Advantages and Disadvantages of SOLAR ENERGY

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Advantages and Disadvantages of SOLAR ENERGY
	Author: Anita van Wyk Topic: Environment Viewed: 56 time(s) [ Not Rated Yet ]

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Many of us know that solar energy is good, but few really
understand why.

Therefore, I compiled a comprehensive list of solar energy
advantages and disadvantages that will enable you to make an
educated decision whether on not Solar Power is right for YOU.
Solar Energy Advantages

1. Saves you money

After the initial investment has been recovered, the
energy from the sun is practically FREE.
The recovery/
payback period for this investment can be very short depending
on how much electricity your household uses.
Financial
incentives are available form the government that will reduce
your cost.
If your system produce more energy than you
use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a
credit on your account! This is called net metering.
It
will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at
all.
Solar energy does not require any fuel.

It's not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is
therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of
gasoline.
The savings are immediate and for many years
to come.
The use of solar energy indirectly reduces
health costs.

2. Environmentally friendly

Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and
coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.

It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide,
nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere
like many traditional forms of electrical generations does.

Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global
warming, acid rain or smog.
It actively contributes to
the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
It's
generated where it is needed.
By not using any fuel,
Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the
recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of
radioactive waste.

3. Independent/ semi-independent

Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied
energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity
bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with
electricity in the event of a power outage.
A Solar
Energy system can operate entirely independent, not requiring a
connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore
be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins),
making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of
utility electricity to a new site.
The use of Solar
Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized
sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or
international events and so contributes to a sustainable
future.
Solar Energy supports local job and wealth
creation, fuelling local economies.

4. Low/ no maintenance

Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and
will last for decades.
Once installed, there are no
recurring costs.
They operate silently, have no moving
parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to
add any fuel.
More solar panels can easily be added in
the future when your family's needs grow.

Solar Energy Disadvantages

The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing
a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the
semi-conducting materials used in building one.
The
cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable
utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming
more common, solar energy is becoming more
price-competitive.
Solar panels require quite a large
area for installation to achieve a good level of
efficiency.
The efficiency of the system also relies on
the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome
with the installation of certain components.
The
production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of
clouds or pollution in the air.
Similarly, no solar
energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery
backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See
www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to
save electricity and money.
As far as solar powered
cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught
up in today's rat race.