What are the disadvantages of solar energy?
It takes a brave person to post about disadvantages of solar energy on a solar power blog! But I am a realist. I know that there is no perfect energy solution when all the variables are taken into consideration. Issues related to materials cost and composition, reliability, efficiency, and even pollution all come into play.
My hope is that by reviewing the disadvantages of solar energy, we’ll see that there are actually more advantages to it than other traditional sources of power. Are you ready to shed some… “light” on solar energy?
In no particular order, here’s a list of some of the stumbling blocks for solar energy:
1. Cost. Despite the fact that there are generous tax incentives and rebates available, the upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels may be prohibitive for some people. Some people may think, why change from cheap fossil-fuels that are already at the front door on transmission lines?
2. Need for Sunlight. Whether your house is shaded by trees or other buildings, or if its just plain not very sunny in your hometown, your solar panels will need some sunlight (filtered or direct) each day. Add to this requirement the need for adequate space for a solar panel installation.
3. Pollution. Oh, my gosh! Could it be that this clean renewable energy source has a dirty little secret? Most PV solar panels are made from silicon and include potentially toxic metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium.
4. Reliability. In order to continuously power your home or business with solar energy, you’ll need batteries in which to store excess energy. Solar panels do not work when the sun goes down. If you draw off the grid during off-peak hours, you’ll want to have credit from the utility during periods that output is very great. That’s not always the case… yet.
Any other disadvantages of solar energy?
5. Inefficiency. Currently, most solar panels have a 40% efficiency rate. That means that 60% of the potential energy from the sun is not harnessed. Some higher-tech, advanced solar panels have increased efficiency of up to 80%. Each year, more technological advancements are announced, however, that increase efficiency and decrease cost.
6. Inertia. It is easier for people just to leave things “as is,” than to invest the time and energy to install solar panels, work with the utility company, research tax incentives, wonder about reliability, etc. You could even include me on this list. I’ve been wanting to install solar panels (both PV panels and solar thermal panels) for the past year. We’re still in the planning phase!
I’ll follow this post with one about the advantages of solar energy. But I’m wondering… are there any disadvantages of solar energy that would prevent you from harnessing this resource? Please let me know in the comments below.
Tags: disadvantages of solar energy, pros and cons of solar power, why solar energy
February 7th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Hi Stephanie,
Solar Hot Water systems offer many solutions to the disadvantages of solar that you mention. Solar hot water systems typically cost less than most PV systems, are more flexible in their sunlight needs, are reliable, and are very efficient.
The biggest problem with solar hot water systems is that people don’t know about them! With their ability to supply over 70% of hot water needs in a typical home and cut large amounts of carbon, they are a great way to use the sun to offset non-renewable energy use.
-Chris
March 16th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
thnx, jus wut i was lookin 4 =]
April 17th, 2009 at 8:54 am
i really didn't find this helpful at all
sorry =Dx
May 10th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
well your a idiot then because I wrote half my english paper based off this information
May 20th, 2009 at 4:54 am
it was good and useful
May 27th, 2009 at 2:11 am
Thank you very much !
This was very informative
I based my english assignment on this.
May 27th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
this did not help!!!
May 27th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
my teacher is a doosh
May 27th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
i wonder if i cuse the word would come out f*ck
May 27th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
damn it it censored it
May 28th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
you suck
June 1st, 2009 at 10:30 pm
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June 6th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
it was very good thank you
June 17th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
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September 9th, 2009 at 7:03 am
the writer wrote very well.
September 17th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Where can I buy this product?
November 19th, 2009 at 3:03 am
very helpful. thank you.(:
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
this didnt help … at all
November 29th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
hi
i had to write a paper on this and this helped me a lot thank you =]
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:26 pm
very good info good for science papers
December 17th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Wow…A for me on this science projecto
December 18th, 2009 at 4:56 am
lolz Yes now i can finish my project for my teacher ms wertz!
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:12 am
this will so help me with my arguement about why geothermal energy is better!!!!!!!!
February 9th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
me too i don't really find this helpful !!!!!