- 1. The Disadvantages of SolarEnergy Despite the fact that solar
energy has been usedfor many years, the technology is still
considered tobe generally new. As people focus too much
onadvantages, therefore, the disadvantages of solarenergy are often
overlooked, and many fall pray todifficulties, having to invest a
lot of money on asolar array that might not even work properly
forone reason or another. If you are truly serious about using
solar energy toprovide your home with electricity, therefore,
youwill find that a thorough understanding of itsdisadvantages is
crucial. For more information on how to make a solar oven go to
http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com
2. The Contrast between Solar and Other GreenEnergy SourcesSolar
power has been successfully used as an energy sourcefor more than
50 years. Its advantages are well-known to thosewho are even
remotely interested in the development ofalternate power sources;
however, the truth is that, whencompared with some other "green"
methods of powerproduction, solar power is not considered to be in
first place interms of efficiency or consistency.Its main rivals
are: geothermal energy, wind power andhydroelectricity. Wind
turbines are only starting to becomemore popular, and new designs
are being developed all thetime, so it can be considered as a
viable solution for the future.For more information on how to make
a solar oven go tohttp://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com
3. This same problem comes up when comparing solar power to
theother two energy sources too. Hydroelectricity is somewhat
lessclean, however, despite the fact that it does not produce
directwaste. Geothermal power is extremely beneficial for
theenvironment on the other hand, being comparable to solar energy
inthis regard; however, solar power is less efficient.
Nevertheless, geothermal energy is still being researched, as
thereare numerous problems with it, because the technology is not
yetadvanced enough to allow regular people to benefit from it
directly,by building their own power sources. For more information
on how to make a solar oven go to
http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com 4. Manufacturing
and Buying CostsOne of the greatest disadvantage of solar panels is
their cost. Both in terms ofmanufacturing and buying them
ready-made, the costs can be quitediscouraging. Of course, the
investment mostly depends on the size of thehousehold, as well as
on the type of solar energy source you want to use.A 1 kwh
photovoltaic system can range somewhere between $8,000 and$10,000.
When we think of the fact that a family living in a 3-bedroom
homerequires a system that can provide about 1 to 3 kw, the cost of
a viable andgenerally stable solar panel system can double, or even
triple.Solar hot water systems are usually much more accessible,
however, requiringan investment of roughly around $2000 to $4000.
For more information on how to make a solar oven go to
http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com 5. Even better,
the price for solar panel arrays has decreasedconsiderably in the
past couple of decades. Before that, the costswere more than 5
times less affordable, and the quality was lessthan acceptable for
such an investment. As a result of this progress, many scientists
are quite confident that,soon, the price and efficiency rating of
solar energy will be goodenough to allow the replacement of the
conventional power grid,and provide people with a useful, clean and
powerful alternative tomany of the energy sources known today.
Also, if you are up for it, you can buy only the parts, and make
yourown system based on solar panels. For more information on how
to make a solar oven go to
http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com 6. DIY
DifficultiesOf course, if you choose to make your own solar panel
arrays, you willlikely run into a lot of difficulties, especially
if you are not used to buildingthings from scratch. Also, in order
to lower the costs, you might have to uselower quality materials
that might not last on a long term basis.Manufacturers often
emphasize the difference in quality and reliabilitybetween a solar
panel they make and one that an inexperienced workermay put
together. This is, of course, a marketing strategy, as well,
andthere is no reason why you cant build a solid, viable solar
panel. The effortmay be too much for some, but if you like doing
some good old fashionedwork, the odds will be favorable. For more
information on how to make a solar oven go to
http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com 7. Location
IssuesAnother difficulty, regardless of the quality of the solar
array you use,is the difference between various locations. The main
disadvantage inthis regard has to do with places where sunlight is
not consistentlyavailable.For example, in places closer to the
poles, during the winter season,the sun rarely even makes its
appearance for more than a few hours.This can make it very
difficult to use solar panels for consistent energyproduction.
Also, in areas where the weather is particularly overcast,rainy or
foggy, solar panels do provide some energy, but the efficiencyis
significantly reduced, and you may need more than the
estimatedamount in order to successfully provide electricity for
your entirehousehold. For more information on how to make a solar
oven go to http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com 8.
Pollution and Long Term InconsistencySolar energy may be clean from
a general point of view, however, it is still vulnerable
topollution, as this factor can diminish the efficiency of a solar
panel. While most of thenewer designs dont have a problem with
this, older models can be quite easily affected,as the technology
was not so advanced in the past, and the materials used
weresignificantly less reliable.While the solar panels themselves
may not pose a threat to the environment, if you areusing an off
grid system, the chances are high that you need to use lead acid
batteries.Their lifespan is much less favorable than that of a
solar panel (roughly 5 years for thebattery, in contrast with 20 to
30 for the panels).As a result, not only are you faced with
additional periodic costs, but the lead andsulfuric acid contained
in the batteries can prove to be quite detrimental for
theenvironment.There are ways around this, of course, as more than
90 % of the materials present inlead batteries can be recovered in
the recycling process. For more information on how to make a solar
oven go to http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com 9.
SummaryGenerally, it can be said that there are a lot of
disadvantages when it comesto using solar energy as an efficient
power source for your home.There is no reason why you cannot
benefit from the positive aspects of thisenergy source, however, it
has to be noted that the technology is still in itsearly days, and
if you want to obtain a good cost/quality ratio, you will haveto do
a lot of research, and be aware of all the potential
issues.However, experts estimate that, in a few years, solar energy
will graduallybecome much cheaper, more accessible, as well as more
efficient. Keep aneye out for technological advancements,
therefore, if you are a solar energyenthusiast, as you never know
when a good opportunity may "shine" uponyou in just the right
way.For more information on how to make a solar oven go
tohttp://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com 10. For more
information on the disadvantages of solar energy go
tohttp://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com Youll
discover... The facts about solar energy Exactly how solar energy
works The price of installing solar energy Solar energy for home
and business How to build a solar energy system How to make a solar
oven ...and lots more! The information is ideal for students
learningabout solar energy and home owners who are looking
intoinstalling solar panels in their home. Please email any
questions [email protected]
