What is Solar Energy?
The prospect of running out of fossil fuels has caused people to start thinking about other sources of power. Solar power comes from the sun. Solar panels and solar cells use the sun to make electricity and heat. Since sunlight is freely available, it is a great source of energy for all. Although it has a lot of advantages (which are listed in our article “Advantages of Solar Panel“), it is important to know that there are some disadvantages of solar panel usage. While these disadvantages should not stop you from buying solar panels, you should know them.
Disadvantages of Solar Panel Usage
There are a few disadvantages. These include:
- When the sun isn’t shining, solar panels don’t make power. Examples of times where the sun doesn’t shine includes at night and during winter. Additionally, solar panels are less effective when it’s cloudy. However, many people now have battery systems, which store power for when the sun doesn’t shine.
- More efficient panels are relatively expensive, and these costs can add up.
- Additionally, buying solar panels in general can be very expensive. It may take you 10 years to get back your initial investment. However, governments are constantly working with manufacturers to lower the prices. The cost of solar panels will likely reduce.
- Solar panels can be difficult to deal with if you decide to move homes.
- Solar panels become damaged by ultraviolet radiation, rain, snow, dirt, and wind.
- Disposing materials which are used during the production of solar panels can have an impact on the environment. However, it can also be argued that there is an impact on the environment after the production of any item.
These disadvantages are serious. However, they should not stop you from buying solar panels. Solar panels have many advantages that outweigh these disadvantages. They are the power source of the future. These problems are only something to think about. They shouldn’t stop you from improving the world.
You can find these advantages here.