For decades now, everyone has been talking about the great potential of solar power. As technology has developed, we have seen more and more individuals switching to solar energy. If you are new to this issue, you may be wondering what are some limitations of solar energy? Let’s discuss a few of them.
Limitations of Solar Energy: Cost.
The cost of solar panels has come down dramatically over the years. However, the cost of solar energy systems has not decreased as much as you’d expect, especially for large scale projects. Despite the great progress, solar panels and systems remain fairly pricey. For example, a typical residential solar system without battery storage can cost you around $15,000 to $20,000. Some industries, such as farming and mining, have specialized companies that install and maintain solar systems for a living. Due to the high cost of solar energy, a few experts advise against using it for your primary electricity source, especially if you’re looking for economic independence.
Residential Use Only.
One of the major limitations of solar power is its residential use only. If you’re looking for a more flexible and versatile energy solution, then you should consider other options. Although residential use is a great starting point, many companies now offer large scale energy solutions that can be used in both residential and commercial environments. For example, a solar farm project can produce up to 100 megawatts of power, which is enough for 125,000 homes. Thanks to smart technology, these companies make the entire process of setting up a solar energy system very convenient. With the increasing prices of fossil fuels and the growing limitations on environmental impact, residential use only of solar power seems like a pretty safe bet.
Size.
Another important consideration when choosing solar power is the size of the project that you want to undertake. Smaller projects, such as rooftop installations, don’t cost as much as large-scale ones. Experts suggest that if you’re looking for financial security and independence, then you should go for large-scale initiatives. The larger the project, the more expensive it will be.
Location.
A location is another critical consideration when choosing a power source for your home or business. If you’re looking for flexibility, then you should consider looking into installations in areas with a good solar resource. If you live in a place with poor solar resources, then you should look into other options as well. It is not always possible to change the location of your home or business, so you should consider this factor when choosing a power source.
Only One Planet.
Humans have only one planet to live on, so we need to be very careful when deciding what is responsible environmental living. While some people may still choose fossil fuels as their energy source of choice, many are now looking into solar power. Unfortunately, we live on an overcrowded planet, and expanding outwards isn’t sustainable. The more people there are, the more resources there will be. We need to be mindful of this fact and ensure that we are not depleting vital resources. Going green is of paramount importance.
Incomplete Rooftop Solution
Although rooftop solar power is a great solution for residential use, it doesn’t solve the problem of electricity loss during cloudy days or during cold winter months. In the winter, you will be relying on your heater more than ever, and in the case of a cloud-covered day, you will be completely helpless without power. There are solutions to this problem as well, and many manufacturers have created hybrid solar systems that include a storage element. This way, you can store energy during sunny days and release it at night. When the sun sets and the temperature begins to drop, the storage element will release the energy that was previously invested. If your regular electricity grid isn’t nearby and hasn’t been designed with hybrid systems in mind, then you will need to install a battery storage system, which will solve the majority of the problems. The great thing about hybrid systems is that they provide security of energy supply during cloudy days or in the winter and allow for some flexibility of use around the clock.
Security.
Another important consideration when choosing a power source for your home or business is security. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient solution that will keep the power on during blackouts and brownouts, then you should opt for solar energy. Many countries have suffered from power outages, and when they occur, it can cause havoc. During these outages, your regular electricity source can’t provide any reliability, so you will likely have to turn to alternative sources, such as gas, which is more polluting and dangerous than solar power. If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, then you should consider investing in a backup generator to keep your basic needs met during these times. This will help you avoid having to run expensive appliances to maintain a level of comfort.
Flexibility.
Flexibility is one of the main selling points of solar power, as it provides you with the option of using alternative sources for electricity generation when the sun isn’t shining or if you don’t have enough sunshine to cover your needs. This can be a great solution for those who need a little extra power during the day and want to save money on their energy bills. Some people are now choosing to use solar power instead of their traditional electricity grid because they want a more flexible energy supply. For example, a company called Ambry Genetics has created a microgrid powered by solar energy. This microgrid can provide energy to up to 100 homes and businesses, and it is completely flexible, storing energy during the day and releasing it at night. This way, you can use solar energy to power your appliances and keep the electricity on when you need it. This is great when you are looking for alternative sources of energy because it allows for some electrical freedom, which can be very liberating.
Environmental Impact.
Choosing a green and responsible energy source for your home or business not only makes financial sense, it also has a huge impact on the environment. Going green has many advantages, from reducing your carbon footprint and preserving vital resources to creating more sustainable habitats. Not only are solar panels sustainable, they are also great for the environment. Experts state that if every home in the United Kingdom were to switch to solar power, then it would be equivalent to taking 500 million cars off the road and saving 3 million tons of carbon dioxide. Installations of solar panels in the desert have been known to reverse climate change, so it is definitely a win-win situation.
The great thing about solar energy is that it doesn’t discriminate. No matter where you are in the world, you can benefit from the sun’s rays. If you want to go solar, then you can do so with a single company, such as Solar Junction, which provides a full assessment of all your needs and then suggests a suitable system. As long as you have access to the sun, you will have access to plenty of power. The sun provides enough energy to cover the needs of the entire world, so let’s not waste any more time waiting for it to shine. Let’s go green already!