Environment: Advantages and Disadvantages of SOLAR ENERGY

Advantages and Disadvantages of SOLAR ENERGY

Written by Anita van Wyk

Continued from page 1

4. Low/ no maintenance

Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
More solar panels can easily be added in future when your family's needs grow.

Solar Energy Disadvantages

The initial cost is main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of high cost of semi-conducting materials used in building one.
The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.
Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.
The efficiency of system also relies on location of sun, although this problem can be overcome with installation of certain components.
The production of solar energy is influenced by presence of clouds or pollution in air.
Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to save electricity and money.
As far as solar powered cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today's rat race.

To learn more about solar energy, go to http://facts-about-solar-energy.com/

You'll discover ...

what solar energy is

how solar energy works

interesting facts about solar energy

how much solar energy costs

passive solar energy for homes, and

how to build solar energy systems

There's a whole section for students, teachers and parents; whiles homeowners can obtain FREE QUOTES for their solar energy projects. You'll find book and product reviews plus some helpful energy saving tips.

Please email any questions to info@facts-about-solar-energy.com