What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy?
To remain eco-friendly, we extend the capabilities of our nature as much as possible. We rely on it daily, which makes us further analyze what more it can do for us.
With today's advancement in technology, the innovators have found a way to correlate it on new gadgets and inventions. This opens new doors for opportunities, such as enhancing the previous method of gaining energy to have a choice of preference.
Likewise, the benefits of solar energy can bring stability of power depending on its usage. Not knowing how to do so can bring unfortunate events, and surely we do not want that.
To evaluate further, the text will provide you its function, advantages, disadvantages, and further information that will keep you knowledgeable about the specific way of gaining energy.
What is Solar Energy?
The sun rays do not only contain light, but also energy in the form of a photon, which is used to fuel our daily essentials in this planet. Solar energy is a renewable energy source as the sun continues to emit rays unto the earth itself.
In addition, it is known to work to compensate for electricity that is needed for every transaction of work, that signifies its importance in our way of life.
The energy comes from our sun that acts as a natural nuclear reactor. The nuclear fusions happening beneath the core of the sun emits massive energy that radiates to our home planet in the form of light and heat.
This energy, to benefit us, is used to power our home and business by finding a way to store. To do this, solar panels are used and is placed to satisfy our global energy needs.
It is a way of getting the energy that is the cheapest and classified to be fast-growing in terms of consumers. As time passes by, it will continue to do so in the following years.
Ways of Harnessing Solar Energy
As the sun rays hit us, it does not automatically power up our technology and electricity without a method of obtaining its energy. We need to harness it to be converted into usable energy. It can be done using two main ways, which is the photovoltaics and solar thermal collectors.
Photovoltaics
The photovoltaics are known to be common for electricity projects that are designed to be small-scale such as residential installations. It is a way to get owners of various properties to experience solar energy for their technological benefit.
With this, the solar panels installed converts the sun rays into electricity and can be consumed by storing on solar battery or electric grids.
Accordingly, the conversion from solar energy to electricity is made possible with the photovoltaic effect. In other words, the sunlight comes in contact with a semiconductor type material, which causes the electron to become loose.
Consequently, it sets the motion that generates a current that is stored or captured in the wiring. Using a solar inverter, the direct current (DC) will be converted into alternate current (AC).
Solar Thermal Capture
The solar thermal is typically used for electricity productions on large scales in solar installation within the utility. Given by its nomenclature, it captures heat from solar radiations directly. It is known to have a broader usage than photovoltaic though it is not used in small-scale projects.
There are three types of solar thermal energy: low-temperature, mid-temperature, and high-temperature. Low-temperature is used for mainly cooling and heating, mid-temperature is for heating water, while high-temperature is used for electrical power purposes.
The Advantages
In every energy storing possibility, consumers always take into considerations the benefits they can acquire while using a specific one. In this case, solar energy offers various benefits that can suit one’s preference. The advantages that it brings are as follows:
1. An Alternative to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Most people are concerned about the status of our environment, especially with today's effect in global warming that affects not only humanity but also the overall nature in general.
We witness the ocean rise due to the melting of ice in the north and south pole, and also the scarcity of shelter to some species. We want to achieve our daily work in the sense that we also want to make a difference in the world.
Thus, to address a more eco-friendly life, even the large industries slowly adapt to the use of solar energy for a more suitable living that reflects the well-being of our planet.
2. Independence in Energy Consumption
It can be seen as fully accessible to any location as the sun shines across the world, which implies our energy independence in terms of acquiring solar energy.
Similarly, solar power can be installed in more prominent structural architectures or even at your homes. This will result for you to not depend on your power line that connects to an electrical grid.
3. Renewable Energy
Fossil fuels, where energy grid mostly harnesses the power is non-renewable; meaning that there is a possibility it can run out. However, that is not the case with solar energy.
You can use the solar function as long as there is a sun, and its lifespan is long enough to address your needs, specifically with a few billion years to spare.
4. Diversity
The application of solar energy can be seen as diverse. Particularly, you have the option to generate either heat by using solar thermal or electricity using photovoltaics.
It can be used to some locations wherein the energy grid is not available. In addition, it can also be used in the materials used for buildings.
5. Reduces Your Electricity Bills
Since you will use a solar operated harnessing device such as solar panels that are installed at your homes, your energy bills would most likely drop. Nevertheless, it depends on the dimensions and ability of your solar equipment and your consumption.
Furthermore, you can also receive payments if you attempt to export energy to the grid, especially if you generate more than what you need.
The Disadvantages
Apart from the benefits, the consumers also consider the drawbacks that they can experience while using specific energy storage.The evaluation is assessed if it is worth the use.
In the attempt of solar energy consumption, it is given that the process cannot be perfect all the way. Particularly, the disadvantages are as follows:
1. Initial Cost
The initial cost of set up can be classified as high, especially for those who do not want to spend an ample amount for the solar device. In the budget, you should take into consideration the cost of panels, batteries, inverter, installation services, and wiring.
Although the technology in the solar aspect continues to be innovated and developed, you can expect its depreciation in the following years.
2. Sun Presence and Weather Dependence
The efficiency of the solar device is dependent on the weather. You should not expect its full functionality and harnessing possibility if the weather is rainy or cloudy.
It is dependent on the sunlight it can get, which the function can be reflective as you use your daily technology devices. In addition, you should keep in mind that at night time, you cannot harness solar energy.
3. Downside in the Environment
Even though its pollution is less than other sources of energy, it does not change the fact that it can still emit pollution. The installation can be associated to contribute to greenhouse gases.
Besides, some hazardous and toxic materials that are produced during manufacturing can affect the environment in the long run. However, as it does not contribute much than any other energy harness, the downside is not that much taken into account.
4. Uses a Lot of Land Space
If you want to collect more electricity, you would need more area for setting up your solar panels, which results in the reduction of land space.
Often, the area for your roofs is not enough to satisfy your needs. In that regard, most people opt to install more on their backyard that is accessible to sunlight, but that would mean fewer area of space still.
Final words: Go green, go solar!
With an alternative for a greener life, we would not want to miss the opportunity to help our mother earth while still enjoying the technological innovation as of today's time.
As the sun continues to shine, it is suitable to find and correlate it in our advancement of today in terms of harnessing solar energy. It may seem a hassle and a long way to go at first, but it can contribute to our costs and nature by the benefits it can offer.
Even with its temporary setbacks and disadvantages, evaluating it with the possible advantages can be worth a try. What are you waiting for then? Try using solar energy for your homes now!
