Are There Any Disadvantages of Solar Energy 1

Are There Any Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Solar Energy has been one of the earliest sources of renewable energy, it has also been one of the most popular renewable energy sources. However, just like any other thing in life, solar energy does have its disadvantages. This article will discuss some of the disadvantages of solar energy.One of the most distinct disadvantages of solar power is that the technology just does not exist, or is not efficient enough; to supply energy on a large scale. Solar panels are limited to the amount of energy output they can produce, even to your home. In order to supply the energy needed for hundreds and thousands of homes an businesses, there would need to be huge solar panels to meet the demands. This is also true for domestic solar energy. Sometimes the energy output is not enough to meet demand.Another major problem is the initial setup costs. Many people are put of by the high investment needed to buy and install the panels. Furthermore, there can be many years before the savings on electricity offset the initial investment. This is fine if you are planning on staying in your home for years to come, but the payback period needs to be carefully considered before purchasing a solar energy system.Many people who want to install solar panels for their home overestimate the amount of energy that solar panels can produce. Furthermore, energy will still be needed by the home, particularly when the sun doesn't shine such as night time. Many people expect too much too soon. Installing a solar panel will not mean you will go completely off-grid. There will always be occasions when you will need regular power or times when the solar panel will not produce the amount of energy needed to meet demand.Solar energy is not the alternative energy source everybody is raving about. It has its place in the alternative energy world, but is does has its advantages as well as disadvantages. If you are purchasing a solar panel for domestic energy you need to consider how long you want for the investment to pay off, this is known as the 'payback period". You will also need to consider what you want from your Solar Panel. Do you want to reduce your monthly or yearly electricity bill? Or go completely off grid and even sell back unused electricity? The latter is possible, but it would require a larger up front investment and a longer payback period.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Are There Any Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Solar Energy has been one of the earliest sources of renewable energy, it has also been one of the most popular renewable energy sources. However, just like any other thing in life, solar energy does have its disadvantages. This article will discuss some of the disadvantages of solar energy.One of the most distinct disadvantages of solar power is that the technology just does not exist, or is not efficient enough; to supply energy on a large scale. Solar panels are limited to the amount of energy output they can produce, even to your home. In order to supply the energy needed for hundreds and thousands of homes an businesses, there would need to be huge solar panels to meet the demands. This is also true for domestic solar energy. Sometimes the energy output is not enough to meet demand.Another major problem is the initial setup costs. Many people are put of by the high investment needed to buy and install the panels. Furthermore, there can be many years before the savings on electricity offset the initial investment. This is fine if you are planning on staying in your home for years to come, but the payback period needs to be carefully considered before purchasing a solar energy system.Many people who want to install solar panels for their home overestimate the amount of energy that solar panels can produce. Furthermore, energy will still be needed by the home, particularly when the sun doesn't shine such as night time. Many people expect too much too soon. Installing a solar panel will not mean you will go completely off-grid. There will always be occasions when you will need regular power or times when the solar panel will not produce the amount of energy needed to meet demand.Solar energy is not the alternative energy source everybody is raving about. It has its place in the alternative energy world, but is does has its advantages as well as disadvantages. If you are purchasing a solar panel for domestic energy you need to consider how long you want for the investment to pay off, this is known as the 'payback period". You will also need to consider what you want from your Solar Panel. Do you want to reduce your monthly or yearly electricity bill? Or go completely off grid and even sell back unused electricity? The latter is possible, but it would require a larger up front investment and a longer payback period.

