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Advantages and Disadvantages | Pro's and Cons of solar energy

Advantages

  • Solar energy produces no pollution.

  • Solar energy does not contribute to global arming acid rain or smog.

  • Solar energy is a renewable resource, it will never run out.

  • Solar energy can be generated without direct sunlight.

  • Solar energy saves you money on your electric bills.

  • Solar energy can actually make you money by selling it back to the electric utility companies when you’re not using what you produce.

  • Solar energy can be stored for use later when you’re not producing electricity of your using more than you produce.

  • Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.

  • Solar energy can be used where it not practical or too expensive to install high voltage cables.

  • The only cost is the initial installation cost.

  • You can receive up to 50% of the installation cost form the government in the form of a grant.

  • Solar panels are typically easy to install.

  • Solar panels can be installed on flat roof or pitched roofs.

Disadvantages

  • The initial installation cost is the main disadvantage for solar systems.

  • Solar energy is only able to generate electricity during daylight hours. Therefore solar energy needs to be stored when produced for consumption later or an alternative source of energy is required for night use.

  • During very cloudy days, production of electricity is reduced.

  • Solar panels require a lot of roof space. So find this unattractive but do not want to put the panel on their land. This issues is being tackled with a new generation of solar panels that blend in with roof tiles.

  • People living in apartments, in general, cannot install solar panels due to lack of roof space.