In the race to reach net-zero emissions, countries around the world are looking to scale up and eventually depend on renewable energy to substitute polluting fossil fuels. Solar is the most abundant, fastest, and cheapest energy source on Earth, and it generates minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Although this renewable energy is rapidly growing across the globe, with an increasing number of countries investing in it, there are some factors that could hinder its growth. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy and how does this valuable renewable resource work and w?
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The vital role in which the sun plays in life on Earth has been celebrated since ancient times. Egyptians in Africa were the first people known to use solar energy on a large scale to heat their homes, designating them in a way that could store up the sun's heat during the day and release it at night. Fast forward to today, societies around the world have developed innovative technologies that allow us to turn the sun's energy into electricity that powers heating and cooling systems, transportation, lighting, and ventilation, just to name a few.
This energy source is growing fast: between and , solar rose from 0.06% to 1.11% of the global energy mix. In , it recorded a record growth of 22% as installations experienced a boom. Among the countries that have poured the most money into solar energy are China ' by far the largest investor, the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. The latter aims to be a global leader in solar energy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi committing to increase energy from renewable sources up to 50% by the end of . In Europe, Spain is one of the first countries to deploy large-scale solar photovoltaics and the largest producer of solar-powered electricity on the continent.
Before we move on to some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar, it is worth answering a question: how does solar energy work?
When sunlight strikes the Earth's surface, human-made innovative technologies capture their light and heat and convert these into electrical energy. This conversion happens through photovoltaic (PV) panels, which contain cells that can capture the sunlight's energy. This energy generates electrical charges that move around the cell, causing electricity to flow. An alternative to PV is solar thermal panels: as opposed to PV generating electricity, thermal panels create heat. When installed on a roof facing the sun, they capture the hot sun rays which are used to heat water stored in a cylinder.
While many nations are starting to recognise the vast potential of solar energy ' a powerful and extremely beneficial renewable source ' there are still some downsides to it. We explore the main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
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As the name suggests, solar power is a resource that never runs out. Unlike fossil fuels, the production of which requires huge efforts, time, and expensive heavy machinery, renewables convert a natural resource ' in the case of solar power, sunlight ' directly into electricity. Another big factor that makes renewable energy much more attractive than coal, oil, and natural gas is the significant difference in emissions, namely fossi fuels being one of the world's largest contributors to the generation of greenhouse gases. Renewable energy sources are not only cleaner but also cheaper and easier to produce than any fossil fuel. But what makes solar energy particularly advantageous over other sources of renewable energy?
In fact, solar is the most abundant energy source on the planet and throughout the years, we managed to develop innovative technologies that could allow us to depend entirely on solar for the rest of our existence. Another huge advantage is that just a tiny fraction of the sunlight we get every day can provide a huge amount of energy. Indeed, the US Department of Energy argues that an hour and a half of sunlight that reaches the planet's surface generates enough power to meet all of humanity's energy consumption for an entire year.
Over the years, scientists have made some important advances in the development of solar technologies, notably improving the efficiency of solar panels and battery storage systems as well as their overall durability over time. According to Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the global PV sector has been growing at an average of over 40% in the last eight years and major advances in automation, manufacturing, and throughput have considerably improved this technology. Most panels today are between 15% and 20% efficient, meaning that they are able to convert 15% to 20% of the amount of sunlight they absorb into electricity. Panels' efficiency has improved consistently over the past decade, a promising factor and one that contributes to continued cost reduction. Furthermore, their resistance to extreme weather has been drastically improved, bringing their average durability to about three decades with little to no loss in efficiency.
Improvements have also been made in battery storage systems, which are emerging as a key solution to effectively integrate solar renewables in global power systems on a large scale. Most of the world's utility-scale storage systems are being deployed in Australia, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Small islands and off-grid communities have invested in large-scale battery storage systems to store excess energy. However, an increasing number of small-scale batteries are also being produced and they are expected to complement utility-scale applications by .