Are Solar Panels Worth It 1

Are Solar Panels Worth It

A little known, but interesting fact is that there is enough solar energy within a hundred square feet to completely power the average size home. On a larger scale, there is enough solar energy hitting the earth in one hour to power all of mankind for an entire year! That's about 10^18 K.W.H., and the best part is there isn't residual waste that lasts up to 20,000 years in our atmosphere. Exciting right?It is very exciting that solar energy has such extreme potential and superb benefits, but what's the catch? The catch is that even the most efficient and expensive solar panels can only harvest around 20% of solar energy. This still isn't even the biggest problem for most consumers...When buying solar panels most consumers will to pay between $3.00-$5.00 dollars a watt after government subsidies. This will take you 12-15 years to see a return on investment at current rates per K.W.H., and twice as long without any kind of government help.So let's see...with initial costs you will be paying off your solar panels in 24-30 years. The average lifespan of solar panels is only 30 years! Let's say you live in the right state, you get the most from the government, and you live in a smaller home. With all the right scenarios you're looking at 12 years to start seeing a return. This isn't even considering maintenance costs or damaging storms. In reality you will run into these problems, and considering the time it takes to just pay the upfront cost, your return is minimal. Even in these times you will most likely see a better return investing in the stock market since the projected average return over the next 8 years is 5.2% according to gurufocus.com, a respected stock market analysis site.Let's get back to the original question, "Are solar panels worth it?" Well the facts speak for themselves, and I am inclined to follow logic, so I would have to say "No, unfortunately solar panels are not worth the cost at the moment". I don't write this article to undermine any source of renewable energy. I write this article in attempt to shed light on a cloudy question (Pun intended) "Are solar panels worth it?" Don't be fooled by the misconceptions commonly portrayed in clever sales letters by companies out to make a buck at your expense.For people trying to save money on energy bills your first step shouldn't be in creating more energy, but making the energy you already have more efficient. Studies show that the average home can be wasting up to 40% of their energy or more in inefficiency alone. That means even if you made the investment on solar power you would be wasting up to or more than 40% of your investment. As energy costs rise and technology increases solar panels will become more economical, but for now your best investment is becoming more efficient with the energy you already have.

Are Solar Panels Worth It

Are Solar Panels Worth It

A little known, but interesting fact is that there is enough solar energy within a hundred square feet to completely power the average size home. On a larger scale, there is enough solar energy hitting the earth in one hour to power all of mankind for an entire year! That's about 10^18 K.W.H., and the best part is there isn't residual waste that lasts up to 20,000 years in our atmosphere. Exciting right?It is very exciting that solar energy has such extreme potential and superb benefits, but what's the catch? The catch is that even the most efficient and expensive solar panels can only harvest around 20% of solar energy. This still isn't even the biggest problem for most consumers...When buying solar panels most consumers will to pay between $3.00-$5.00 dollars a watt after government subsidies. This will take you 12-15 years to see a return on investment at current rates per K.W.H., and twice as long without any kind of government help.So let's see...with initial costs you will be paying off your solar panels in 24-30 years. The average lifespan of solar panels is only 30 years! Let's say you live in the right state, you get the most from the government, and you live in a smaller home. With all the right scenarios you're looking at 12 years to start seeing a return. This isn't even considering maintenance costs or damaging storms. In reality you will run into these problems, and considering the time it takes to just pay the upfront cost, your return is minimal. Even in these times you will most likely see a better return investing in the stock market since the projected average return over the next 8 years is 5.2% according to gurufocus.com, a respected stock market analysis site.Let's get back to the original question, "Are solar panels worth it?" Well the facts speak for themselves, and I am inclined to follow logic, so I would have to say "No, unfortunately solar panels are not worth the cost at the moment". I don't write this article to undermine any source of renewable energy. I write this article in attempt to shed light on a cloudy question (Pun intended) "Are solar panels worth it?" Don't be fooled by the misconceptions commonly portrayed in clever sales letters by companies out to make a buck at your expense.For people trying to save money on energy bills your first step shouldn't be in creating more energy, but making the energy you already have more efficient. Studies show that the average home can be wasting up to 40% of their energy or more in inefficiency alone. That means even if you made the investment on solar power you would be wasting up to or more than 40% of your investment. As energy costs rise and technology increases solar panels will become more economical, but for now your best investment is becoming more efficient with the energy you already have.

