Disadvantage of Solar Energy

There's a lot of talk about the advantages of solar energy and little is said of the disadvantages.

The primary disadvantage of solar power is the expense, however, subsidy programs and cutting edge research promise to bring the cost of solar energy down to earth by 2010.

There is also an environmental disadvantage of solar energy that must be addressed before the solar panels in use now reach the end of their life.

Following are the disadvantages of solar power use. We'll explore them briefly on this page. For more in depth information on each subject click on the links as you come to them.

• Cost
• Location
• Roof Structure
• Lead
• Sulphuric Acid
• Cadmium

The Cost Disadvantage of Solar Energy

Solar energy prices are steadily declining. As new technologies emerge and manufacturing costs are trimmed the cost of solar powered systems will continue to move downward.

At the same time, rising fossil fuel prices are closing the gap from the other direction.

Cost is working it's way to no longer being an obstacle. Check out our pages on solar news to learn about some very promising research.

The Location Disadvantage of Solar Energy

Adequate access to sunshine for a good part of the day is another consideration.

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 at a reduced rate on overcast days.

Roofing 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.

Adding a solar array to a roof nearing the end of it's life is not cost effective. Ensure that your roof is in good repair and can be expected to last for the lifetime of the panels (30+ years) before adding a solar powered system.

Aside from location, cost and roofing, a couple of environmental factors are lurking in the weeds.

The Primary environmental Disadvantage of Solar Energy use will be the disposal of materials used to collect and store the energy once those materials have been retired.

The Cadmium Disadvantage of Solar Energy

As things stand right now, most solar cells are partially composed of cadmium.

Resembling zinc, cadmium is a soft grayish silver metal with none of zinc's beneficial properties.

Cadmium is highly toxic to the environment and all of it's inhabitants. That means us humans as well as aquatic and land based wildlife.

The eventual disposal of the cadmium could create a serious environmental injury if handled inappropriately.
The story on cadmium.

The Lead Acid Battery Disadvantage of Solar Energy

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.

Their contents of both lead and sulphuric acid are toxic to the environment's air, soil and water and is highly toxic to marine life.

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.

There are facilities in place to recycle batteries and some very successful methods to as much as triple your battery life.

Our healthy battery tips will ensure that your batteries enjoy a long life full of electrifying experiences.

The disadvantages are fast being eliminated. With the constant threat of calamity, environmental issues looming and fossil fuel supplies under the control of volatile nations, the disadvantages may become negligible.

Daily, researchers discover innovative applications and work to erase the few negative factors that currently exist.

Although there are many more advantages than disadvantages, an honest look at the disadvantages now can prevent us from exchanging one environmental blunder for another.

These issues are not insurmountable by any means.

To responsibly manage our habitat environmental threats need to be addressed before they become more than a little troublesome.

We'll continue to explore the disadvantages and advantages of solar power and report our findings here.

	Web www.solarpowerathome.com