If you’re looking for new renewable power sources, then you should consider geothermal energy. It comes from heat down in the earth and it is used to power many appliances in homes and commercial businesses. When looking for renewable energy, one of the main questions is reliability, and many people wonder if geothermal energy is more reliable than solar.
Geothermal energy is more reliable than solar because, while solar panels rely on sunlight to function, geothermal energy uses heat from within the earth. This energy source is constant during day and night, while sunlight only functions during daytime and varies depending on the weather.
Throughout this article, you’ll learn the following info about geothermal energy and solar power:
- Differences between the two types of energy
- Which one of the two energies is more accessible
- Why geothermal systems tend to last longer than solar panels
Differences Between Geothermal Energy And Solar Power
If you weigh the two, then chances are you’ve come across the reality that solar power comes from above and geothermal energy comes from below.
As a starting point, this makes geothermal energy easier to access because you don’t need to worry about how your roof is oriented and whether you have trees or other buildings around that block the sunlight. You just need to dig down in order to access it.
However, it’s important to note that geothermal energy isn’t available everywhere. These plants are typically built near areas with volcanic activity, such as the edges of tectonic plates. If you live in one of these areas, you are in luck.
Here’s a list of five reasons that geothermal energy is more reliable than solar:
- Geothermal energy doesn’t rely on sunlight exposure. You don’t need to worry about clouds, storms, wind, trees, shade, and other obstacles as you would with solar panels. Gone are the days of dusting off panels every week to optimize your home’s energy potential. Geothermal systems rely on the ground, which remains the same.
- Changing weather patterns don’t harm geothermal pipes. It doesn’t matter if there’s rain, snow, or bright sunshine; Geothermal energy remains useful and reliable throughout the year. You can use it to cool your home during the summer or heat it during the winter.
- It’s significantly more efficient than solar power throughout the year. Many experts claim that geothermal energy is better than solar. According to Comfort Pro, geothermal energy can be up to 500% more efficient since it doesn’t rely on high-quality solar cells to get the job done. That means more money in your pocket and energy in your home.
- You don’t have to clean geothermal pipes as often as solar panels. There are two kinds of pipes: horizontal and vertical. While the initial installation typically costs more than solar panels, it’s far more than worth it. Time is money, and you’ll save loads of time from not having to perform maintenance too often.
- Geothermal energy doesn’t change your roof’s appearance. As stated by Energy Sage, one of the most significant selling points of geothermal energy is that it doesn’t have to go on top of your home. You don’t need tacky black rectangles or wires running down the walls to use geothermal power.
Now that you know everything about geothermal energy and why it’s better than solar if you can access it, it’s time to learn about its accessibility. Are you able to get it wherever you live? Are there enough people available to install the pipes and heat pumps? Both of those questions and more will be answered in the next section.
Is Geothermal Energy More Accessible Than Solar?
Solar power used to be reserved for high-end companies and wealthy homeowners. These days, almost anyone can get a few panels to power their home. And, if you live in an area where geothermal energy is available, the same applies to it. You might not have heard about it yet, but it’s on the rise. More companies are broadening the horizons daily.
In addition to geothermal energy, a very popular option is geothermal heating. This type of geothermal is only used for warming and cooling your house and it is accessible almost everywhere in the world.
Let’s review why geothermal energy or heating is becoming more accessible and readily available than solar below.
- There’s no doubt that it’s an excellent option for commercial properties. Most houses use geothermal for heating and air conditioning. It’s one of the most efficient sources, so why not try it out? However, if you live in a location with access to geothermal energy, you can use it to power the whole property.
- Geothermal experts are on the rise. Supply and demand show us that the more people who want geothermal systems, the more companies will start selling and installing them. If you’re going to get one on your home or business, now is a better time than ever. You don’t have to worry about unprofessional so-called experts anymore.
- Geothermal energy requires heated earth, which isn’t always readily available. As mentioned previously in this article, geothermal plants require areas of volcanic activity. Magma and hot earth create pressure (along with water), but you won’t find all three requirements in many places around the world.
- Stop worrying about the angle of solar panels. You don’t need to plan for sunny days or in which direction the sun rises and sets. Geothermal energy doesn’t rely on the sun, which means you can put the heat pump and pipes wherever you like. Map out the ground to keep your home looking like new.
- It doesn’t take up much space in your home. When we’re talking about accessibility, it usually refers to market reach. Can you get a new system soon? However, we can’t forget the physical accessibility. Geothermal systems are on the ground level, which means you don’t need a ladder to climb to the roof.
Geothermal energy reigns supreme in many areas. It’s low-maintenance and reliable any time of the year, anywhere in the world. However, some people are concerned with the longevity of geothermal energy. Solar panels are praised for lasting a couple of decades. Does geothermal compare to them?
Comparing Their Lifespans
Geothermal energy relies on the ambient temperature below. It’s reliable, efficient, and yes, it has an excellent estimated lifespan.
Geothermal Energy Has More Longevity
Most experts claim that, with proper care, solar panels last up to 25 years. After that, they start to produce less energy and lose their effectiveness. Geothermal energy sources last a bare minimum of 25 years, but they can push up to 50 years before they need to be inspected for major repairs.
It Requires Less Maintenance
You don’t have to dust geothermal pipes, nor do you have to go up and down a ladder every week. Solar panels are undeniably efficient and an excellent source of renewable energy, but they’re not always easy to deal with. If you’re suffering from joint and muscle pain, then geothermal energy takes the cake.
Solar Is Prone to More Damage
A falling tree branch could ruin your hard-earned investment. Even if you have insurance, solar panels are hard to repair, and it takes a long time. With geothermal energy, a branch can’t make a dent since everything is underground. You can stay warm when the weather is cold, windy, and rainy.
Both renewable energy sources last quite some time. They’re better than fossil fuels, and they don’t harm the environment.
A common and very efficient strategy is to actually use both. Since geothermal energy is available only in a few areas throughout the world, in the rest of the areas you can use solar panels for lights, refrigeration, and other appliances while using geothermal for heating and air conditioning.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy might not be as popular as solar power, but it’s on the rise and it can be a great option depending on where you live. There are countless resources to study and affordable rates to try out. As long as your home or business falls within the aforementioned geographical requirements, you’ll be able to access geothermal energy plants. And, if not, you can always use geothermal heating to warm and cool your home.
Here’s a quick recap of the post:
- Geothermal energy doesn’t require as much maintenance as solar panels.
- They can last longer if you know how to keep them clean and functional.
- There’s no need to worry about sunlight, clouds, or debris with geothermal pipes.
- Geothermal energy is dependent on location, but geothermal heating is a great option to warm up and cool down your home.
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