An Evaluation of the Advantages for Solar Energy Systems for the Consumers

An Evaluation of the Advantages for Solar Energy Systems for the Consumers

A lot has been said concerning the many advantages of solar energy specifically in the areas of saving money for the consumer and the environment. This article looks at the areas in detail and suggests ways on how to maximize the advantages that can be gained if one decides to use the solar energy system.Let me first point out the many advantages of solar energy systems. I have listed the many advantages so that you can understand it. I will elaborate a little about these points so that you can understand it a lot better.I. Advantages of Solar energy Systemsa) It cuts on your electric bill. Since the output of the solar panel system is free energy, your cost is zero. Unlike oil, coal and other forms of conventional energy requires the purchase of raw materials that are expensive, your utilities company charges you for their supply of your energy. The cost of this power continues to be driven by demand and supply and is expected to rise in the future.However, since your raw material comes from the sun, which is converted through the use of your solar panels, it will remain free. And that energy is not going to be affected by the law of demand and supply, and consequently the energy is going to be free for a long time unless somebody comes up a package to sell sunlight.b) It is good for the environment and does not pollute the air by releasing toxic chemicals like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide,mercury and sulfur dioxide like many of the conventional energy systems that we used daily to provide us power.Solar Energy is in fact renewable energy. It does not contribute to global warming but rather decreases the dangerous green house emissions that causes so much damage to the environment. Nor does it causes acid rain and smog. It is generally generated where the use for it is immediate. What I mean, the energy that solar energy system generates does not need to be transported and stored. The problems associated with transportation of oil, gasoline and the traditional sources of energy is totally removed as well as the storage of radioactive waste is gone.c) Solar energy system is not tied up to any off power or gas grid system. However, it can be used in conjunction to a utility supplied system for system optimization. During night time and during periods when the sun is not shining, it makes sense to make use of both systems. It can be used in places where there is no or minimal energy and it makes sense to install it rather than wait for the utility company to make a grid and provide power.The use of Solar energy systems would enable us to be free from dependence on foreign oil which is good for the economy and it creates a sustainable future not only for us but as well as future generations.d) No moving parts and it requires little maintenanceThe use of solar energy system has no recurring costs and it will provide power for decades. It has no moving parts and it does not generate any noise and does not generate any offensive smells and it does not require you to add any fuel for its operation. When you need additional energy, you can make it modular,meaning you can add solar panels as the need arises.e) Solar panel technology is changing in its efficiency to deliver more energy and its cost is rapidly decreasing as more demand by consumers wants it. In order for the government to influence the public to switch to solar, many governments around the globe have started giving incentives like Tax Breaks and Financing in order that a lot of people will be able to use and enjoy the many advantages.

An introduction to Solar Energy for Children

An introduction to Solar Energy for Children

An introduction to Solar Energy for Children compiled by Teri Ferreira When you look up at the sky in the morning – what do you see? The sun! The sun is a star that is full of gases that burn all the time. It gives off heat when it burns. The amount of gas that burns for the sun is very large indeed! These burning gases make the sun very, very hot. The gas that burns also causes the sun’s glow. And this is how we get light and heat from the sun, in the form of the sun’s rays. Solar energy is a form of energy from the sun. Like electricity, solar energy can also be used as power. Solar energy is found wherever you find sunshine. So what is energy? Energy is a force or power whose help we use to do things. We need physical energy when we need to move something like a heavy box. A jar of sweets contains lots of potential energy as there are many sweets in there or fire crackers that you use have chemical energy in them. A bulb glows because of electric energy. The sun’s rays travel and hit the surface of the earth and they have a lot of heat and light in them and that is why we call it solar - sun - energy. Without sunlight there would be no life on earth. Plants depend on it to live and animals depend on plants for food. Sunlight and the atmosphere make sure that our earth has temperatures that we can survive and live in. Solar energy can be used to cook food, power cars and other vehicles, power homes, and is 100% free! Unlike other types of energy, the sun won’t ever run out.

Solar energy is energy taken from the sun that changed into electrical energy. This electric energy is also known as thermal energy. The sun has been producing energy for billions of years. The sun is the richest energy source. Solar energy is clean and can be made into other energy forms. With the human help it can power inventions to provide pollution-free energy. It can used as electric energy in homes, theatres, hospitals, movie houses, schools, night soccer games, greenhouses, businesses and in so many other ways. It can also heat water in your home and swimming pool too! It can make electricity. There are homes that get all their electric energy from solar energy. Because the sun sets and it’s not always sunny outside, solar batteries help store the energy from the sun. At night or on cloudy days these batteries can use the energy they have stored from the sun and in that way we benefit from solar energy too. Solar energy can save money and make a huge difference in pollution. So if we all start to use solar energy we will have a much cleaner planet to live in. We will actually be taking very good care of our planet!

