Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

You will find a number of pages on this site dedicated to various aspects of solar power including solar electric power and solar power heating systems, but this page is simply an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. The information on advantages and disadvantages of solar energy also contains links to other relevant pages for further information.

ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

• The energy source, the sun, is free!
• Solar Power Grants are available from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme for solar photovoltaic (electric) and solar thermal (heating) systems
• Solar photovoltaic systems can be grid connected or stand-alone
• Solar photovoltaic panels are flexible and can be used, for example, as cladding or roof tiles on new or existing buildings
• Solar thermal systems are available in a variety of styles to blend in as much as possible with their location
• Solar thermal systems don’t require a large area of roof space
• There is no waste associated with solar energy
• Solar power does not produce carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main greenhouse gases
• Solar power systems do not produce any noise
• Excess electricity can be sold to energy companies
• Very little maintenance is required to either type of solar power system

DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

• Solar photovoltaic systems in particular are relatively expensive to purchase and install resulting in a long payback period
• Solar photovoltaic systems require a relatively large area to make the installation worthwhile
• Solar energy cannot be produced at night, although the panels are effective in overcast conditions
• Panels ideally need to be able to face a south west to south east direction and should not be overshadowed by trees or other obstructions

Visit our main solar power page and the other pages listed there for more information to add to these advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.