Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
Is solar energy profitable?
The use of energy from solar radiation is becoming more and more popular every year. It appeals not only to large businesses, but also to single-family homeowners. Solar farms are also increasingly being used as private power plants. The choice of solar panels on the market also seems attractive because, compared to the cost of electricity, their prices are going down in the coming years and their efficiency is increasing.
Solar collectors provide an essential type of renewable energy source that remains virtually infinite. The electricity and heat that go to houses, flats and businesses provide solar radiation.
An important parameter of photovoltaic cells is insolation , that is, the annual amount of insolation. It is logical that for solar cells to fulfill their function, they need sunlight.
Another important parameter is the theoretical potential of the possibilities of using a certain amount of solar energy for energy purposes. When calculating the real possibilities of its use for utility purposes, geographical location, efficiency and effectiveness of certain technologies or the possibility of storing energy in collectors are also taken into account, among other things.
Solar energy: advantages and disadvantages
As is the case with most new technologies, alternative energy sources also have their supporters and opponents. What are more for solar panels? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable solar energy?
Advantages of using solar energy
- Environmentally friendly: Solar energy, like most other renewable energy sources, is known as “green energy”. This means that it is friendly to nature without negatively affecting the environment. Photovoltaic energy means there is no waste, saves fossil fuels, and produces no emissions into the atmosphere.
- It is a practically inexhaustible source of renewable energy.
- Independence from rising electricity prices in the market and commercial suppliers
- Lower energy costs – PV requires a one-time investment and then pays off. Although the photovoltaic installation and the cost of its assembly are not cheap, its price goes down over the years and the prices of electricity in the market are rising.
- Surplus energy can be collected and sold to external suppliers.
- Solar energy can be used locally because it is … everywhere! It is enough for the sun to shine.
- It satisfies 2 types of demand at the same time (heat and electricity).
- Low operating costs: Solar installations are characterized by a low failure rate and warranties for them vary from several to several dozen years.
- Invest in the future: when you decide to buy photovoltaic cells at home or in a company, you adjust the installation to the applicable legal standards and regulations. They will harden over the years, with the aim of creating increasingly energy efficient buildings.
- Safe Power Supply During Peak Hours – Because it only uses the energy produced by solar panels, it is not affected by power failures or delays. For example, during peak hours, when overloads can occur because the network is used by a large number of recipients.
- Lack of mechanical devices to convert electricity and noise related to your work.
4 disadvantages of using solar energy
- Energy that depends on weather conditions: the less sun, the lower the efficiency. The amount of energy that can be obtained from the sun is influenced by weather conditions and the daily and seasonal cycle.
- Environmental pollution: although solar energy is totally ecological and renewable, the very process of creating the panels leaves much to be desired in this regard. Opponents of the use of this type of renewable energy point out that the panels are made with toxic chemical elements (crystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, cadmium sulfide). Its production pollutes the environment to some extent.
- High installation costs: buying and installing a photovoltaic system is an investment, so before it starts to pay off, you must invest it. Panel costs may initially terrify many investors, so it’s worth looking around, among others. for subsidies to photovoltaic energy .
- Problems storing more electricity: sometimes it is not possible to fully use the surplus electricity from photovoltaic panels. So, the possible solutions are, for example, net metering (electricity flows to neighbors and nearby companies) or its storage in batteries. For the prosumer, however, losses of 20-30% are associated with the first, and the second – with the purchase and storage of additional equipment.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
Solar power has its advantages and disadvantages, but the former seem to be much more. Installing collectors is an investment that pays off for years not only in the portfolio, but also in the environment.
Wondering which system will be the best for you? Do you think of a subsidy? We are happy to help you. Write or call!
