There's a Disadvantage of Solar Energy?

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.

Is solar the best alternative energy?

solar panel

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 Disadvantage of Solar Energy

Cost
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.

The Location Disadvantage of Solar Energy

Location
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.
Area
Currently, solar panels are rather unwieldy and... well... big. Powering a household with solar requires a large, unobstructed area that is relatively flat or angled in a favorable direction where sunlight strikes it for about 5 hours a day (or more).
Roof Considerations
Roofing needs to be carefully considered before applying a solar array. Once a home solar system has been installed, repairs and replacement to an existing roof can become expensive and labour intensive. The system must be removed and reinstalled if major work to the roof is required.

Ensure that your roof is in good repair before adding a solar powered system. Ideally your roof should be of sound structure and less than 7 years old before proceeding.

The Aesthetic Disadvantage of Solar Energy

Appearance
Some roofing materials adapt better than others to the installation of a solar array, especially when it comes to appearance. Many homeowners are reluctant to establish a huge pv (photovoltaic) array on a lovely tile roof, and who can blame them? Let's face it, the solar panels don't enhance the look of the decorative roof.

Much of the appearance disadvantage of solar energy, is being addressed with thin film photovoltaics, flexible pv, spray on solar and the introduction of PV shingles , all of which blend more seamlessly with existing roof surfaces.

The Environmental Disadvantage of Solar Energy

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Lead & Sulphuric Acid
If you have an off grid residential solar power system then chances are pretty good that you have a bank of deep cycle, lead acid batteries.

Most solar power systems come with a substantial warranty on the solar panels - 20 to 25 years in some cases. The same, unfortunately, is not true of the battery bank that is necessary for an off grid system. Batteries will need to be replaced, on average, every 5 years, at considerable expense. (Expect to pay at least $100 USD per battery, and way up from there) The more batteries your bank consists of, the more money it'll cost you. A diligent lead acid battery maintenance schedule will keep these costs as minimal as possible.

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.
Cadmium
Cadmium is a nasty substance that can have serious health impacts. Known to be a carcinogenic agent and worse. Used in some semi conductive applications (like solar cells) the cadmium poses no health risk while contained within the cell.

A highly carcinogenic substance that poses a variety of serious health risks depending on length and method of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or absorption).

Attention to appropriate disposal methods and access to disposal facilities will be necessary, when it comes time to dispose of these materials to prevent them from leaching into soil and ground waters. More about cadmium.

The Thin Film Disadvantage of Solar Energy

Disadvantages of Thin Film Photovoltaic Technology
CIGS (copper, indium, gallium selenium ), which is essential in the production of some thin film technologies. Of the 4 elements copper, indium, gallium and selenium, 1 of them, indium, is difficult to obtain and on the verge of disappearing from the earth altogether.

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.