Disadvantages of using Solar Energy

The limitations and barriers faced when using Solar Energy.

1. Costs

The costs of initial purchasing and installing solar panels are rather high. It might take up to a decade or two to break-even ^[1] for the initial cost of the investment. The start-up capital required to harness solar energy may be too high for new entrants. However, in certain countries there are subsidy programs, tax initiatives and even rebate incentives given by their respective governments to promote the usage of clean energy systems. Not to mention, as technology advances solar panels will likely cost less and its efficiency will rise as well. Also, the usage of solar energy can be a starting step to reduce humanity's dependence on non-renewable energy.

2. Location and size 

Solar panels require large amounts of surface area in order to prove its functionalities. It is important for companies with limited space to fully utilize its capacity before picking up the solar energy system. No doubt, solar power stations can be built. However, they currently do not match the power output of conventional power stations of the same size. As mentioned, these power stations will also costs much more to build. As more electricity is required to be produced, the more panels will be needed. If there is a space limitation, the usage of solar energy will also be limited. The photovoltaic technology ^[2] in solar panels is still in its baby stages, thus large amounts of solar arrays are built to compensate for its inefficiencies. The solar panels also require a large mechanical oriental system to “follow” and turn towards the sun in order to achieve optimum absorption of sunlight at a certain angle. Also, batteries used to ensure a constant supply of electricity generated by solar panels also takes up a fair amount of space. Solar arrays that are often installed on roofs bring complications when there is a need to repair the building’s roof itself.

3. Pollution 

Solar cell panels are made up of photovoltaic semiconductor materials consisting of a variety of silicon and other toxic metals such as Mercury, Cadmium and Lead which could potentially bring harm to humans and the environment. Cadmium is harmless when it is sealed properly inside the solar panels. For example, solar panel manufacturer, Jinko Solar has faced protests and legal action due to one of its plants located in eastern province of Zhejiang, China being accused of disposing toxic waste into a nearby river. Thus, solar panels must be disposed with extreme care to prevent Cadmium leakage into the soils and waters which will result in Cadmium poisoning. Lead-acid batteries that are required by solar arrays contain both lead and sulfuric acid which are highly toxic especially towards marine creatures. Lead can also cause impairments in children. However, most of the materials in the batteries are recoverable if they were to be recycled properly. There are also usages of hazardous products during the process of manufacturing solar photovoltaics, which can indirectly affect the environment. Nevertheless, solar energy pollutes far less than other alternative energy sources.

4. Efficiency 

The most efficient solar cell available currently in the market converts only about 20% of sunlight into electricity. Since most of the sunlight is not harnessed, there will be a wastage which leads a decrease of efficiency in the solar panels. Also, environmental pollution can deteriorate the quality and efficiency of photovoltaic cells. However, new emerging and innovative technologies will manage to increase the rate of efficiency of solar panels and their resistance towards pollution.

Take the following article for example:

“Recently, SolarCity™ announced it will begin manufacturing the “world’s most efficient solar panels” at its factory in Buffalo, New York, starting in 2016. It claims it has designed a panel that converts 22.1% of sunlight into electricity. Now, less than a week later, Panasonic™ says it has trumped that achievement. A Panasonic™ solar panel has established a new world record module conversion efficiency of 22.5% on a commercial sized prototype using solar cells based on mass production technology. The test results were confirmed by the renowned Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. The 72-cell, 270-watt prototype incorporates newly developed enhanced technology that will eventually be scaled into volume production."

Taken from [http://cleantechnica.com/2015/10/09/panasonic-quickly-beats-solarcitys-solar-module-efficiency-record/]

Originally published on [http://solarlove.org/panasonic-solar-panel-trumps-solarcity-efficiency-record/]

5. Reliability 

Solar energy does not operate during the night period, unlike the other renewable energy sources. Consumers will have to depend on the conventional power grid to get electricity at night or purchase solar batteries which are used to store excess power harness during the day to be later utilized. These batteries are useful; however they need to be replaced from time to time which could be a hassle. Also, any factors that affect the absorption of sunlight by solar panels will deteriorate its function. Weather conditions such as cloudy, storms, hail, foggy, snowing and locations where panels are blocked by shadows, buildings, trees or even landscapes will reduce the effectiveness of the solar panels. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “The sunlight available for harness during foggy or cloudy conditions is approximately only ten percent of the value under clear sky (sunny) conditions." Thus, it is essential to optimize newer solar power technologies that perform better with higher reliability.

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^[1] Break-Even: Total costs (expenses) equals to total sales (revenue). Break-even point can be described as a point where there is no net profit or loss.

^[2] Photovoltaic (PV) technology: A method of converting solar energy into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect ^[2.1].

^[2.1] Photovoltaic effect: Link [http://sagansjr.blogspot.my/2015/10/solar-power.html]

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References:

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http://www.readyratios.com/reference/analysis/break_even_point.html?PAGEN_2=2.

[Accessed on 13 October 2015].

GreenMatch.co.uk, (2014). How efficient are solar panels. Available at

http://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/07/how-efficient-are-solar-panels.

[Accessed on 13 October 2015].

GreenMatch.co.uk, (2014). 5 advantages and 5 disadvantages of solar energy. Available at

http://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/5-advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-solar-energy. [Accessed on 13 October 2015].

Gromicko, N., (2015). Disadvantages of solar energy. Available at

http://www.nachi.org/disadvantages-solar-energy.htm. [Accessed 13 October 2015].

Nunez, C., (2014). How green are those solar panels really? Available at 

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/11/141111-solar-panel-manufacturing sustainability-ranking/. [Accessed on 13 October 2015]

Rinkesh, K., (2015). Disadvantages of solar energy. Available at

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Disadvantages_SolarEnergy.php.

[Accessed 13 October 2015].

Ryan, V., (2009). Advantages and disadvantages of solar power. Available at

http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/solar7.htm. [Accessed 13 October 2015].

 Pearce, J., (2002). Photovoltaics – A path to sustainable futures. Available at

http://www.academia.edu/1484565/Photovoltaics_a_path_to_sustainable_futures. [Accessed on 13 October 2015].

Written by: S

Last Edited: 12/11/2015 1:00 AM by S