A solar panel is a device that is used to absorb energy from the sun in order to generate heat or in many cases electricity. It is also referred to as a photovoltaic cell since it is made of many cells that are used to convert the light from the sun into electricity. The only raw material for these solar panels is the sun. it is made in such a way that the cells face the sun in order to enable maximum absorption of the sun rays. The greater the energy from the sun is, the more the electricity that is generated. Solar panels are used in many homesteads in the world and also Nigeria due to their many pros that are far more than cons. Some of these pros are discussed below.

One very important advantage of using solar panels in Nigeria is that they do not emit any gases that are common in green houses. The panels do not emit any smoke, chemical or heavy metals that can be risk factors to human health. Solar panels are therefore environmental friendly when compared to burning of fossil fuels to generate energy. This is very important since carbon emissions are dangerous and avoiding their emission helps in safeguarding our present and future environment. Being environment-friendly is important since the government is constantly coming up with ways to control global warming and the use of solar panels is a great way to start. The solar panels therefore maintain a clean setting and they leave the air fresh. More importantly they help in prevention of many cancer incidences. This is because some products from some sources of energy like nuclear energy have been said to cause cancer due to initiation of mutations in cells.

Secondly, use of solar panels in Nigeria ensures ongoing free energy for those who use it. This is mainly because the only cost incurred is that of installation. Once the installation has been done the energy is free since the panel does not require regular maintenance or fuel to run it. It also requires no raw materials for its operation. It works as long as there are sun rays which is an everyday thing in most parts of the world. In a world where equal distribution of resources is continuously being sought, this is very important since each and everyone has equal rights when it comes to use of solar energy. This is because the energy from the sun falls on all. This is a good way to maintain equality as compared with energy from fossil fuel which low income homesteads do not afford in many cases.

There is also the advantage in that, the use of solar panels enable the decentralization of power. This is very important since it is very cheap. This is mainly because when power is not decentralized, it has to be shared by all and is as a result transported to many areas. With this happening, there are very many costs that are incurred. These include; the wear and tear of vehicles, the air pollution among others. These costs are all incorporated in the electricity bills of individuals as the government does not cover the expenses. It is therefore more advantageous to use solar panels as a saving plan and to create a sense of fairness since those in power tend to take advantage and use their positions to embezzle funds. This is not fair on the citizens’ part. This is because most of them struggle to make ends meet.

A solar panel can be operated off grid. This is a great advantage for those who live in very isolated areas or in rural regions. Off grid means that the house is not connected to the state’s electricity grid. This has the advantage of low cost since installation may be very expensive for those living in isolated areas. These individuals have their power lines disconnected in many instances due to the fact that it is sometimes less affordable for many. Solar panels offer a solution for this since they do not require as much to be installed. However, those living in towns can also use the off-grid technique. An added advantage in this is that there are no rules governing whether or not one wants to operate off- grid or on-grid when it comes to use of solar panels. This however is an issue when using fossil fuel generated electricity.

Solar panels generate job opportunities. This is of great importance since there is a very high rate of unemployment in the world today. These jobs are come about in the form of, manufacturing of the solar panels, research about further improvements, maintenance, development and cultural integration. With the continued presence of the sun, these jobs are guaranteed since there is ongoing improvements and modification of this device. Jobs like maintenance and installation do not require a long-term training and are therefore more advantageous for those who do not have many skills and are unemployed.

Use of solar energy is safe from price manipulations and politics. The fact that there are no raw materials that are solely controlled by monopolies ensures that there is no manipulation of prices as is the case with fossil fuels. With fossil fuels, the prices can rise as high as the monopolizing powers controlling them want. There is also less competitiveness with use of solar panels since there is no fight over such things as oil fields and other raw materials. Although the government has started addressing the issue of solar panels, there is little influence they can have in price manipulation. This is because no one controls the main raw material.