Last Updated on March 12, 2021 by Filip Poutintsev
Solar energy is direct light and heat absorbed from the sun by solar panels, photovoltaics, solar architecture, and artificial photosynthesis. 
This technology is characterized as passive solar and active solar depending on how they capture, distribute or convert it into solar power.
Active solar techniques include the use of concentrated solar power and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar includes orienting the building depending on the sun and the materials appropriate according to space and requirement.
The history of photovoltaic solar power began back in the late 1800s with a scientific experiment. The first PV silicon cell capable of converting the sun’s energy into power that could run electrical equipment was introduced in 1954, and by 1983, worldwide Pv production exceeded 21 megawatts.
Its environment-friendly and most of the people and consumers are satisfied with its product and introduction. The consumers are increasing as well as the market is rapidly growing with its advantages and disadvantages according to the geographic location and building orientation.
Table of Contents
Pros Of Solar Energy
Renewable and Sustainable
The never-ending energy source available is solar energy. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that will never end its supply. As mentioned by scientist the age of the sun is 6.5 billion years which itself shows its sustainability.
The sun shines everywhere, which makes it an abundant source of energy. As a result, solar panels are a viable option for generating electricity around the world. Solar energy meets the requirement of the present situation without compromising. Its sustainability as well as being renewable energy shows its importance and advantage.
Efficiency
Solar energy is obtained through the solar panel which is connected to the battery and converts it to electricity. These panels are placed where the sun is available, mostly the rooftops and in the right directions.
For its installation just the open space is required, no external connection is needed and it doesn’t make any noise. You can generate sufficient energy required for the house. The maintenance costs, cleaning is constructed by the service provider with information about units, wiring, and manuals.
Energy independence
When the source of energy is the sun, no cost hikes or limitations or permission is required to use it. Sun keeps on providing the resources and we need to use it properly and store it correctly.
It also reduces the dependency on foreign oil and fossil fuels, leading more stable and affordable energy bill. Dependency on solar energy benefits largely as its renewable resource of energy is not running out anytime soon.
Environment-Friendly
Unlike other fossil fuels, solar panels don’t produce carbon dioxide or methane. Solar panels produce 10 times less carbon than by coal or natural gas.
It’s benefiting our daily lives as well as creating a pollution-free environment for all of us. The solar power system doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases.
It is made by conducting the sun’s radiation into electricity through solar panels. The use of more solar panels is definitely going to play a vital role in a better environment and preserving mother nature.
Works in different climates
Without knowing the weather forecast it’s hard to be dependent on the sun. Whereas solar energy can be observed even in cloudy and rainy days.
Solar panels need sunlight to gather solar energy, but if you have good sunshine it stores enough energy needed according to its capability. It depends on the model and type of solar system installed.
Low Maintenance
We don’t need to change the solar cell or spend time to maintain the system. This efficiency of solar panels makes it popular, very low maintenance except cleaning panels at regular intervals.
As they really have no moving parts to carry and install, there is less friction and minimum risk for wear out or breakage. The most system last for 20 years that also with low maintenance is definitely going to save lots of money.
Less Expensive
Solar energy is collected from nature, it is free of cost. And also it reduces the maintenance cost compared with other power plant installation. It also helps you to reduce excessive use or wastage of energy and decreases your electricity bills.
You can keep it anywhere even in the top of poles, garden, garage and keep it in an appropriate area. Overall it saves much cost for you as well as if it works for its full lifespan the investment is returned and the rest is profit.
Growing Market
As the need and availability are increasing the demand is also high and it’s attracting a large number of customers. Even in some regions, they are offering payback for the installation of solar power in residential homes while encouraging more families to move towards sustainable energy.
When the demand and market increase the drop in price value is highly possible. Even people who couldn’t afford it would utilize and upgrade their lifestyle.
Creates Job Opportunity
As the demand for solar energy is high this has opened the door for many global industries as manufacturers, suppliers, and installers. Now, this has created job opportunities for many people across the world.
Fossil fuel technology is mechanized here in solar panels you need humans to install them. In 2018, 3.6 million people worldwide were employed in the solar industry. This number is large and shows how it creates an opportunity for the global economy.
Reduces An Expense
With the installation of solar energy, your life will be stress-free about the fluctuation in electricity bills. When you generate your own electricity your electricity bills will be constant and it depends on you that how much electricity you want to produce from solar panels.
Once solved you don’t have to worry because this renewable resource is not running out anytime soon. The sun continues to shine every day.
Cons Of Solar Energy
Expensive
The installation of the solar panel is highly expensive. The cost depends on different types of solar panels according to its brand, inverters and the output required.
Installing the system an expert is required who will visit the place, analyze and customize the system depending on your location. As well as the system required to store the energy is also costly.
Weather dependence
The important point for consideration while installing a solar system is the weather. If the area is mostly cloudy and rainy for extended periods of time then it might have a negative impact on the system as it will be less productive.
Some areas like Denver and Colorado have frequent weather from 30 to 40 degrees which makes it a suitable option but on the other hand places like Hawaii, where rain average is 270 days per year make it a poor choice.
Exotic Components
The use of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) to make thin-film solar cells of solar panels shows how expensive and rare are those materials to be available in the normal market.
Environmental pollutants
The lead-acid batteries are required by solar cells to ensure a constant supply of electricity by converting DC to AC. These batteries contain highly toxic lead and sulfuric acid. Lead has been affecting the children causing disabilities and disorders in them. As well as cadmium which are inside solar panels are safe until they are inside. Once exposed it can cause serious environmental damage.
Panel needs to be handled carefully to avoid these carcinogenic substances mixing from soil and water. The emission of greenhouse gases like nitrogen trifluoride and sulfur hexafluoride from the industry are very harmful. It makes a big impact on global warming cause these are the most potent greenhouse gasses.
Solar Battery Storage is Expensive
The energy storage solution has been costly and the solar battery option can be quite expensive. As the manufacturers for the battery are limited the affordable battery is still to be available. You need to use the electricity when you have no back up for solar energy. It’s expensive and a must for the most advanced solar system.
Limited Space
A solar system also depends on the shading and roof orientation of the building. The space it requires is a little spacious, 100 square foot of roof space for every 1KW of a conventional solar panel.
So, it might not be reliable on every building, cause if the roof is small, it’s really difficult to install and produce enough electricity for the house.
Not all are of high quality
As the demand for the solar panel is high and its industries and market is growing rapidly. We need to understand the quality of solar panels available in the market depending on efficiency, durability, reliability, output, and design.
The one that is needed in your surroundings and house would be different. So, for the systems output and long term cost saving, you need to do research and take the best possible option available.
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