Advantages & Disadvantages of Solar Energy, Pros And Cons

Advantages of Solar Energy

In this article we will discuss about Advantages & Disadvantages of Solar Energy, Pros And Cons. Here is a list of the benefits of solar energy as well as the elements that impact how much solar electricity you need. How does solar energy reduce pollution, why does it have cheap maintenance costs, and why is it a renewable source.

Solar panels, which convert sunlight into usable energy, are a renewable source of energy that may be used to create electricity.

Low Operating Costs
Development of technology (DT)
Source of Renewable Energy
It assists you in saving money on your electricity costs.
A wide range of applications
Solar energy works well in a wide range of environments.
Reduce of pollution
Solar energy has a great effect on the entire power grid.
Solar energy is a nonpartisan energy source.
Solar energy is currently more affordable compared to ever before.

Solar energy is divided into two different types.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert solar energy directly into usable energy by using a photovoltaic (PV) cell comprised of semiconductor material.

CSP (concentrating solar power) generates solar thermal electricity by focusing energy from the sun onto a heat receiver, changing it from heat to mechanical energy and subsequently to electrical energy from the sun.

1. Low Operating Costs :–

Solar energy systems, in general, do not require a lot of management.

Cleaning them multiple times a year will suffice because they demand so little management to remain good. If in doubt, you can almost always rely on professional cleaning companies, which charge between 30$ and 35$ per hour for this service.The majority of reliable solar panel manufacturers provide 20 to 25-year warranties.

Additionally, because there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear on the system.

When it comes to solar panel replacement, the inverter is generally the only component that needs to be updated every 5-10 years.

It converts solar energy into heat and electricity on a continuous basis (solar thermal vs. solar PV).

Regular maintenance of the cables, in addition to the inverter, is essential to ensure that your Solar Power system functions at peak performance.

As a result, once the initial cost of a solar system is covered, you can expect to spend very little on maintenance and repair work.

In the end, the most of household solar panel systems demand very little repair.

2. Development of technology (DT) :–

The solar energy industry’s technology is constantly improving, and improvements will continue to be produced in the coming years.

Nanotechnology and quantum physics scientists may be able to enhance solar panel efficiency while boosting the electrical input of solar power systems by a factor of two or three.

Photovoltaics (PV), which converts light directly to electricity; going to concentrate Solar Power (CSP), which utilises heat from the sun (thermal energy) to power utility-scale electric turbines; and solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems, which gather thermal energy purpose of providing hot water and air heating or conditioning (or both).

3. Source of Renewable Energy :–

The fact that solar power is the most environmentally friendly kind of energy generation currently available is the most important of all its advantages.

It is available twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, and may be harvested anywhere in the world.

Solar energy is infinite, unlike some other energy sources.

As long as humans have access to the sun, solar energy will be available, indicating that humanity will have access to the sun for at least 5 billion years after the sun’s expected extinction.

The Sun releases or radiates a lot of energy into the atmosphere every day.

One of the most fundamental sources of energy for all living things, radiant radiation has maintained life on Earth for millions of years.

Solar energy and other forms of renewable energy are increasingly processed and used in a number of businesses in place of fossil fuels.

It may be directly harvested using a variety of methods to produce renewable panels that can be used in buildings and houses all around the world.

The time of day, the day of the year, and the latitude of the region where the energy is obtained all affect how much solar energy is accessible at any given location on Earth.

The amount of energy collected can be changed further depending on the shape and direction of the object collecting energy. Insolation is the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface when measuring solar radiation.

4. It assists you in saving money on your electricity costs :–

Your energy bills will be reduced since you will be able to satisfy a portion of your energy needs with power generated by your solar system. The size of your solar system and the amount of power or heat you consume will decide how much money you save on your energy bill.

For example, if you operate a business that employs corporate solar panels, making the switch can result in significant potential savings because the considerably larger size can cover a significant percentage of your electricity bills.

You will also conserve money on your electricity bill, and there is the possibility of earning reimbursements for excess energy sent back to the grid.

You are said to be self-sufficient if you produce more electricity than you consume (considering that the solar panel system is linked to the grid).

Solar energy, specifically in America’s sunny climate, can allow you significantly reduce your property’s operating costs. When calculating how much savings can be made by using solar energy, there are several factors to consider.

The following are the most important factor:

Your residence’s address :–

Your geographical position will determine the amount of electricity generated by your solar energy system and, as a result, how much money you can save. A Solar Energy System installed in Australia, for example, will generate more Energy From the sun than a Solar Energy System installed in Australia of the same size.

The percentage of your feed-in price that is charged :–

The majority of clients who sign a contract with their energy provider will be charged $0.08 per kilowatt-hour for Solar Power that is fed back into the grid. It is critical to contact the electricity company to determine what tariff prices are available.