In the list of the advantages of solar energy, price is an important point. In its World Energy Outlook report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed that solar power schemes now offer the cheapest electricity in history. In its report, the Agency predicted that by , renewable energy generation will keep growing, with solar power production skyrocketing and becoming the world's primary source of electricity. Solar energy is indeed praised for the relatively marginal operation and maintenance costs of panels. While the cost of panels itself is the most critical part of the overall equation, solar is definitely a cheap source of power that can considerably lower the electricity bill in the long run.
Lastly, solar energy generation's minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is one of the main benefits of this renewable energy source. Indeed, solar power produces no emissions during generation itself and studies demonstrate that it has a considerably smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels over its life cycle. Even though PV modules and other components are made of materials that are mined and processed and thus generate some levels of emissions, solar is still undoubtedly a carbon-smart energy source whose lifetime emissions are insignificant when compared to coal and natural gas. In fact, a coal power plant releases on average 25 times more emissions than the ones produced by a solar power system. Similarly, a natural gas power plant, despite being less polluting than coal, still generates 10 times the amount of emissions generated by a solar array.
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Did we not just say that solar energy is getting cheaper? Well, it is true. However, there are some aspects of solar technology that are still quite expensive. Indeed, purchasing a solar system requires a significant initial investment to cover the costs of panels, inverter, batteries, wiring, and the installation of the system itself. One of the most expensive parts of the system is the batteries used for solar power storage, which can cost upwards of USD$5,000. When solar energy started being commercialised 40 years ago, the price of panels was also incredibly high. Nevertheless, solar technologies are constantly developing and this is contributing to a significant decrease in prices. Statistics show that the average global cost of solar PV modules has gone down drastically in the first two decades of commercial solar power production and it has been slowly but consistently decreasing ever since. Just a decade ago, an average 6-kilowatt hour residential solar system could cost USD$50,000 or more. However, the price has gone down by an annual average of 62% and nowadays, a typical home installation rarely exceeds UDS$20,000.
An undoubted disadvantage of solar energy is that this technology is not equally efficient around the world. While solar power can be generated on a cloudy day, some level of daylight is still required in order to harness the sun's energy, and the amount of energy that can be produced varies greatly depending on many factors, such as the amount and quality of direct sunlight that the panels receive as well as the size, number, and locations of the panels themselves. Thus, in countries that receive limited sunlight throughout the year, alternative renewable resources like geothermal energy and hydropower might work better. In Iceland, an area with little sunlight and wind, for example, these two energy sources make up 27% and 73% respectively, allowing the country to generate 100% of its energy from renewables.
As we said before, the carbon footprint of solar energy is minimal. However, this renewable still has some aspects, mainly related to land use and waste generation, that can still harm the environment. First and foremost, solar power plants require space. For example, a solar power plant to provide electricity for 1,000 homes would require 32 acres of land. This means that, in order to meet the US energy consumption needs, nearly 19 million acres, equivalent to 0.8% of the entire country, would be necessary.
Another factor to consider is the management and disposal of hazardous materials such as metals and glass needed to build some components of solar infrastructure that are energy-intensive to produce and thus responsible for the generation of carbon emissions. Building PV cells and panels also requires some hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. To avoid harming the environment, such materials necessitate careful management and disposal procedures once the solar plant's life comes to an end. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that by , solar energy systems could be responsible for up to 78 million tonnes of waste.
The short answer is yes. There is no such thing as a 'perfect' energy source. From nuclear and fossil fuels to renewable resources, all of them have many advantages but also some disadvantages, solar energy included. However, as we are quickly running out of time in the race to reach zero emissions, it is crucial that all countries begin to seriously evaluate which sources of energy can bring the most benefits. While solar energy might not be the best solution for northern countries for the lack of sunlight they receive throughout the year, and some of its disadvantages such as the extensive land use that the installation of solar panels requires might not make it the best candidate for everyone, this renewable resource, along with all others, certainly has undeniable potential and it still a better alternative to environmentally unfriendly fossil fuels, beyond being the best chance we have at stopping global warming.
