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Possible Disadvantages Of Solar Power

Written by Adrian Fletcher

Saturday, 09 August 2008

Some Disadvantages Of Using Solar Power

Energy from the Sun has two things going for it as a usable energy resource. It is renewable - it will never stop supplying energy (and if it does then powering a television will be the least of your worries). And it is sustainable - no matter if we use it or not, it will never be depleted as an energy

source. So doesn't it make sense to take advantage of solar power given the environmental problems fossil fuels cause and the constant rise in these energy resources ? It does and will do in the future but there are a few disadvantages the solar power that this article will cover.

The biggest problem for many people that may have just taken out a large mortgage on a house is cost of installing a solar powered system. Although solar systems are becoming cheaper, this installation cost can still be prohibitive to some people.

Depending on how complicated your solar power system will be or how much power you will need, the cost could be as low as 5 thousand dollars and upwards of 50 thousand dollars. Although, many local and federal governing bodies can offer help, in the form of a tax rebate, the upfront costs still have to be worn by the home owner.

Another disadvantage that is often mentioned is that it can be unreliable. If the climate is not conducive to solar power generation, then a solar power system is not a good idea.

Another potential disadvantage of solar power generation is the timing. Solar power generation is at it's most effective at midday. This is normally when the average household has the least need for energy. However, when the average household does need energy, at night or early in the morning, solar power generation is not possible or less effective.

The solution to this is to store the energy the Sun creates to be used later. This can be done by sending it to your utility company. This is known as a grid tie system. When there is a net metering arrangement between you and the utility company, this can be a good way to store energy but also save on your bills. The other way is to store the energy in batteries on the property. This is more complicated to set up and maintain.

Solar panels can be large and often have to be placed in specific locations. This may interfere with the look or design of the house which could be a problem to some people. The same applies to flat plate collectors or water tanks.

Also the neighbors may not be too keen on the view either. You may get some complaints or have to clear it with the neighbors if you want to be polite. To this extent, innovations have been made. Building integrated photovoltaic cells are now more adaptable and less of an eyesore than traditional solar panels (but cost a bit more).

A final disadvantage is that you will have to do a bit more work with a solar power system than if you used the grid. There will be initial work installing the system and then regular maintenance. The maintenance is not that much but it will be there. This may motivate and inspire or it may be a chore and demoralize.

Authors Bio:

Discover solar home designs and how solar power hot water systems work at http://www.solarpowerappliances.com

Readers have left 4 comments.

No.1 Untitled

[color=#FF0000]solar energy has its own disadvantage but we can condent it;;;;iST RIGHT????[color=#008080][/color][/color]

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Submitted by 77, • 2008-09-16 06:12:50

No.2 Untitled

Their are more benefits than disadvantages
and like she said^^^^ we can condent it

Submitted by Guest User, • 2008-11-17 23:23:13

No.3 Untitled

We need scientist to undertake the implementation of studying ways to improve upon technologies for solar.We need improvements for both powering homes and businesses. As well as improvements to solar vehicles that actually run off of and are propelled by solar or other natural sources. This may have to be inventions for cars that run by solar and water or other bio-fuels.

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Submitted by Janna Besh, • 2009-02-08 09:49:05

No.4 Untitled

My original comment as written above was not in response to the authors article. I am for solar power. New technologies and policies do need to be developed to help lower the costs for homeowners and businesses.