Solar panels can power just about anything from calculators to large homes or business. How does it work? Solar cells can directly turn sunshine into electricity. When light hits the solar cells on the solar panels, the collision (crashing) knocks electrons loose. The cells electric field forces the electrons to flow in a current. Metal contacts on the top and bottom of each cell create a circuit that draws of the current. To care for solar panels dust and wash the regularly and remove dirt and things such as bird droppings. To work, panels have to be pointed to the sun, at an angle of about 30°. Some panels are put flat against the roof but they do not do the job quite as well then. So if we are responsible citizens of Planet Earth we should start to think about how we can use solar energy in our everyday lives so that we can make a difference to the well being of our planet.

advantages of solar energy

advantages of solar energy

While investing in a PV system can be expensive, depending on the size and complexity of the system being installed, the system can pay for itself in energy savings within 5-10 years, meaning your system will be generating free electricity thereafter.Solar energy has many advantages, and the number of advantages continues to increase as the technology continues to improve, but these are among the greatest advantages of solar energy.Fossil fuels have long been used as a natural source of energy. Oil, coal and gas resources today are totally depleted and consumed as well as contributing largely to growing pollution to the environment. Researchers have been finding ways of providing energy alternatives to either help reduce or even stop the damage we humans have unintentionally caused ourselves. Among the most obvious choices is the solar energy.Solar powered energy is a renewable source of energy. Utilizing cannot be done at night or on cloudy days. As long as there is sun, the supply of solar energy won't last. There are many reasons why humans should resort to using it as an alternative.

Below are the top ten reasons why we should use our solar energy. 1. For one, sun's energy is renewable. There is no reason to worry of using it all up. The sun is a steady, reliable source of power. This only means that there is going to be a free supply of solar energy every day.2. It is environment friendly. Sun's energy doesn't give off pollutants such as greenhouse gases, carcinogens and carbon dioxide. It is much safer than to use every day than fossil fuels. It does not damage the environment around it in any way.3. Using solar panels are extremely reliable for there are no moving parts. You don't have to worry about replacing anything. Generating electricity requires little or no maintenance at all.4. Capturing solar power does not produce noise pollution unlike other natural resources. No other kind of renewable energy source are silent liked it.5. It is cost effective. It is much cheaper than those bought from power companies. Of course, setting up your own solar panel costs something but in the long run, everything is already profit.

6. Another advantage of solar energy is that there are various types of solar panels available in the market. Some ranges from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands. This lets people on all walks of life to be able to avail their own solar panel systems. Having one is absolutely not a problem.7. Solar panel systems do not require owners to connect to any power lines. It is all self-sufficient and lives off the power grid. You may generate solar energy even in the absence of electrical power.8. Excess electricity generated may be sold to any power companies. They are only too happy to impart with your excesses. Contacting local power companies may help you be fully informed with exact details.9. Of all the advantages of solar energy is that most governments provide their people with tax credits or incentives upon purchase of solar energy systems. Average rebates rates from 20 to 30 % of what the system originally costs. This is ideal especially for those who have larger than life tax payments.10. Lastly, it constantly improves through time. Installations of homemade solar systems increase incredibly high yearly.Initial setup of solar panel's costs low so there is no way why you shouldn't grab one.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

Several villages, cities and governments are trying to lower dependency on traditional sources of energy and are using wind, water and the sun instead. Every variant has something different to offer, thus a tabulation of solar energy pros and cons is useful to determine its place among other options. Solar energy is a fast-evolving market, and that should count as one of the foremost advantages of solar energy. Much technological advance has been made in solar products in the century and a half since the idea was first conceived. It’s in the interest of the consumer to create a balance sheet on the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. SOLAR ENERGY ADVANTAGES – THE ECONOMIC ANGLE Indeed, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the pros and cons of solar energy is the fact that solar power is a renewable source. This is one of the advantages of solar energy that fits both the financial and the environmental bill. Let’s tackle the monetary aspect first. While improvements in solar systems have made solar power more financially accessible, the initial payment is nonetheless high. However, as solar energy becomes more affordable with each passing year, another one of solar energy advantages is that after the initial payment is recovered, solar energy is actually cost-free. The electricity bill decreases, and savings are long-term. Moreover, government incentives definitely sweeten the deal; case in point: the National Solar Mission. Another one of the economic advantages of solar energy is no zero transmission / transport cost, since the energy is produced when consumed.

