Nowadays, in the need of green energy, solar energy has appeared as a potential solution to alternative environmentally-friendly source of energy. However, besides obvious benefits that solar power brings about, it still harbors some disadvantages.
In terms of advantages, it is undeniable that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. Moreover, solar power helps to reduce the electricity bills. Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage. Last but not least, solar power has diverse applications. Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes like generating electricityor heat. Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space.
In terms of disadvantages, it is clear that the cost of installing solar panels is not cheap. Additionally, solar power is highly weather dependent. Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to effectively gather solar energy. Therefore, a few cloudy, rainy days can have a noticeable effect on the energy system. Furthermore, solar power can be still associated with pollution. Transportation and installation of solar systems have been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases. There are also some toxic materials and hazardous products used during the manufacturing process of solar photovoltaic systems, which can indirectly affect the environment.
In conclusion, it is undoubted that installing solar panels can make a significant difference to the planet. However, we should be aware of its downsides and finds solutions to reduce and eliminate them.
