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Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

PIF examines solar power’s advantages and disadvantages to illuminate your understanding of this renewable energy resource. First, we cover the science behind solar energy production and the many advantages and disadvantages of solar power.

What is solar power and how does it work?

Sunlight is a renewable energy source that can be converted into usable energy through the use of solar panels. There are two main types of solar energy. Firstly, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that directly convert solar energy into a usable form of energy using a PV cell containing a semiconductor material. Secondly, CSP (concentrating solar power) that concentrates energy from sunlight to a heat receiver which transforms energy from heat into mechanical energy. This, in turn, produces solar thermal electricity.

What are the advantages of Solar Power?

  • Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source.
  • Once a solar panel is installed, solar energy can be produced free of charge.
  • Solar energy will last forever, whereas it is estimated that the world’s oil reserves will only last for another 30 to 40 years.
  • Solar energy causes no pollution.
  • Solar cells make absolutely no noise at all. On the other hand, the giant machines utilised for pumping oil are extremely noisy and therefore very impractical.
  • Very little maintenance is needed to keep solar cells running. There are no moving parts in a solar cell which makes it impossible to really damage them.
  • In the long term, there can be a high return on investment due to the amount of free energy a solar panel can produce. It is estimated that the average household will one day see 50% of their energy coming in from solar panels.

What are the disadvantages of Solar Power?

  • Solar panels can be expensive to install resulting in a time-lag of many years for savings on energy bills to match initial investments whole life costs.
  • Electricity generation depends entirely on a country’s exposure to sunlight; this could be limited by a country’s climate.
  • Solar power stations do not match the power output of similar sized conventional power stations. They can also be very expensive to build.
  • Solar power is used to charge batteries so that solar-powered devices can be used at night. The batteries can often be large and heavy, taking up space and needing to be replaced from time to time.

Hungry for more information? Check out our Wind Power Infographic, or read more specifically about the Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Power.

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