Taking the economic angle a little further, much of India’s dependence on foreign oil can be reduced, which in turn would save crores of rupees. India has excellent solar insolation figures – around 3000 hours per year, which can be put to use in an ultimately cost-effective and sustainable channel. For India, at least, the advantages of solar energy far outweigh the disadvantages of solar energy. SOLAR ENERGY ADVANTAGES – THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANGLE Another huge benefit of solar power, which definitely tips the balance of pros and cons of solar energy in its favour, is the clean usage of sun’s photons. This means of power is environment-friendly: no polluting substances are emitted, no depletion of a precious resource, and no contribution to the already gross effect of global warming. The clean and sustainable nature is one of the driving advantages of solar energy. This way, oil and coal can be put to other uses. SOLAR ENERGY ADVANTAGES – THE APPLICATION ANGLE Cost and environment are only two areas where solar energy shines; another is the actual installation of solar devices. Since solar energy products have no need to be linked to the main power grid and only require proper equipment, the independence of solar power is another plus in the tabulation of solar energy pros and cons.

This is one of the reasons why street solar lighting and providing solar-powered electricity to remote access areas are two of the favourite solar energy uses in India; the government is clearly using solar energy advantages in its favour. The independent nature of solar energy allows customers to cater to individual needs and costs. DIY solar panel systems are also appearing in markets. The low maintenance and long-lasting nature of solar cells allows even more autonomy. A further reach into the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy shows that solar energy is not a huge out-of-reach phenomenon. From cooking to heating water, from cooling and ventilation to electricity generation, solar energy can be used from the most menial of tasks to the greatest of tasks, like a solar car. Thus, the applications of solar energy are far and wide, from industry to household usage, from architecture and urban planning to rural and remote area employment. As for solar energy disadvantages, there are benefits and drawbacks to each kind of energy resource; solar power is no different, and there are both pros and cons of solar energy. Onwards, therefore, to discuss the disadvantages of solar energy: SOLAR ENERGY DISADVANTAGES – THE ECONOMIC ANGLE As has been already mentioned above, the initial investment cost is still quite high, though decreasing every year. Therefore, one of the disadvantages of solar energy is the rather long cost recovery period. Yet another one of solar energy disadvantages is that the cost of producing a unit of sun-based energy is still significantly higher than a coal-based electrical unit. There is still much time left before solar energy reaches the same cost-efficient status of coal-based electricity. SOLAR ENERGY DISADVANTAGES – THE AVAILABILITY ANGLE Continuing the discussion on advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, one of the biggest disadvantages of solar energy is the question of sun’s ‘availability’. Only some parts of the world are strong contenders for all-year round solar power, though small scale production also exists. Location of the sun is another issue, since it changes position throughout the day. CSPs and other devices aside, it leads to another one of solar energy disadvantages: solar panels require large areas for installation, to be best able to harness the maximum. Furthermore no sun means no solar energy: another black mark against solar energy. Night-time, clouds, rain, air pollution and wind all incapacitate solar panels. PROS AND CONS OF SOLAR ENERGY - THE BALANCE SHEET The above states several main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, and it can be easily seen that solar power claims more gains than losses. However, high initial costs remain solar energy’s greatest weakness. The fact that there are solar energy pros and cons to begin with only strengthens the accessibility of this form of renewable energy. Researchers are tying to lower the economic disadvantages of solar energy through enhancing efficiency, to make it even more financially approachable. Knowing solar energy has several advantages over disadvantages, the need of the hour is to put aside discussion on solar energy pros and cons and to focus on expanding the solar product market independently of oil ups and downs.

