The Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Despite the fact that solar energy has been used for many years, the technology is still generally considered again. As people focus too much on the benefits , therefore , the disadvantages of solar energy are often overlooked , and many fall pray difficulties , investing a lot of money on a solar panel might not even work properly , for one reason or another .
If you are really serious about solar energy to provide your home with electricity , so you will see that a deep understanding of its disadvantages is crucial. Thus, if you do your research properly , and weighs each point carefully , you will see that you can make the best decisions , and benefit from the many positive aspects of solar energy comes with.
The contrast between the solar green energy sources and other
Solar energy has been used successfully as a source of energy over 50 years. Their advantages are well known to those who are even remotely interested in the development of alternative energy sources , but the truth is that , compared to other “green ” methods of producing solar energy, n is not considered first in terms of efficiency and consistency.
Its main competitors are : geothermal energy, wind energy and hydropower. Wind turbines are just starting to become more popular, and new models are being developed all the time , so it can be considered a viable solution for the future . When compared to solar energy, wind energy is generally considered to be at a similar level . It is more expensive but has an advantage over solar power , solar power , it does not work at night, for example. In addition , wind energy can not be contained in specific places where climatic conditions are suitable.
The same problem arises when comparing solar energy to the other two sources of energy as well. Hydropower is a bit less clear , however , despite the fact that no direct waste produced . Geothermal energy is very beneficial to the environment , moreover , be comparable to solar energy , in this regard , but solar energy is less effective.
However, geothermal energy is still being investigated , as there are many problems with it, because the technology is not yet advanced enough to allow ordinary people will directly benefit by building their sources of cleaner energy. Here, the solar panels really shine , that despite the cost , which can be much easier to manufacture, and maintenance problems are generally rare .
Manufacturing costs and purchase
One of the biggest disadvantages of solar panels is their cost. Both in terms of manufacture and buy already made , the costs can be very daunting. Of course, largely depends on the size of the family unit, and the type of solar energy source to use.
A PV System 1 kWh can go somewhere between $ 8,000 and $ 10,000. When you think that a family living in a house with 3 bedrooms that can provide a system of 1-3 kW , the cost of a solar panel generally stable and viable can double or even triple is required.
Solar hot water systems are generally much more accessible , however , requires an investment of about $ 2,000 to about $ 4,000. This is good news for those who prefer to separate from their power sources , and perhaps use multiple systems for greater efficiency .
Even better , the price of the tables of solar panels has fallen considerably in the past two decades. Before that, the costs were more than 5 times less affordable , and the quality was less acceptable for an investment of this type .
Following these developments, many scientists are pretty sure that soon the price and effectiveness evaluation of solar energy will be good enough to replace the power grid and provide people a viable , clean alternative and powerful for a large number of known energy sources today.
Also, if you ‘re up for it , you can buy only the parts and make your own system based on solar panels. Depending on your needs , you can make much cheaper , only a fraction of the cost price of a regular solar panels. While this may be a bit difficult, with a little work and effort , you can do.
DIY difficulties
Of course, if you decide to make their own arrangements for solar panels , you will probably encounter a lot of problems, especially if you’re not used to build things from scratch. In addition , to reduce costs , you may need to use low-quality materials that could not last in the long run .
Manufacturers tend to emphasize the difference in the quality and reliability between a solar panel and make an inexperienced worker can assemble . This is , of course, a marketing strategy as well and there is no reason why you can not build a strong workable solar panel. The effort may be too much for some, but if you like good old fashioned work , you will likely be favorable.
Location matters
Another difficulty , regardless of the quality of the solar panels used , the difference between various locations. The main drawback in this regard has to do with where the sunlight is not always available .
For example, closer to the poles during the winter season places the sun rarely appeared for more than a few hours. This can make it very difficult to use solar panels to produce energy constant . Furthermore, in areas where the climate is particularly overcast, rain or fog , solar panels provide energy, but efficiency is greatly reduced , and you may need more than the estimated successfully provide electricity for the entire family amount .
Of course, if you live in an area where rain does not fall very often, and there is an abundance of sunshine most days , a solar panel might be the best choice for you . According to other factors such as the area you have for it , and the size of the panels themselves, you might be able to get excellent results in this case.
Contamination and inconsistency long term
Solar energy can be clean, from a general point of view , however , remains vulnerable to contamination , since this factor may decrease the effectiveness of a solar panel. Although most of the newer models do not have a problem with the older models can easily be affected because the technology was not as advanced as in the past, and the materials used are much less reliable.
Although solar panels themselves can not constitute a threat to the environment , if a system ‘s network connection is used, chances are you need to use lead-acid batteries . Their life expectancy is much less favorable than that of a solar panel ( about 5 years for battery, in contrast to 20 to 30 panels).
As a result , you are not only faced with additional recurrent costs , but lead and sulfuric acid in batteries can be very harmful to the environment. Mismanaged , its use can lead to significant problems.
There are ways around this, of course , more than 90 % of the materials in batteries lead – acid can be recovered in the recycling process . What to do, then, is to ensure that the battery life as long as possible during stretches , and take them to a recycling center later.
Summary
In general , we can say that there are many disadvantages in using solar energy as a power source for your home efficiently . As we have seen , however , all these problems depend on the ability of people to determine exactly what they need , and to compare the results of their abilities. With a correct assessment of the situation , you may actually be able to find a viable solution.
There is no reason why you can not benefit from the positive aspects of this energy source , however , it should be noted that the technology is still in its infancy , and if you want to get a good cost / performance , having to do a lot of research and be aware of any potential problem.
However , experts believe that in a few years, solar energy will become gradually much cheaper, more accessible and more effective. Keep an eye on technological advances , so if you’re passionate about solar energy, you never know when a good opportunity may “shine ” on it on the right track .