The government is offering solar power panels and rebates on solar power systems for homes and businesses, but are there any drawbacks to this eco-friendly energy source?
More Expensive Than Traditional Energy Sources
The price of solar power is dropping every year, but it is still more expensive than conventional forms of energy generation such as oil and natural gas. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar power costs about $0.22 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to $0.12 per kWh for oil and gas. However, with recent advancements in technology and efficiency, solar power is getting cheaper every year.
Even with conventional energy sources being more affordable than ever, there are still many reasons why a business or homeowner would choose to go solar. The main reason is that solar energy is seen as a more eco-friendly option when compared to fossil fuels. When a company or organization buys energy from a solar power plant, it is known as “solar renewable energy” or “SRE” for short. The SRE is considered to be a more eco-friendly option because it is a source of renewable energy that does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Limited Scalability
One of the disadvantages of going solar is that you are stuck with what you get. When you install solar panels on your roof, you will not be able to add more panels or power them up if you decide you want more electricity later on. This is why many people refer to solar power as “one-stop-shop” energy solution, as they can’t add additional capacity without replacing or repairing existing equipment.
Additionally, if you buy a system that is designed for the grid, you will not be able to use it if you decide to go off-grid. However, if you are looking for a long-term energy solution that can be used off-grid, then you should look into solar thermal power as a solution.
No Backup Plan If The Grid Fails
If you rely solely on the grid for electricity, then your energy production will be interrupted if the power goes out. If you’re not prepared for that eventuality (and many people aren’t), then you should consider alternative energy sources such as solar power because they can be connected to battery systems that can store energy for later use. When the power does go out, it will still be available somewhere because the sun will still be shining brightly even when the lights go out in the city.
No More Heat In The Summertime
One of the advantages of using oil and natural gas for electricity generation is that they contribute to the overall heat of the planet. While it may not seem like a big deal today where you live, in the summertime it can be downright unpleasant. If you live in a place where the heat is something to worry about, then you should consider alternative energy sources like solar power because they don’t create as much heat as oil and gas. In fact, according to the SEIA, if all the solar panels in the United States were put in place, it would only generate about 5% of the heat that oil and gas contribute to the atmosphere every day.
No More Electricity During Downtime
With oil and gas being a non-renewable resource, there will always be times when there is no electricity generated at all due to lack of demand or insufficient supply. When that happens, you’ll have to deal with the fact that there is no energy production available during those hours when you need it the most. For example, if you have a business that operates on a 24/7 basis, then you’ll have to find a way to store energy so you don’t run out in the middle of the night when the power goes down.
If you live in a region with regular power outages, then you should seriously consider alternative energy sources like solar power because they prevent frequent and lengthy power outages. When the lights go out because of a power outage, it can be pretty irritating. You’ll have to find your candles, kerosene heaters, and flashlights, as well as figure out how to make your appliances work without electricity. This is why many people choose to go green with their energy use and implement energy-saving measures like energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting. If you’re unable to do any of that, then you should consider alternative energy sources that can provide some extra capacity when needed so your electricity doesn’t go out as often as possible.
Less Efficient In Generating Energy
The main disadvantage of solar power is that it is less efficient in converting sunlight into electricity when compared to other energy sources like coal and natural gas. According to the SEIA, solar panels only convert about 15% of the sunlight that falls on them into electricity, while coal and gas can convert about 37% and 51% of the energy that is available to them into electricity, respectively.
Additionally, not all areas are well-suited for solar power. For example, if you live in a valley, you will experience intense sunlight for long periods of time, which is great for generating power. However, in the summertime, it can be extremely hot and harsh, which makes it difficult for solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity without overheating and deteriorating.
If you are in an area that is sunny year-round, then you should consider alternative energy sources like solar power because it allows you to generate electricity regardless of the time of year. However, if you live in a place where the sun is only available for certain periods of time, then you will have to find ways to store your energy when the sun isn’t shining so you can use it when you need it.
Although solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy, it isn’t for everyone. If you are in an area where conventional energy sources like oil and gas are available, then you should look into them first because they are considerably more affordable. However, if you are trying to save money in the long term and don’t want to give up energy in the summertime, then you should consider alternative energy sources that can store energy for later use. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see how much easier and less expensive it is to use renewable energy sources like solar power instead of fossil fuels, especially if you generate your own power and don’t have to pay extra for the right to generate it.