasting spices or nuts
• Cooking meals in outdoor settings
• Eco-friendly cooking during emergencies

Benefits of Solar Oven

Solar ovens also help you save cost, but they also have several health and environmental benefits, like:

Fuel Independence: It eliminates the need for gas, wood, and electricity to make food.

Cost Savings: Other than buying such cookers, there is no additional cost that one has to bear.

Health Benefits: It reduces the risk of respiratory issues caused by conventional stoves.

Solar Air Conditioner

A Solar AC utilizes photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which powers the AC unit. These solar ACs work in photovoltaic solar AC and solar thermal AC.

In the PV solar AC, the PV panels generate electricity, which directly powers the conventional air conditioning unit. However, the thermal AC uses solar collectors to harness sunlight and convert it into thermal energy, which then drives a thermal cooling process with refrigerant.

Usage of Solar AC

Solar AC units are traditionally used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. These are particularly helpful in those regions where there is an abundance of sunlight and always has temperature on the higher end. Some other uses are:

• Residential Cooling
• Commercial Buildings
• Remote Areas with limited on-grid electricity
• Schools and Institutions
• Greenhouses

Benefits of Solar AC

From saving electricity costs to having an environmental impact, solar AC has several benefits. Some of the key areas where it is helpful are:

Energy Efficiency: Solar AC reduces the dependency on grid electricity, resulting in lower energy consumption.

Cost Savings: During the peak seasons, it significantly reduces electricity bills.

Environmental Impact: It decreases greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.