Disadvantages of solar energy

Solar seems to be the right decision, but it has many drawbacks. Now let's look at the main disadvantages of solar energy.

1. Solar panels are expensive

The upfront cost of installing home solar panels can run into tens of thousands of dollars. For many homeowners, that kind of upfront money is hard to find. Some may even choose to borrow to finance their projects -- a process that adds more cost over time due to interest payments on the loans.

2. The sun doesn't shine all day

Solar panels need to absorb solar radiation to generate electricity. While that's great during the day when there's plenty of daylight, solar technology is useless when it's dark.

Although we can use batteries to store power for use at night, they tend to be expensive and take up a lot of space. On top of that, they may not provide enough energy storage for busy families. This could lead to power shortages at night.

This shortcoming is further affected by seasonal changes in daylight saving time. When the nights are longer, the panels will produce less electricity, making them less efficient in the winter months.

Solar panels can't generate electricity in the dark.

3. Solar panels are susceptible to atmospheric conditions

A variety of atmospheric conditions can negatively affect solar panels. Prolonged heat and humidity can degrade the performance of solar cells. In these cases, solar panel layering may sometimes occur.

Pollution can also reduce the efficiency of solar panels. So they may not be a viable option for people living in heavily polluted cities and towns. Clouds and fog can also reduce the efficiency of solar cells.

4. Solar panels have a big footprint

Solar panels typically require a large footprint to provide enough electricity to power a building. Compared to other renewable energy technologies, solar panels generate the largest amount of electricity.

Because of the problem, some homeowners worry that there won't be enough installation space. However, you can alleviate this problem by installing solar panels on your roof.

5. Making solar cells causes pollution

Although solar cells themselves do not pollute, their manufacture does. Solar cells contain silicon, which is extracted from raw materials in blast furnaces. The process releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

As a result, how to make solar cells is bad for the environment. On the other hand, once they are up and running, they will help offset their carbon footprint. This is based on the assumption that they are now producing the energy they previously produced by burning fossil fuels.