Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages: Introduction and Purpose

Compared to fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, solar power is a particularly sustainable form of energy.

Humans have been using solar energy since as early as the 7th century B.C., in which humans used the sun's rays to light fires through the use of shiny objects to reflect the sun's light. A few centuries later, the Greeks and Romans harnessed solar power using mirrors in the 3rd century B.C. for the purpose of lighting torches for religious ceremonies with the help of solar power.

During the course of his experiments with a cell consisting of metal electrodes in a conducting solution, French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect at the age of 19 years old. A photovoltaic cell was found to produce more electricity when light was applied to it, and he noted that this was a solar cell.

In 1954 PV technology was born when Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson developed the silicon PV cell at Bell Labs 1954 – the first solar cell capable of absorbing and converting enough of the sun's energy into power to run everyday electrical equipment.

Currently, solar energy is used to power satellites, which are spacecraft orbiting the Earth.

What Is Solar Energy?

Solar energy (or solar power) refers to harnessing solar radiation as a source of energy for homes, offices, factories, and transportation. The sun's energy is captured by solar panels, which are composed of solar cells (also called photovoltaic cells or PV cells). An electric current can be generated immediately by a PV solar system, which can power appliances, charge home batteries, or be fed back into the electrical grid. Likewise, solar thermal systems collect heat from the sun's rays and use it in a variety of ways.

As a matter of fact, solar energy is the most abundant energy source on the planet. Every day, the sun strikes Earth with 173,000 terawatts of energy, more than 10,000 times the amount of energy required for all of humanity.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

In simple terms, solar energy is the energy that can be found in sunlight. It is used to make electricity, heat water, and heat buildings.

The proportion of sunshine that touches the earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to power the entire planet for a year. Solar technologies use photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors to concentrate solar radiation to convert sunlight into electrical energy. This energy can be converted into electricity or stored in batteries or thermal storage.

Resources and information on the fundamentals of solar radiation, photovoltaic and concentrating solar-thermal power technologies, electrical grid system integration, and the non-hardware components (soft costs) of solar energy are provided below.

Advantages of solar energy

Solar energy systems have advantages over fossil fuels including coal, oil, and natural gas.

1. This supply is almost limitless.

The sun is our solar system's most powerful energy source; without it, our planet would not exist. As a result, the sun is the ultimate source of energy generation.

2. Solar panels have a long useful life.

Solar panels are extremely robust and can endure even severe weather conditions, such as hail up to one inch in diameter.

3. It has a wide range of uses.

Small solar energy systems that are not linked to the electricity grid can power dwellings. Meanwhile, solar power facilities, which often take up huge areas in sunny, rural locations, may cover the energy needs of small towns and urban areas. Solar power has the potential to provide massive amounts of electricity if storage technologies and transmission lines can keep up with demand.

4. Solar operates in a variety of climates.

Some people assume that solar energy cannot be used in colder areas. That is not correct. Because excessive heat reduces the voltage produced by solar panels, they are actually more effective at cooler temperatures. While longer hours of direct sunlight may help a solar system generate more electricity, contemporary panels are highly efficient and can create energy even in low-light settings.

5. It is much more renewable than other energy sources.

Though solar energy capture necessitates the production, maintenance, and eventual replacement of solar panels, its conversion into usable energy creates no greenhouse gases such as methane or carbon dioxide, both of which are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. In addition, unlike contemporary nuclear power facilities, solar energy does not generate dangerous radioactive waste. (It should be noted that nuclear fusion plants would not generate nuclear waste, but such technology is not currently feasible for fulfilling the world's energy demands.)

Disadvantages of solar energy

1. Solar cannot operate at night.

Many solar enthusiasts may ask if they can live fully off the grid by adopting solar. Most solar technology applications do not allow for this. While several solar firms, like SunPower, provide home battery storage systems, most people have just lately gained easy access to house batteries. Solar energy is generally consumed in real-time, with any excess sent back into the traditional utility grid or stored in a battery. In the evenings and other times when sunshine is scarce, solar homes must rely on utility grids or battery storage for power.

2. Solar panels are unattractive.

It was particularly true of the now-obsolete panels with enormous silver frames that protruded from the ceiling. Solar panels are now streamlined, with far-more-minimalist designs that lie flat with roof surfaces, merge with diverse roof types, or even completely replace an existing root. Different color options enable homeowners to construct systems that complement the decor of their houses while producing the same clean, strong energy.

3. Cost

A solar system has a rather high starting cost. This covers the purchase of solar panels, an inverter, batteries, wiring, and installation. Nonetheless, because solar technology is always evolving, it is fair to predict that prices will fall in the future.

4. Takes up a lot of room

More the power you wish to generate, the more solar panels you'll need to capture as much sunshine as possible. Solar PV panels take up a lot of space, and some roofs aren't big enough to accommodate the number of solar panels you want.

What is the purpose of solar energy?

There are several techniques to harness solar energy. Photovoltaics and solar thermal capture are the two major methods of harnessing solar energy. Photovoltaics are significantly more prevalent for smaller-scale energy projects (such as domestic solar panel installations), whereas solar thermal capture is normally employed primarily for large-scale power production in utility solar systems. Lower temperature changes of solar thermal projects can be utilized for heating and cooling in addition to providing energy.

1. Photovoltaic solar energy

One of the ways property owners can utilize solar power is through photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. Installing a solar PV system converts sunlight into electricity that can either be consumed immediately or stored in a solar battery.

The photovoltaic effect converts solar energy into usable electricity through solar panels. As sunlight hits semiconductor materials (typically silicon), it knocks electrons loose, causing them to move and creating an electric current. By using a solar inverter, you can convert direct current electricity (DC) into alternating current electricity (AC).

2. Solar thermal

A different technique to harness solar energy is to directly catch the heat from solar radiation and use it in a number of ways. Solar thermal energy provides a greater range of applications than a photovoltaic system, but it is not as feasible for small-scale power generation as photovoltaics.

Low-temperature solar thermal energy is used for heating and cooling; mid-temperature solar thermal energy is utilized for heating water, and high-temperature solar thermal energy is used for electrical power generation.

Frequently asked questions about solar power

Why is solar energy good?

Renewable energy, such as solar energy, never runs out, unlike fossil fuels. Moreover, it produces no greenhouse gases, so it doesn't contribute to climate change.

Additionally, solar energy is relatively cheap and easy to install. You shouldn't have to do much maintenance after installing solar panels since they should last for decades.

Aside from that, solar energy is becoming more and more efficient. Since solar panels are constantly improving, more solar energy can be captured and converted into electricity.

Is solar energy renewable?

Yes, solar energy is renewable because the sun will continue to produce energy for an estimated 4.5 billion more years.

why is solar energy important?

The importance of solar energy can be attributed to many factors. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is a renewable resource. Furthermore, it contributes less to air pollution and climate change than burning fossil fuels.

The use of solar energy is also very versatile. The energy it produces can be used to generate electricity, heat water, and even to power vehicles. Technology is improving and making it more affordable.

This makes solar energy an important part of the climate crisis solution. Fossil fuels should be reduced, and solar energy can help

How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels last for a very long time, usually around 25 to 30 years.

What can solar power be used for?

Solar power can be used for powering homes, businesses, and even cars. Solar panels can be used to generate electricity, which can then be used to power lights, appliances, and other devices. Besides heating water and air, solar power can also produce steam.