Solar Energy Advantages & Disadvantages

Solar energy is the energy received from the sun, in the form of radiated heat and light. This energy resource is used by various solar energy technologies. Solar power is another term associated with solar energy. Though most of the times, both these terms are used interchangeably, at times, solar power is specifically referred to the conversion of sunlight into electricity, with the help of photovoltaics, concentrating solar thermal devices or various experimental technologies. Very few of us know that solar energy is a potent means of power generation, which can profoundly assist us in our daily activities. However, it has advantages and disadvantages as well, which have been listed below.

Pros & Cons Of Solar Power

Pros

Solar energy is an inexhaustible source of fuel. It is also one of the excellent supplements to other renewable sources.
The usage of solar energy or power is cent percent environment friendly and does not create any pollution. Like most of he other energy sources, it doesn’t release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere, which pollute the air.
Solar energy is highly versatile and can be used for powering diverse items, such as solar cars and satellites.
The solar power generated by sun rays is absolutely free of any cost. The process provides an unlimited supply of solar power, which will never exhaust.
Most of the solar energy appliances do not require any maintenance and can be effectively used throughout their lives.
Solar energy can be effectively used to supply electricity to places where the installation charges of power lines are quite high.
A solar energy system is capable of operating independently, without any connection to a power or gas grid. Therefore, such systems can be installed even in remote locations, which make solar energy cost-effective, when compared to the costs incurred by the supply of utility electricity to a new site.

Cons

The areas that receive ample amount of sunlight are the only ones fit for producing solar energy. However, this problem can be partially solved with the installation of certain components, in the other areas.
The process involves low energy production and to produce useful amounts of heat or electricity, a large number of solar panels are required.
The initial cost of installation of solar energy is high. The semi-conducting materials used in building a solar energy system are very expensive.
No solar energy is produced during night time. Since sun light is the main source of solar energy, it is not produced once the sunlight disappears. However, net metering or a battery backup system can control this problem.
Solar powered cars have a fairly slow speed as compared to other general vehicles. As such, people may not prefer to use them.
A large area is required by the solar panels for installation, if they are to achieve a good level of efficiency.
The production of solar energy can be adversely impacted by the presence of clouds in the sky, which cover the sun rays, along with the pollution in the atmosphere.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Society'