There's more than one Disadvantage of Solar Energy lurking in the weeds. As we focus on the many solar energy advantages, disadvantages are often overlooked. Here's the truth about the solar energy disadvantages.

All alternative energies have disadvantages, that's why we haven't settled one one yet. Solar has it's own dark closet and the following information focuses specifically on the disadvantages of solar energy.
Passive and thermal forms of capturing solar energy really have no disadvantages or they are so small as to be negligible.
The disadvantages of solar energy are almost exclusively focused on silicon & thin film photovoltaic collectors, the types that convert solar rays into electricity.
The cost of solar energy is always the first subject to come up when a discussion of solar energy disadvantages ensues. It is significant, although there are a lot of things that we can do to keep those costs within realistic boundaries.
The cost disadvantage is also being addressed by the solar industry and serious advances are being made toward increasing efficiency and reducing the expense of raw materials, both of which will make solar alternatives more affordable.
Additionally, subsidy programs, tax initiatives and rebate incentives can reduce the cost of establishing a residential solar system by more than half.
Solar energy prices are steadily declining. As new technologies emerge and manufacturing costs are trimmed the cost of solar energy systems will continue to move downward, eliminating the major disadvantage of solar energy.
Few places on earth exist where solar is not an option in at least some capacity. Areas around earth's belly have the most favourable sun conditions and more constant daylight hours than extreme north or south locations.
Solar panels will still produce power on overcast days but at a reduced rate. In particularly rainy, overcast and foggy areas more panels may be required to operate your household efficiently.
You may be unable to use solar power if adjacent structures, trees or landscape features restrict your property's access to sun.
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A lead acid battery's contents of both lead and sulphuric acid are toxic to the environment's air, soil and water and is highly poisonous to marine life. Improperly managed,
these can lead to a serious environmental disadvantage of solar energy use
Also, lead has been found to be a seroius health risk to children. .
The good news is that 98% of the materials in dead lead batteries are recoverable when recycled.
The best defense for your pocketbook and for the environment is getting the longest life possible out of your batteries and then to retire them to a
recyling facility at the end of their life.
There are facilities in place to recycle batteries and some very successful methods to as much as
triple your battery life.
Keeping your batteries in good health keeps them out of the landfill. Following some healthy battery tips will ensure that your batteries enjoy a long life full of... electrifying experiences.
Resources are so limited that they are expected to last less than 10 years at the current rate of consumption. The cost of this rare metal is likely to spike sharply as
awareness of the fragility of world reserves becomes more apparent.
Although thin film is much less expensive to produce it has yet to even reach the inadequate efficiency levels of silicon solar technology.
Many of these issues will be addressed and hopefully eliminated as 3rd generation solutions are created.
More Thin Film Photovoltaics.
Although there are more advantages than disadvantages, an honest look at each disadvantage of solar energy now, can prevent us from exchanging one environmental blunder for another in the future.
These issues are not insurmountable by any means.
Careful planning for the future handling of potentially toxic waste products that presently exist, along with research for materials that are environmentally benign, is necessary if solar is to become a truly environmentally friendly alternative energy.
Any future energy source must, as well as produce adequate amounts of energy, do it without harmful or hazardous consequences.
The search continues for that ever elusive "holy grail" of solar collectors - environmentally sound, inexpensive and highly efficient.