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.