In a battle that is solar power vs grid power, it is best to initially work out what each one does. Grid power works by transferring energy through an installed system which allows several places to easily receive that energy at once. Solar power is gained by sunlight being absorbed by a surface to generate energy, immediately, or to be saved to be used at a time when there is less solar energy.
It is a good idea to acknowledge the main differences between the two. Solar power is environmentally friendly, which is its main benefit and why many opt for it. There is less worry over long term use increasing ones carbon footprint, so you can use it for as long as you want.
However, solar energy can be sparse and unreliable, and this may make it difficult to use for some. Grid energy is much worse for the environment and for those who want to leave less of a carbon footprint, using conserving the electricity that you use is the only way to be effective.
It can be better for some, however, as it is reliable and many do value that above all else. It is also automatic, so you do not have to check to make sure that it is still working.
On the other hand, solar power is very much a renewable source of energy, meaning that there is endless use, with no worry that you will run out of anything. Nothing finite is being consumed in its use, and it will never run out. Of course, this is something that contributes to its being lauded as an environmentally friendly power option. It does not, however, work at night, of course. Some tend to prefer the twilight hours and for them it may be quite frustrating if the energy should run out before there is any option of any other source of energy.
It is possible to use it at night, though, as it can be conserved during the day. This means leaving the panels in a place where it can pick up sun rays with its surfaces and then store them for later use. It is also possible to find devices that can operate by using solar energy and some of these will store power during daylight hours.
The weather is also something that solar panels depend on. It is is a very sunny, clear day, then there will probably be more energy than there would be on a rainy or cloudy day, and this, of course, needs to be considered. Power grids will be fair more likely to take up space. There will be even more impact on the environment, this way, and this includes physical demonstrations that can be seen on the landscape.
It is probably true, however, that we become so used to things such as pylons that we forget that we see them every day. The size of the grids is also positive, because one grid may provide a lot of places with power. There is, yet, another downside to this, though, as if the grid were to shut down, then that would ensure that none of the places that it provides with energy would get any electricity, barring alternate methods.
At Solar Systems USA, we are convinced that the need to transition from fossil fuel dependency is not just the duty of governments but for us all. Our online solar store has products and information to get you started on this noble task.