If at all possible, it is suggested that you check about for the most competitive costs.

The amount of the solar energy system you propose to develop :–

When comparing the output of smaller and larger solar energy systems, a 10 kw unit, for example, will provide considerably more electricity than an equivalent 4kW system. Constructing a large solar energy system has a major impact on how much money you save over the period of the year.

It is essential that you select a system that is powerful enough just to satisfy your power needs while also shortening your payback period and improving your return on investment.

Your normal electricity consumption :–

Looking at the back page of your most recent power bill can help you to quickly determine how much electricity you spend.The amount of electricity you consume each day will be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).To figure out how much you can save with solar power and which system is appropriate for you, first figure out how much you can save.

Solar energy systems of 5kW or greater are often required for larger houses or individuals who demand more electricity than the ordinary homeowner.

Usage patterns are critical :–

Solar energy systems provide electricity during the day. Unless you have a solar battery or another facility where you may store the excess electricity, any extra electricity generated is discharged back into the grid. Your energy provider will provide you a credit for the power you exported, which you can use to lower your electricity bills.

5. A wide range of applications :–

There are numerous uses for solar energy. Sun energy can be used to produce heat (photovoltaics) and electricity (solar thermal).

Among other things, solar energy can be used to distil water in regions where distilled water is scarce, generate electricity in remote areas without access to the electrical grid, and power satellites in space. Materials used in building structures can utilise solar energy.

Their operational philosophies represent the fundamental distinction between solar PV and solar thermal energy.

Solar PV is based on the photovoltaic effect, which occurs when a photon (the fundamental unit of light) collides with a specific substance, releasing an electron into the environment.

Solar thermal, on the other hand, is a way of heating fluid by employing sunlight (relying on the specific application, it can be other fluid or water).

When exposed to light, a small number of semiconductors (such as silicon-polycrystalline, monocrystalline, amorphous, and cadmium telluride) display the photovoltaic effect.

After undergoing appropriate chemical treatments, these minerals, which include silicon (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous-), and cadmium telluride, can generate an electric current when lighted.

These semiconductors are manufactured into thin layers that bind to the central component of solar cells, which is the basic component of the solar PV system and generates dc voltage.

6. Solar energy works well in a wide range of environments :–

Many individuals believe that solar energy will be useless in colder climates.

That is not the true.

The truth is that solar panels work better in lower temperatures because excessive heat can limit the panels’ output voltage.

While long hours of direct sunlight might aid a solar-powered system in producing more electricity, contemporary panels are extremely effective.

They can still generate electricity in low-light circumstances, which is advantageous.

To attain the same results, someone living in Seattle, for example, may only need a little larger solar array than someone living in Southern California. In the end, solar energy may be used anywhere there is daylight.

Is it possible to use solar panels in the winter? The longer answer is that solar panels can be used in the winter.

Nonetheless, their output is lower than during the peak of summer due to a variety of issues, the most noticeable of which is that the days are shorter and snow can temporarily reduce or shut down output. When the temperature is lower, solar panels are more effective.

7. Reduce of pollution :–

Solar energy produces very little pollution. Solar panels produce no pollution. They do so, however, at the price of the environment during the production and construction processes.

These environmental expenditures are negligible when compared to the damage produced by conventional energy sources: burning fossil fuels produces approximately 21.3 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

When we use the sun to generate more and more of our power, we emit fewer and fewer dangerous emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels.

Solar panels produce electricity while producing no harmful emissions.

The more homes and businesses that use solar energy, the fewer toxic emissions from fossil fuels are released into the atmosphere.

8. Solar energy has a great effect on the entire power grid :-

Additional solar energy can be used by the regular utility grid around the world, decreasing the overall stress on the system.

Depending on local restrictions, the solar owner may be reimbursed for their contribution, like in Japan and parts of Europe where feed-in tariffs are in place.

The majority of states in the United States have net metering rules in effect.

Solar users who generate excess electricity are paid for this surplus by obtaining credit against their nighttime electrical grid consumption, a billing scheme known as net metering.

Solar panel installation on a residential or commercial site helps to reduce total electricity usage on the electrical distribution system.

Solar owners can balance their power usage in a variety of ways, including self-consumption of all of the electricity generated by their solar panels or net metering.

Solar energy lessens the demand on transmission infrastructure.

The supply fee, which covers the cost of procuring the actual power that you consume, is one of the most important costs on your electricity bill.

The transmission and distribution fee, on the other hand, covers the cost of transporting that electricity to your residence.

When solar panels are installed, they help to reduce the need for power generation and procurement, as well as the amount of electricity transmitted via distribution and transmission lines.

On a big scale, this has the potential to be extremely beneficial.

When the number of people in a specific area increases, the transmission and distribution network may become overburdened.

