No matter which energy source you choose to study, there are always drawbacks. The main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy have been discussed.
Solar energy is derived from the sun’s radiation and can be used to generate heat or electricity. It is freely available, and thanks to technological advancements, we are now able to use even more of the solar energy that is constantly available to us.
Here are eight benefits related to this renewable source of energy.
Read More: Solar Panel Size and Weight: A Complete Guide
Low Environmental Impact
Solar energy has the least negative impact on the environment compared to any other energy source. It neither emits greenhouse gases nor pollutes the water.
In contrast, nuclear power plants, for example, need 20 times more water for maintenance, it also uses a very small amount of water. Since many solar installations, including residential solar panels, are located in urban areas, the fact that solar energy production produces no noise is a significant advantage.
Reduce Your Energy Bill
You will use less energy from the utility provider if you generate your own electricity. Your energy bill will decrease right away as a result of this. Additionally, you can profit by returning the excess electricity you have produced to the grid.
Through solar panel grants offered, you can make your green investment even more beneficial. The more energy you produce, the less you will need from the supplier which will increase your energy self-reliance.
Energy Production During Peak Hours
Energy demand tends to be higher in the 11:00-16:00 time frame and then early in the evening. This is, of course, when electricity prices are at their highest. During those times, solar energy is at its most productive.
Electricity produced at that time has a higher value than if it was generated at night. Prices in those periods might be lowered to a level that is comparable to nighttime levels with the additional electricity input from solar energy.
Energy Independence
The fact that the sun shines everywhere makes every nation a potential energy producer, enabling greater energy independence and security. Security and independence at the local level are also benefits that solar energy is said to offer.
Individual homes can have solar panels installed to provide power that is independent of a larger electrical grid.
Less Electricity is Lost During Long-Distance Transport
Some of the energy, around 3-5%, is lost during transportation and distribution. Energy is lost more quickly when production and supply points are farther apart. Even though those losses might not seem significant, they can have an impact on how well the installation works in areas with dense populations.
This distance is significantly shorter when solar panels are installed on the roof or in the yard, which improves their effectiveness.
Low Maintenance Costs
Solar energy systems generally don’t require a lot of maintenance. They only need to be kept moderately clean, so a couple of times a year of cleaning will do. If in doubt, you can always rely on specialized cleaning companies, which offer this service from around £25-£35.
Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years of warranty. Read More: How Much Solar Do I Need to Power My Home?
Additionally, there is no wear and tear because there are no moving parts. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity and heat.
To ensure that your solar power system operates as efficiently as possible, maintenance is required not only for the inverter but also for the cables.
Improves Grid Security
The grid is less vulnerable to blackouts if there are many power plants that are spread out. A grid with significant solar energy penetration has tens of thousands of widely dispersed energy production facilities. This enhances grid security in the event of overload, natural disasters, or man-made catastrophes.
Job Creation
The creation of jobs is one of the many benefits of solar energy. The panels’ installation accounts for a sizable portion of the cost of solar systems. This helps to generate jobs locally. Using solar systems boosts the economy and positively affects the local community.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Solar energy does, however, still have drawbacks.
Intermittency
The fact that energy can only be produced when the sun is shining is one of the biggest issues with solar energy technology. This means that the supply may be interrupted at night and on cloudy days.
The shortage created by this interruption would not be a problem if there were low-cost ways of storing energy as extremely sunny periods can actually generate excess capacity.
Japan and other solar energy technology leaders are concentrating on creating sufficient energy storage to address this issue as the world’s solar power capacity continues to increase.
Land Use
Another concern is that solar energy may take up a significant amount of land and cause land degradation or habitat loss for wildlife. While larger utility-scale PV systems may need up to 3.5 to 10 acres per megawatt and CSP facilities require anywhere between 4 and 16.5 acres per megawatt, solar PV systems can be fixed to already-existing structures.
However, the impact can be reduced by placing facilities in low-quality areas or along existing transportation and transmission corridors.
Scarcity of Materials
For the manufacture of some solar technologies, rare materials are needed. However, this is more of a challenge for PV technology than CSP technology. Also, it is not so much a lack of known reserves as much as it is the inability of current production to meet future demand: Many of the rare materials are byproducts of other processes rather than the focus of targeted mining efforts.
However, it’s possible that finding material substitutes that are more readily available could play a role. Recycling PV material and improvements in nanotechnology that boost solar-cell efficiency could both help increase supply.
An Environmental Downside
The fact that solar technology uses many of the same hazardous materials as electronics is its only environmental drawback. The issue of disposing of hazardous waste grows in importance as solar energy grows in popularity as an energy source.
Solar energy is an appealing replacement for fossil fuels, provided the problem of proper disposal is overcome, due to the lower greenhouse gas emissions it offers.
Solar Energy Storage is Expensive
Solar energy has to be used right away, or it can be stored in large batteries. Off-grid solar systems that use these batteries can be charged during the day to use the energy at night. In spite of the fact that it is quite pricey, this is a good option for using solar energy continuously.
In most cases, it is smarter to just use solar energy during the day and take energy from the grid during the night (you can only do this if your system is connected to the grid). It’s a good thing that your energy needs are typically higher during the day because solar energy can supply the majority of them.
Conclusion: Make the Transition to Solar Energy Today!
There are pros and cons to solar energy, but if this article has sparked your interest, you can check out our 6-step guide that will help you find the best solar panels for your home. We discuss everything, including the suitability of the roof, solar panel types, costs, solar energy savings, and maintenance.
Solar energy is ultimately a more potent and reliable energy source. They require less space, are less noisy, and can be installed on rooftops, etc. in densely populated areas.
