Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy can be used and is used for electricity, heating, hot water, cooking, for producing salt and even for desalination. Solar energy comes from sunlight. Solar energy is known to be very environmentally friendly. However, when the sun's rays enter the Earth's atmosphere is very diluted.


Although solar energy is known to be very respectful of the environment that has not only advantages but also some disadvantages. Let's talk about some advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.


Let's start with the main advantage of solar energy. Solar energy is clean. For the generation of electricity or heat with solar energy is needed only the rays of the sun. There is no need to use fossil fuels, combined with the sun to produce electricity or heat. You just need a solar energy collector panels or solar power, in order to collect solar energy.


Solar energy is cheaper than electric heating. This is another great advantage of solar energy. Simply by using solar energy you can save a lot of money on heating. In return you will get lower electric bills and also means that you do not have to keep heating.


If you live in an isolated area where there are no power lines solar energy can be the solution. There are remote areas where power companies do not have the means to access your home. Solar energy is a great alternative, because it gives you something to heating water, electricity, and even the kitchen.

Another great use of solar energy for desalination in areas where fresh, drinkable water is scarce. Solar energy evaporates the brine and leave salt crystals on the bottom of the basin. The water in turn condenses back in another basin, where it is now drinkable.


Even if all the above is very useful solar energy also has some disadvantages. These disadvantages also need to be discussed to paint a more general framework.


The main disadvantage of solar energy is that it is diluted. This means that we have a lot of solar collectors installed around your home. Solar energy can be very convenient, but the solar collectors are relatively expensive and require regular maintenance in order to function properly and efficiently. If you decide to use solar energy is necessary to calculate the return on investment, in order to know whether the investment will be worth it.


A big disadvantage is that you need the sun to use solar energy. If you are in a part of this wonderful planet where there is not much sunlight, then this could be a problem. In other areas, the sun's rays are almost always covered in clouds making solar energy collectors less efficient. You must first know if the sunlight in your area is abundant in most of the year. Of course if you live in desert areas like Arizona and Mexico, the sun produces a lot of sun for most of the year and is ideal for collecting solar energy.

Finally, the sun shines only during the day. So if you need electricity or hot water during the night, like many of us can be a problem. You will need a backup system such as 'Grid utility old' or you need to store electricity for later use. There are battery systems that can store solar energy for later use.

Solar energy is very clean and as an alternative to conventional heating and electrical systems. While this is true, it is well to remember the disadvantages of solar energy. If you plan to use solar energy you must read this before making a balanced decision ....