Figuring out if solar panels are right for your home can be daunting. If you're looking to install solar panels, you'll come across a wide range of information listing out all the good (and bad) home solar offers.
In most cases, the benefits of solar panels outweigh the drawbacks, so it's no surprise that over 5 million solar installations have been completed in the United States!
However, it's important to know that solar isn't for everyone! The experts at SolarReviews compiled a comprehensive of the pros and cons of solar energy in .
Beyond electric bill savings, community benefits, and environmental benefits ' solar energy has plenty of advantages to offer.
One of the best advantages of owning solar panels is that they help reduce your electricity bills.
As of , the average household can save about $1,500 per year on electric bills with solar panels! Through those annual savings, most homeowners can break even on their solar investment in 12 years or less.
Plus, solar panels help protect you from future electric rate increases. When your utility is raising energy costs for everyone else, you'll still be using energy generated right from your roof and saving even more money!
When solar panels generate electricity, they do not release any harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere ' making solar energy a clean power source!
Most utility companies source energy from fossil fuels like natural gas and coal, which have widespread negative health and environmental impacts when burned and contribute to climate change.
There's also a limited amount of fossil fuels available, so when we run out, we'll need to find an alternative. That's not something we have to worry about with solar because it's a renewable energy source, and we won't run out of sunlight any time soon.
Solar panels require very little maintenance, especially if they're tilted at an angle. Rain typically washes away any debris that might affect your solar power system's efficiency. However, occasionally cleaning your solar panels to remove excess dirt doesn't hurt.
A big reason why solar panels are low maintenance is because they have no moving parts. Solar equipment failures are rare and many issues that do occur are covered by solar warranties, leading to relatively low maintenance costs.
Solar incentive and rebate programs are available throughout the United States to make solar a cheaper investment. Right now, the best incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, which lowers what you owe in taxes for the year by thousands of dollars.
There may be other local rebate programs available for you when you go solar that directly reduce the cost of your installation. Some incentives, like Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), earn you extra cash with no extra work!
It's a common misconception that solar panels will only work in extremely sunny places, like Arizona. But, this isn't true! Solar panels can withstand all seasons, and they even work better in cold temperatures.
Even if you live somewhere that doesn't get as much sunshine, you can get solar. You might just need a few more solar panels to meet your energy needs. Believe it or not, some of the best states for home solar aren't the ones that get the most sunshine!
Solar technology has evolved over the last decade making solar panels cheaper and more efficient than ever.
As of , solar panels are 60% cheaper and 40% more efficient than they were in . Back then a 6-kilowatt solar installation would cost you about $52,000. That same system today would be almost two-thirds cheaper!
Solar panels today are also much better at generating electricity than they were fifteen years ago, thanks to a number of technology advancements. In , average solar panel efficiency ratings were about 15%. Today, solar panels are between 19% and 22% efficient on average.
Since they are considered a home improvement upgrade, solar panels can raise your home's value when it's appraised.
For more information, please visit New Energy Era.
Experts at SolarReviews analyzed over 400 homes on Zillow and found that on average, homes with solar panels sell for 6.8% more on average than homes without solar panels.
Home solar helps to reduce stress on the electricity grid, especially when paired with solar energy storage. With fewer people using the grid, the chance of a power outage decreases.
Also, since solar is a clean energy source, no carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants are released when it's generated, which increases the overall air quality and human health. The more solar we use, the less air pollution there is!
Photovoltaic energy can be used in many small and large-scale projects. From powering a single home to running space satellites, solar can be harnessed in more ways than you think.
Solar panels are commonly used on residential rooftops, but they're also used in large solar farms to power more than just a singular home. They can also provide power in areas where the grid doesn't reach, increasing access to electricity!
There are many different solar technologies, like solar PV panels for electricity generation, or solar thermal systems that heat water or are used in large power plants.
Solar panels allow homeowners to create their own energy instead of relying on the electrical grid, helping to achieve energy independence from their utility company and take more control over where their home sources energy from.
