Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The advantages and disadvantages of solar energy are summarized below:

Advantages of Solar Energy

The advantages of solar energy are summarized below:

(i) Renewable resource

Solar power can be regenerated and replenished without fear of depletion because the sun is used as the energy source.

(ii) Pollution free

Solar power energy is eco-friendly as solar energy does not pollute the air or produce greenhouse gases like traditional energy sources.

(iii) Easy installation and use of solar powered products

Solar panels, hot water heaters, lighting, fountains, pumps etc. are easy to install and/or use.

(iv) Cost-effective

If you use a solar power system to reduce electric consumption from traditional power companies, the savings will be reflected in reduced electric bills.

(v) Long life and low maintenance

Life of solar panels is long (> 25 years) and maintenance free. Maintenance only requires that solar panels are kept dirt and snow free for maximum contact with sunlight.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Disadvantages of solar energy are summarized below:

(i) As solar power uses the sun to produce electricity, generally, solar power cannot be created at night, during a cloudy day when sunlight is diminished or during a rainy seasons.

(ii) The initial cost of installation of solar panels is high.

(iii) Efficient collection of solar energy is a big challenge because solar radiations fall over vast area in a scattered manner.

(iv) Solar cooking takes more time and all sorts of foods cannot be cooked in solar cooker. For example, the ‘chapatti’