Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages Compared
Solar Energy is a natural, permanent, continuous, renewable source of
energy. Being the inexpensive, easily available source, it has
tremendous potential that can be used for the welfare of mankind. But in
everything it is very important that we look at both sides;
Disadvantages
- The main disadvantage is the initial cost; the equipments used
to produce solar energy are still expensive. Solar cells cost a
great deal compared to the amount of electricity they'll produce in
their lifetime
- The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the
sun.
- The system is also limited to areas with sufficient sunlight.
- Potentially large areas of land are required for large-scale
solar energy projects
- The main disadvantage of solar energy is that it’s dilute. This
means you have to have a lot of solar collectors installed around
your house.
- Considerable amount of energy is lost when DC (direct current)
from the solar cells has to be converted to AC (alternating
current).
- Solar energy cannot be used in industries; this is mainly so
because factories require a lot of power to run their machineries.
- The batteries used to store the energy such as lead acid
batteries pollute the environment.
- Solar powered cars have a fairly slow speed as compared to other
general vehicles
- The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of
clouds or pollution in the air.
- Charging of
electric
cars (such as the
Tesla Roadster) will take 53 hours using a 1KW system. Assuming
you only get 8 hours of full sunlight, thats almost a week!
Advantages
- Though expensive to install initially, there is saving in the
long run as you save on your monthly bills
- Solar energy is a renewable resource in areas where there is
sufficient amount of sunshine
- You can start with small amount and then expand as your need
expands
- There is very little maintenance required: when the solar panel
have been put in place no fuel or lubricants need to be supplied.
- Low running costs: as the prices of fuel continue to soar, solar
energy remains free after the initial installation costs.
- It will save you money on the electricity bill if you have one;
the savings is immediate and for many years to come.
- In some countries government gives incentives or tax rebates to
those who are using solar energy
- It is easy to install
- Healthy and safety benefits; in some poor countries people use
kerosene for lighting and cooking which has resulted to accidents of
burning of houses and property. Solar energy is safe to use.
- Reliability: solar energy is a reliable source especially in
those countries with sufficient sun light.
- Though expensive to install initially, there is saving in the
long run
- Solar energy works entirely independently, it does not require
any connections or anything, so it can be used effectively and
easily anywhere. Systems can be set up anywhere, in remote locations
as well.
- Unlike traditional generators, they can be unobtrusively
installed internally, require no fuel.
- Solar does not require manual start/stop intervention.
- Solar systems are the quiet, fuss-free and reliable answer for
every situation that can’t afford to lose power for extended periods
such as medical facilities, banks etc
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