What Are 4 Cons Of Solar Energy?
Introduction
Solar energy, the green energy source of the future, has become increasingly popular, as homeowners and businesses alike embrace the idea of going “green” to reduce their carbon footprint, tap into renewable resources and save money on their electricity bills. Although the benefits of solar energy are many, there are also several downsides that should be considered before taking the plunge into solar energy.
Background information
Solar energy is an energy source that is generated from harnessing the natural power of the sun. Solar energy is considered renewable because the sun is constantly providing us with energy and it is relatively easy to capture and store the energy generated. Solar energy has been used since ancient times in the form of burning wood or by cooking food and boiling water on the collect the heat provided by the sun, but modern solar energy systems are able to collect and store the sun’s energy more effectively and efficiently. Solar energy is a popular form of energy for homeowners and businesses alike because of its renewable nature, the lack of emissions and its cost-saving potential.
Overview of the 4 cons of solar energy
Although there are many benefits to using solar energy, there are also several drawbacks. These can include:
- Solar Energy Does Not “Work” At Night
- Home Solar Panels Are Not Attractive
- DIY Solar Installation is Difficult (or Impossible) For Most Homeowners
- Not Every Roof Configuration Is Ideal For Maximum Solar Power Generation
- Solar Manufacturing Is Not Good For The Environment
Solar Energy Does Not “Work” At Night
The most obvious downside of relying on solar energy is that it only works when the sun is actually shining, so if your area experiences long or frequent bouts of cloudy weather, you will not be able to take advantage of the sun’s power. You will need to have an alternate energy source to cover nights and cloudy days. This can be achieved with a good solar battery setup, as well as through use of traditional sources such as a generator or a solar-wind hybrid system. However, you should also be aware that even the best solar batteries are limited in their capacity to store energy, so it’s important to plan for peak demands and have backup power sources in cases of exceptionally long nights and cloudy days. Furthermore, even during the day, the panels might not operate at their maximum efficiency due to poor weather conditions or the time of year.
Home Solar Panels Are Not Attractive
Some homeowners may find the appearance of solar panels installed on their property to be unsightly. Solar panel systems come in an array of shapes and sizes and are available in different colors, but if your home has a traditional aesthetic, you might find that the panels don’t match the look of your home. For example, if you have a traditionally tiled roof, the modern, rectangular shapes of solar panels might look out of place. This can be a problem for people who live in communities that have a homogenized aesthetic, because changing up the look of your home with solar panels could make your home stand out in an unwelcome way.
DIY Solar Installation is Difficult (or Impossible) For Most Homeowners
Despite what you may have heard, most solar panel systems are designed to be installed by professionals only. Working with electricity and making adjustments to your roof or home can be dangerous and you should only hire experienced and qualified personnel to do the installation. Of course, solar systems come in all shapes and sizes and if you have modest expectations, you may be able to get away with a DIY installation, but it is still very important that you conduct thorough research before attempting to install any type of solar energy system.
Not Every Roof Configuration Is Ideal For Maximum Solar Power Generation
The ideal situation for solar power generation would be to have a southward facing roof without any trees, shrubs, buildings or other objects blocking the view of the sun. This is not necessarily a deal breaker for homeowners, as there are ways to work around certain obstructions, but it is important to remember that one of the most important factors in solar energy generation is the amount of unobstructed sunlight that is available to your home.
Solar Manufacturing Is Not Good For The Environment
Although solar energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source, the manufacturing and installation of solar systems still has a carbon footprint. The process of creating the panels, wiring, mounting equipment, and the large trucks and crews used to transport and install the equipment all use fossil fuels that releases harmful pollutants into the environment. Although the solar panels will pay for themselves over time and create a net zero of carbon emissions, the production of said panels is still a large contributor to climate change.
Conclusion
Solar energy is an attractive option for homeowners and businesses that are looking to reduce their energy costs and be more environmentally friendly. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The most obvious limitation is that solar energy is only available when the sun is shining, and the system does not operate at full capacity when the weather is cloudy for extended periods of time. In addition, solar panels, like most renewable energy systems, can be expensive, difficult to install and often require ongoing maintenance. Finally, the process of creating and installing solar panels can have a negative impact on the environment.
For those looking to take the leap into solar power, educating yourself on the pros and cons is the first step to making the right decision for your individual situation. With the right combination of resources, expertise and preparation, solar energy can be a clean, sustainable, and cost-saving energy source for your home or business.
