Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Solar energy has emerged as a very powerful source of generating electricity for everyone to use. There are two types of natural resources. While some are exhaustible in nature and shall deplete with time, other are inexhaustible in nature and would therefore remain there to support our living. Since solar energy is available in abundance and is an inexhaustible resource, it makes for an ideal means for generating electric power. Besides, this is also an eco friendly source that does not emit any harmful substances and does not even emit any carbon count while producing electricity unlike other methods.
This greener and cleaner route of generating electricity might be a very sustainable; however, there are still some disadvantages of solar energy that one must be aware of before going all the way ahead with the solar energy. One of the most prominent disadvantages of using solar energy is that the initial set up cost of utilizing solar energy is very high. It costs a lot of capital in order to get to producing power out of solar energy which ultimately acts as a hurdle for many who have an intention of switching over to solar energy for their day-to-day requirements but cannot do so because of lack of finances. There are no doubts about the fact that once the solar systems are installed, the power they produce is very cost effective and over the years, the system helps save up a lot of money but the initial costs are way too high for a person with middle class background to give in. this acts as a spoil sport and one of the major disadvantages of solar energy.
Although, constant efforts are being made to ensure that these solar equipments are made available to the masses, it still remains to be a distant dream for many people. This initial cost sometimes mean that it may take a number of years for many people to start gaining out of these solar systems when it comes to saving money. Reports suggest that more than the thought of keeping environment clean and green, and opting for an eco friendly source, what nudges most people to opt for solar systems is the idea of saving money. It is very important to educate people about ‘what are the disadvantages of solar energy’. On a realistic front, there is hardly anybody who would not think about saving that extra buck so as to spend it elsewhere, where the money is really required. In retrospect to this, when it is taking several years for people to actually start saving money after they install solar panels and solar systems at their place, this does not really act as a motivator, ultimately pushing people away from the idea of using solar energy and acting as solar energy disadvantage.
Another major disadvantage of solar energy is that installation of these solar based equipments and systems require plenty of space. For generating electricity on larger scale, there are times when people need to use up the entire garden area or their terraces because their requirement of solar energy is humongous. In other words, the more the electricity requirement, the more solar power it requires. For this reason, many people simply cannot think of running their homes completely on solar power if their property is situated at a place where they cannot enjoy lavish free spaces.
The third solar energy disadvantage is that on days that are not very bright and sunny or when sunlight is not available in abundance, the solar power systems fail to produce as much energy which can be sufficiently utilized. Likewise, there are certain places in India and abroad where sunlight is simply not available properly and the places that witness overcast days for most part of the year, in those areas, solar energy systems are not very successful, as people do not get enough electricity out of the systems. This hurdle can be overcome with the help of enough solar power storage systems; however, investing in these solar storage systems results in additional costs making people shell out more money than they intend to.
Another disadvantage of solar energy is that the cost of generating per unit of electricity by solar energy is considerably higher as compared to that produced by a coal based electrical unit. It would still take time for solar energy to match up with the status of electricity produced by coal.
In addition to these solar energy disadvantages, another major hurdle is that high pollution levels incapacitate the solar energy. It is important to note that the pollution levels are ever on the rise. With the growing population across the world, pollution levels have also seen a tremendous surge in the past years. This pace is likely to further increase in the times to come. This shall prove solar energy as an impotent means in the times to come as the pollution forms a cloud against the sun, causing it to not supply restricted sunlight for the electricity to be produced.
Therefore, it is suggested that before going all the way and investing in solar systems equipped with solar panels, it is highly suggested to actually act rationally and be realistic. People usually study about the benefits or the advantages of a system very carefully but do not get to know about the disadvantages of any system. In case of solar energy, it is highly important to make oneself aware about the disadvantages of solar energy too. One should get the facts right and see to it that where one stays, sunlight is available in abundance there. An overcast weather although would let solar equipments generate energy, but the power produced usually comes out to be quite less in measure on those days. There are chances that you invest so heavily in the solar panels and do not get enough output to satiate your power requirements. Act smart and think practically and then only invest in this greener and cleaner method of power your abode.