A Cost Effective Way to Use Solar Energy Now

A Cost Effective Way to Use Solar Energy Now

A big problem with solar energy is cost. Solid state solar cells are relatively expensive. The bottom of the food chain from which all live on earth is dependent is photosynthesis. A plant leaf takes water, carbon dioxide and sunlight and produces sugar and oxygen as a byproduct. This is called the Calvin Cycle and is the basic process of photosynthesis.The efficiency of a leaf at 77 degrees Fahrenheit is about 5 %. Current solar cell efficiency is about 6 %. If solar cells become inexpensive enough they can be used in large quantities like plant leaves. Another way to produce energy is to use parabolic mirrors to focus energy from the sun on a container of fluid to produce steam. Also parabolic mirrors have been used to focus energy on a Stirling Engine and a container of molten salt has also been used. The molten salt arrangement allows for the storage of energy for bad weather and night time. Electricity is generated from the steam produced as the molten salt cools. Various configurations of generating power using mirrors are being used throughout the world. Basically a "mirror farm" is set up in an area where there are no tall buildings or hills to block the sun. The more mirrors the more concentrated sunlight for generating power. The "mirror farm" has to be off limits due to the fact that the focal point of the mirror (which is an area close to and in front of the mirror) is an area of intense heat.The correct term for this type of power generation is called CSP ( concentrated solar power). The CSP process drives steam turbines like coal or oil fueled power plants but without the green house emissions. This helps in the fight against global warming. The question is where does this type of power generation fit in the United States. Ideally CSP works efficiently in desert areas because of its dependency on sunlight. Also in deserts there are less overcast days.A CSP plant is currently in operation in Spain near the town of Seville. The plant supplies about 3 % of Spain's power needs. A company in California operates a smaller CSP plant and is successful. A balanced approach is needed in regards to power generation. Solar power generating plants whether using solid state solar cells or arrays of mirrors are susceptible to wind damage. Earth quakes and flooding are also more of threat to these types of power plants. In an emergency just when power is needed the most it may not be available. Other sources of power such as oil, gas and wind are still needed.In the past the earth has experienced large discharges of debris from volcanic eruptions which could effect the operation of solar plants. A recent example is the eruption of MT. Saint Helens volcano in Washington state. The eruption column reached a height of 80,000 feet in less than 15 minutes. Detectable amounts of ash covered 22,000 square miles. As much as 1 inch of ash was measured on the ground 300 miles downwind. A varied approach to power generation is needed to spread the risks.

Active and Passive Techniques for Utilizing Solar Power

Active and Passive Techniques for Utilizing Solar Power

The recent evolutions in solar technologies have made it possible for everyone to utilize solar power. As a result, several people have already started using various kinds of solar systems. These can be used in various ways depending upon the kind of solar techniques they are using. Solar techniques can be classified into categories including the active solar and passive solar techniques.This classification of these is made on the basis of how they harness, convert, and supply the solar power. They both differ in terms of their usages and applications as well. Let us have a look at the different aspects of the active and passive solar techniques.Active Solar EnergyActive solar techniques mainly involve the direct absorption of solar energy to generate some usable form of energy, such as electricity. One of the major ways to use active energy is to use solar panels. These solar panels are constructed with semiconductors (e. g. crystalline silicon), which generate electrical energy. these panels are exposed to direct sunlight. Upon absorption of sunlight they convert it into electricity, which is either used directly to power your appliances or is stored by solar inverters.In addition, solar motors, few kinds of hot water systems, solar collectors, solar trackers, etc are few other kinds of system that utilize active techniques.Passive Solar EnergyPassive solar techniques do not involve direct absorption of sunlight to convert it into some useful form of energy. They do not use active mechanical systems for absorbing this radiations. Instead, they mainly rely on the design and construction aspects of the systems that are meant to use the energy passively. For instance, a building can be constructed such that it uses this energy to facilitate its heating or cooling. Also, it can be designed to allow effective ventilation inside the building. While designing such buildings, parameters like thermal mass, orientation, shape, density of walls, and arrangement of shadow are considered.In addition to the buildings that use passive techniques, there are many other usages of passive energy. This energy can be passively used in solar cookers, water heaters, chimneys, and earth sheltering. These all are designed such that this energy is directed to heat air, which is preserved by the appropriate thermal mass. This stored energy is used for various purposes such as heating, cooling, ventilating etc. In addition, solar furnaces and solar forges are widely used in industrial applications as well.