Solar Power – Advantages And Disadvantages
J.R. Ferrara
There is something misleading about the name “Solar Power.” All
forms of energy is derived from the sun some way or the other.
Without the sun, there would be no life on earth, as the sun
provides the energy that sustains all plant and animal life.
Like all technologies and systems, solar power, too, has its
advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of solar power, by
far, outweigh its disadvantages.
The Advantages of Solar Energy
Solar energy saves you money, period. Once you recover the cost
of installing the equipment, there is no running cost as the
energy from the sun is 100 percent free. Since production of
solar energy does not require any fuel, you aren’t affected by
its supply and demand, or the ever-increasing price of
gasoline.
Solar energy is clean, renewable and sustainable, and so
protects the environment in a number of days. Unlike gas, coal,
and oil, the supply of solar energy is renewable, though only
for the next 4.5 billion years. Unlike more traditional forms
of electricity generation, it doesn’t pollute the environments
with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or mercury. We would be
healthier if more people get their energy from solar power.
Since solar energy doesn’t release any pollutants into the air,
it does ‘ot contribute to global warming. Rather, it contributes
to the decrease in emissions of greenhouse gases. Solar power
systems can operate independently, without any dependence on a
power or a gas grid. Not only does solar energy reduce your
electricity bill, it is available at all times and is not
affected by power outages.
The solar energy systems are practically maintenance free. Once
installed, they can last for decades, with no recurring costs.
They are silent in operation and do not create any offensive
smells. If your electric needs increase, extra panels can be
added to the existing system.
The Disadvantages of Solar Energy
The main disadvantage of solar energy systems is their initial
installation costs, as the semi-conducting materials are
expensive. To achieve a good level of efficiency, solar panels
require a large area for installation. The location of the sun
also affects the efficiency of the system, but this is overcome
by installation of extra components--an added cost.
Pollution in the air, as well as the presence of clouds,
affects the production of solar energy. There is no production
of solar energy at night. However, this can be taken care of
with a battery backup system or net metering. Net metering is a
scheme, available in 40 states and Washington D.C., through
which your utility company buys the extra energy that your
solar energy system produces from you, building up a credit on
your account. If you need to buy some of this back, you might
break even.
About The Author: http://www.real-estate-magazine.com
http://www.tech-tips-now.com
See Also:
Index of All
Info on Home: Electrical & Plumbing
Search our site for any Home, Lawn or Garden Info
