Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy or solar power is energy derived from the Sun which can be transformed into thermal or electrical energy, and used to power electrical appliances. Undoubtedly one of the most promising source among the various alternative energy sources, solar energy is being pitched as the future of power generation mainly due to the definite advantages that it has over its counterparts. One has to undertake a critical evaluation of its advantages and disadvantages in order to assess the feasibility of using this source of energy to replace its conventional counterparts.

Solar Energy Disadvantages to Take into Consideration

Those in favor of its development of believe that there are more advantages of solar energy as compared to its disadvantages. Whether this claim really holds ground is a question that can only be answered after undertaking a serious introspection of its advantages and disadvantages. Given below are some drawbacks which we are likely to come across when you try to harness the energy we derive from the Sun.

Economic Issues: The most prominent disadvantage is the high cost incurred in creating a setup for the same. A decrease in the cost of solar panels may bring this source of energy back on track in terms of replacement for the fossil fuels, but as of now the high cost incurred is a major roadblock when it comes to practical use of solar power. Add to it the fact that you will have to invest in batteries, in which you will store electricity, and huge area, wherein you will set up the solar panels, and the cost incurred in the development of solar power goes even higher.

Reliability Issues: Yet another limitation of solar power comes in form of its dependence on weather. A cloud cover can hamper the amount of sunlight received by these solar panels and affect their efficiency, thus reducing the amount of power generated by this means. Even pollution is known to affect the photo voltaic cells used in solar panels. The wear and tear of solar panels due to overexposure to sunlight can reduce their efficiency and shorten their life over the period.

Location Issues: The location of solar panels is yet another important attribute of solar power generation. You can only opt for solar power generation if you live in a region wherein there is abundance of sunlight. You will have to place these solar panels in such a manner that they get direct or filtered sunlight throughout the day. The presence of trees and tall buildings in the surroundings can negatively affect the amount of power generated.

Environmental Issues: Scientific studies have brought to surface several facts which were not known until a few years ago. This may come as a surprise for many, but solar energy has issues related to environmental pollution as well. The solar panels made from silicon contain potentially toxic metallic elements, such as lead and cadmium, which can harm the environment as well as our health.

While these disadvantages do exist, and they are quite serious as well, it would be wrong to dismiss the chances of this source of power making it big anytime in the future. The giant strides that we have taken in the field of science and technology over the last few decades comes up as a major hope for the development of solar energy. The research and development teams of various countries are putting in efforts to address these disadvantages. If we are to ensure a smooth sail for this source of power in the future, these issues have to be addressed at the earliest.