Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy

Solar energy is a type of renewable energy which, as its name indicates, comes from the energy of the sun, the biggest star, and is converted into electric or thermal energy. It is a clean and abundant source of energy with multiple applications, such as the generation of electricity and, thus, light and hot water supply, among others.

In this other ecology article, we tell you more about what solar energy is and what it is for and, in addition, here we leave you a video in which you can find more information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqa0-i5bqvu

There are three TYPES OF SOLAR ENERGY or ways to exploit it:

• Photovoltaic energy: Photovoltaic panels are used that capture the sunlight, which releases the electrons contained in the semiconductor materials of the panels, thus generating electricity. The energy produced will be directly proportional to the amount of solar rays captured by the panels. Its uses are multiple and diverse, such as energy supply to electrical devices and homes.
• Thermal concentration energy: They use mirrors or lenses of various types that concentrate sunlight and take advantage of their heat (solar thermal energy) to generate water vapor, which moves turbines with whose functioning is generated. Solar concentration plants are also able to store heat during the day and release it at night for electricity supply at night.
• Heating and Solar Cooling: Solar heat energy is collected by thermal solar panels and is used in water and space heating or in the cooling of areas in buildings, and so on.

To expand this information we recommend you discover more about the solar panels with these other Ecology posts Verde about what solar panels are and how they work and how to install solar panels. Once the existing types are described, let’s see What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.

Among the SOLAR ENERGY BENEFITSwe can highlight:

• It is a form of clean energy whose use reduces the carbon footprint in a significant way because, unlike fossil fuels, it does not generate greenhouse gases or has contamination associated with its use beyond that occurred during the production process of solar panels.
• It is a source of renewable energy, virtually inexhaustible and sustainable.
• It is versatile in its usefulness because, in addition to generating electricity, solar energy also serves to heat, unlike other sources of renewable energy, such as wind turbines.
• Solar energy is free, because it does not require a constant extraction of raw materials that have to be refined and transported to a plant. The life expectancy of solar panels can reach 40 years and usually have guarantees of 25 or 30 years. In addition, its low maintenance cost guarantees the amortization of the initial investment during its useful life.
• The use of solar energy does not generate noise pollution, since solar panels barely emit some sound during operation.
• Sunlight is abundant and widely available, reaching everywhere. This is why the use of solar panels is a viable option at any geographical point, even in remote locations where the dependence of an electrical wiring could not be feasible.
• The use of solar energy promotes energy independence and security, by reducing the dependence on supplies from abroad. Energy security is the form of the state of guaranteeing a sustainable and economically profitable energy supply through the external supply and the generation of native sources. Energy independence reduces the energy vulnerability of a country to factors such as wars or sanctions.
• Technological development in the field of solar energy has led to an increase in its demand, thus generating a global and growing industry of manufacturers, suppliers and installers, which continues to create jobs worldwide. According to data from the International Renewable Energies Agency, in 2018 the photovoltaic solar industry hired more than 3.6 million people in the world.
• The use of solar energy decreases dependence on fossil fuels (non -renewable energy sources) and helps conserve the natural resources of the planet, benefiting the coming generations.

Although there are many benefits or advantages that this green energy has, it is true that, as with everything, there are also Disadvantages of Solar Energy; in which professionals work so that they are less.

• The efficiency of solar panels, this is the amount of solar energy that can convert into electrical energy, is relatively low, around 22%. However, with technological development, a growing trend in such efficiency is being observed that is expected to be maintained over time.
• The use of solar energy implies a high initial cost derived from the installation of solar panels, which may not be accessible to the entire population.
• Due to the relatively low energy efficiency of photovoltaic panels, for the moment, a large installation area is required to produce an adequate amount of electric power that covers energy needs. This inconvenience can be relieved by installing solar panels on the roofs.
• Solar energy is not constant, but fluctuates throughout the day, as during the night, when it is not available. To alleviate this inconvenience, energy storage must be resorted to during those moments. In addition to daily fluctuations, solar energy production decreases during the winter months, when there are less hours of sunlight and solar radiation is less intense, compared to summer.
• Current electrical energy storage technology is not perfected, since existing batteries are expensive and bulky, and, in addition, they may not provide the energy required to meet energy needs, which leads to electric scarcity during, for example, the night schedule.
• The performance of the solar panels can be reduced under certain atmospheric conditions, such as long periods of heat and humidity (which can even break the constituent sheets of the panels) or with clouds and fog. In turn, pollution can reduce panel performance, so their use may not be recommended in cities with great air pollution.
• Although the use of solar panels does not contaminate, during its manufacture (especially during the silicone extraction process in high ovens) toxic waste materials, as well as large amounts of greenhouse gases. However, compared to a fossil fuel employment scenario, when it comes from a clean energy source, the use of solar energy will counteract the carbon footprint generated during the panel manufacturing process.
• The installation of solar panels can generate a polluting visual impact that negatively affects the landscape.

If you want to read more articles similar to Advantages and disadvantages of solar energywe recommend that you enter our category of renewable energy.