On a larger scale, solar energy systems in the U.S. would help the entire country reduce our reliance on other countries for foreign oil and other energy resources.
Calculate the payback period and installation costs of solar panels for your homeWith the combination of a high upfront cost, installation limitations, environmental impacts, and more ' there are a few drawbacks that come with solar energy.
While solar panels are cheaper than they've ever been, home solar can still come with a high initial cost.
The average 7.2-kilowatt solar installation costs about $21,600 before incentives are applied. Rebates can help bring down initial costs, but they aren't always available.
However, there are solar financing options available to make it more affordable for homeowners to go solar.
Solar panels generate clean energy, but manufacturing solar panels do have an environmental impact. Manufacturing plants release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and mining for materials used in solar panels can damage the surrounding environment.
Also, large-scale solar farms require a significant amount of land, which can potentially impact the migration route of some animals, or amplify the effects of erosion in the soil during the installation.
Despite this, solar panel systems are still a far more environmentally friendly option than the use of fossil fuels.
Solar energy is considered an intermittent energy source because the amount of energy solar panels produce is generally weather-dependent.
Also, the sun's intensity varies by location, time of day, and time of year, meaning solar production isn't as reliable as other energy sources.
However, pairing solar panels with battery storage can solve this problem. Solar panels can charge the batteries during the day when the sun is shining, and the battery power can be used when the panels aren't generating enough energy to meet demand.
Solar panels add value to your home, which is a great advantage. However, increased property value can also mean increased property taxes. Many states and municipalities offer property tax exemptions for solar panel installations, so there's a chance you won't be affected by this.
Homeowner's insurance is also based on the value of your home. So, if a solar installation increases your home's value, your insurance will likely also increase. We recommend speaking to your insurance broker for more specifics about how solar panels impact your homeowners insurance policy.
Unfortunately, not every home can have solar panels. For your solar installation to be worth it, you need a roof that is suitable for solar panels.
Here are a few reasons why your home might not be suitable for solar panels:
Your home's roof is entirely blocked by shade
Your roof is due for a replacement
Your roof doesn't have enough space
Solar panels are made from 80% recyclable materials, but recycling programs for solar panels are limited.
The United States has no laws currently that govern the recycling of solar panels. In recent years, some recycling programs and companies have formed to tackle this issue, but it's still not 100% solved.
Luckily, solar panels are built to last for 25 or more years, so there is still time to develop better recycling processes.
Some areas are more solar-friendly than others. When we say 'solar-friendly', we mean that different states, utilities, and municipalities have better policies that make solar a good investment.
States with better policies, like Colorado or Massachusetts, have more rebates and incentive programs available to homeowners that reside there, making solar more affordable for them.
If you live in a state that does not prioritize the adoption of solar, there's a chance you end up paying more for your solar installation and earn lower savings.
Solar is a 25-year investment, so it's crucial to find a trustworthy and reliable installer. A few bad apples have made it hard for homeowners to figure out who to trust. Deceptive, spammy sales tactics and solar scams have left a lasting bad impression on solar installers.
Luckily, SolarReviews makes it easy for homeowners to connect with trustworthy solar companies.
Solar panels produce electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the solar panels, an electric current is created. The current runs through the wiring of the system to a solar inverter that makes this electricity usable for your home.
If you produce more solar electricity than your home uses, it can be sent to the utility grid. Depending on where you live, your utility company might pay you for the energy you send to it through net metering. You can also store that energy in a solar battery.
In most cases, the advantages of solar panels make them a worth it for homeowners.
Solar panels are best for those who live in solar-friendly states with high electricity rates and good incentives. Also, homes with south-facing roofs that are mostly free of shade are ideal for solar panels.
There's very few reasons why solar is not worth it. If you're curious about your specific home being eligible for solar, put your home's information into our solar calculator to learn more.
Find out if solar panels a good investment for your homeStill unsure about solar? Here are some frequently asked questions pertaining to the pros and cons of solar panels.
For more information, please visit Latest News About Solar Energy.