Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy.
Solar energy is obtained from Solar Radiation. While, Solar Radiation is Free, Solar Energy is Not Free. There are Cost and Technology involved in Converting Solar Radiation to Solar Energy. Like any other Technology, Solar Energy has several Advantages and Disadvantages associated with it.
Here we will understand all the Major Advantages (Pros) and Disadvantages (Cons) of Solar Energy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Renewable and Pollution Free | Needs lots of Space |
| Reduce Electricity Bill | High Initial Cost |
| Less to No Maintenance | No or Less Solar Power at Night or Cloudy Days |
| More Solar Energy in Summer | Less Solar Energy in Winter |
| Diverse Application | DC Equipment are Expensive |
| Can be Stored in Battery | Expensive Battery |
Advantages of Solar Energy
1. Renewable and Pollution Free
Solar Radiation is Free and Clean and Renewable Source of Energy. Converting Solar Radiation to Solar Energy is Pollution-Free. The PV Cell, Module and Panel Create No Pollution at all. Since the Sun has been shining for billions of years and will continue to be there, it is excellent source of free energy.
2. Reduce Electricity Bill
Increasing electricity bill is a major concern around the world. Traditional electricity generation, transmission and distribution is getting expensive day by day. To reduce electricity bill, more and more people around the world are installing Home Solar Panel System. Though Initial Installation Cost of such a system is expensive, it can lots of money over years.
3. Less to No Maintenance for Years
One of the major benefits of Solar Photovoltaic Panel System is that there is very less to no maintenance costs involved. Most Solar Companies in the World offer a Warranty of 25 to 30 Years on their Solar Systems. Both Commercial and Home Panel Systems keep working and generating solar electricity for years and years.
4. More Solar Energy in Summer
PV Cells need good sunlight to generate electricity. Hence a Solar Panel System generates more Energy in Summer as the Days are Longer and Hot. This is not the case in Winter, at Night or on Cloudy Days. Solar Systems can generate huge electricity in places such as desserts that receive good sunlight throughout the year.
5. Diverse Application
Solar Energy can be use for diverse applications like Solar Home Lighting System, Solar Water Heater, Solar Cooker and Home Appliances, Home Heating and Cooling System etc. It can also be used to run automobiles like Car. Most Satellites and Space Equipment use Solar Energy to power themselves.
6. Can be Stored to Use Later
Another very useful benefit of Solar Energy is that it can be Used in Solar Battery to use later when there is no sunlight. The amount of electricity that can be stored depends on Number of Solar Panels installed and Storage Capacity of the Battery. Price of solar batteries depend on its capacity (Ah) and Warranty.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
1. Needs Lots of Space
The Biggest Disadvantage of Solar Panel System is that the Solar Panels and Models Occupy a Large Area. A Rooftop Home Solar Panel System will need Large Space for Solar Panel Mounts on which the Panels are Installed. Also the Area must be Shadow Free and Receive Good Sunlight. The Orientation must also be in the Right Direction to the the Maximum Output.
For commercial purpose, Vast land area is required to generate enough solar electricity to transmit and distribute.
2. High Initial Cost
Another Big Disadvantage of Solar Panel System is the Initial Installation Cost. For a Home Solar Panel System the the initial Installation Cost Per Watt is about US $ = 2.
So, if you need to generate 500 Watts of Solar Energy, then the cost could be around 500 * 2 = US $ 1,000.00. Cost of a 1Kw Home Solar Panel System with Battery could be between around $ 2,000.00
Read: Solar Energy Cost
3. No Solar Power at Night and Cloudy Days
This is another drawback of a Solar Panel System. It needs constant exposure to sunlight to generate energy. The system will not generate any Energy during Night and will also not perform at its full potential on cloudy days. At this time, the energy stored in the battery will have to be used.
4. Less Solar Energy in Winter
In winter the Days are cold and the sunlight is not too bright. Same is the case in regions that are too cold. During this time or places, the system will not work to its full potential.
5. DC Equipment are Expensive
Solar Panels Generate DC (Direct Current) from Sunlight. This electricity can be used Directly to Run Electrical Appliances that Run on DC. But such Appliances are Comparatively Expansive then Appliance that run on AC.
However, an inverter can be used to convert DC to AC.
6. Expensive Battery
The Solar Energy generated by the Solar Panels can be stored in Batteries and used when required. But the disadvantage here is that these Solar Batteries to too expensive at present. Cost of solar batteries depend on its capacity (Ah) and Warranty. Also NOTE that Tubular Batteries give better backup, last longer and offer more years of warranty. Hence they cost more than flat plate battery. Price also depends on Brand.
FAQs: Solar Energy Pros and Cons
Are there any drawbacks to using solar energy?
Yes, solar energy has some disadvantages. Initial installation costs can be high, and the efficiency of solar panels can be affected by weather conditions. Energy production is intermittent, as it depends on sunlight, and large-scale storage solutions are needed. Manufacturing and disposal of panels also have environmental impacts.
How does solar energy help the environment?
Solar energy significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. It doesn't produce air or water pollution during operation, helping to combat climate change and improve air quality. It also conserves water resources that are usually consumed by conventional power plants.
Can solar panels work during cloudy days or at night?
Solar panels do generate electricity on cloudy days, though at reduced efficiency. However, they don't produce electricity at night when there is no sunlight. Energy storage systems, like batteries, can store excess energy during sunny periods for use during cloudy days and nights.
What is the payback period for solar panel installations?
The payback period for solar panels varies based on factors like location, system size, and local electricity costs. On average, it can range from 5 to 15 years. Over the panel's lifespan of 25-30 years, the system can generate significant savings compared to traditional electricity sources.
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It’s good to know that solar energy can be stored efficiently so I can stockpile on it during the summer. My husband and I have been trying to be more and more eco-friendly each year and we decided to have a solar panel installation this year to slowly be more and more reliant on renewable energy. Hopefully, we will no longer rely on electric energy in 5 or so years.
It’s interesting to know the advantages of solar energy. My mom has been thinking of installing solar panel systems on our roof to be our secondary source of energy since we’ve been trying to reduce our carbon footprint. I like what you said that the energy accumulated can be stored for use when there’s no sunlight available, which I think is a great benefit. Perhaps, I’ll then check out the best systems from a local provider.
Wow, I never knew there were things such as solar batteries that allow you to store solar power and use it later. This sounds like something we could really make use of if we have the proper equipment to do that. I’ll go and look for a solar panel expert and make sure they help us install everything we need to make the most out of that energy.
Why the Central Vista is not equipped with solar panels? Also the parliament building!
Thank you for sharing the informative blog. Information about advantage and disadvantages of solar energy going to be helpful for me, solar energy effectively