Poles and wires in the transmission grid act similarly to pipes in that they can only carry a certain amount of electricity before being overwhelmed.

When these wires reach their maximum capacity, the utility will be compelled to invest heavily in the construction of new poles and wires to meet the rising demand for electricity.

Installing solar reduces demand, reducing or postponing the need to build new transmission lines, resulting in long-term cost savings of millions of dollars.

9. Solar energy is a nonpartisan energy source :–

Solar energy is no longer only for hippies. People from all walks of life and political ideologies are enthusiastic about it.

Solar energy systems are being erected around the world by households of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, Fortune 500 and oil firms, governments, and educational institutions.

Mainstream banks are financing solar. Legislators have pushed for new solar regulations at the state level, and they have gained traction.

Despite the fact that solar energy has undeniable environmental benefits, it is rapidly being adopted because it makes good business sense.

10. Solar energy is currently more affordable compared to ever before :–

The cost of constructing a solar energy system has significantly fallen.

Between 2016 and 2017, the cost fell by 9%, and costs continue to reduce.

Solar energy is less expensive than conventional energy in a wide range of markets around the world.

There are financial incentives available, such as tax credits and state legislation, to make solar more accessible to a broader variety of people and organizations.

A variety of solar financing options, ranging from no-down-payment leases to home remodelling loans, are also available, making solar more affordable.

Businesses, schools, and government agencies that install corporate solar panels may be eligible for investment tax credits or expedited depreciation.

According to a survey, solar became more economical as a result of processes referred to as learning curves and virtuous cycles.

Harnessing the sun’s energy was formerly extremely expensive, and it was mostly used for satellites.

In 1956, for example, 1 watt of solar energy capacity cost $1,825, making it the most costly energy source.

(Right now, utility-scale solar can be obtained for as little as $0.70 per watt.)

The industry enjoyed a “virtuous cycle” as a result of the early demand for satellites. The higher the amount of satellite panels produced, the cheaper their price grew, and the higher the number of panels adopted other niche applications.

Solar energy made its debut as a viable general-purpose source of energy in the late 1990s, thanks to significant technological breakthroughs and the creation of economies of scale.

Since 1976, every doubling of solar energy capacity has resulted in a 20.2% decrease in solar panel prices.

In contrast, fossil fuels are incapable of keeping up with this rate.

This is because fossil-fuel power plants require mined fuels to operate.

The cost of delivering coal accounts for around 40% of total expenses in coal-fired power plants.

Because sunlight and wind are free, the cost of harnessing their energy will decline drastically as technology progresses and the sector grows.

Summary of the Top 10 Solar Energy Benefits :–

Using solar energy has several advantages. The following are the top ten advantages of solar energy:

Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source since it may be utilised endlessly without depleting resources or harming the environment.
Depending on the size of your solar panel installation and your electricity usage, solar energy can cut or even completely eliminate your electricity expenses.
Property value increases: Solar panel installations can raise the value of your home.
Environmentally friendly: Solar energy doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases or other harmful emissions, making it a clean and safe source of energy.
Reduces dependence on fossil fuels: Solar energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, which are a finite resource and contribute to climate change.
Quiet and unobtrusive: Solar panel systems are quiet and unobtrusive, making them a good choice for residential areas.
Low maintenance: Solar panel systems require very little maintenance, making them a convenient and hassle-free source of energy.
Durable and long-lasting: Solar panel systems are durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance.
Easy to install: Solar panel systems are relatively easy to install, making them a good choice for homeowners and businesses looking to switch to renewable energy.
Federal and state incentives: There are a variety of federal and state incentives available for those who install solar panel systems, including tax credits and rebates.

Disadvantages Of Solar Energy

The high initial material and installation costs, as well as the lengthy ROI.
Weather that is cloudy does not produce as much energy.
Solar energy storage is expensive, because it must be used immediately or stored in massive batteries.
As efficiency is not yet at 100%, a large amount of room is required.
Devices that run directly on DC power are more expensive.
The size of the solar panels vary based on geographical location for the same electricity generation.
Solar panels are not being mass-produced due to a lack of materials and technology to reduce the cost sufficiently to make them more accessible.
Solar-powered vehicles do not have the same speeds or power as traditional gas-powered vehicles.
solar energy production reduced in the winter months.

Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

Advantages Of Solar Energy	Disadvantages Of Solar Energy
100% limitless, renewable, and free energy	Intermittent energy
There are no hazardous or polluting emissions into the atmosphere.	High initial cost
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels	Location of the home
Electricity bills are reduced.	Weather Dependent
Self-supply subsidies	Solar energy storage is costly
It eliminates the need to rely on the power grid or natural gas	Takes up a lot of room
Environmentally Friendly	Time-consuming