The solar energy is proving to be the best alternative source for producing energy. But as they say all things invented have their own disadvantages or bad side; this article will discuss some of the disadvantages that solar energy has.

The main disadvantage that solar energy has for many people would be the initial installation cost. The initial set-up of the equipment has in the past has been too much for an average family but things have improved now with reduced prices & generous government subsidies & rebates available.

Solar energy is still the best clean renewable alternative source to use compared the available dirty fossil fuel technologies. With the price of the solar panels continuing to decrease with improved technology and more widespread manufacturing there is likely to be a widespread increase the use of the solar cells to generate electricity for both home and industrial purposes.

Another disadvantage of solar energy installation is that it requires a large available area (generally roof space) for the system to a high enough KWh size to be efficient in providing a large source of electricity. This can be a problem in high density urban areas where space is minimal and often expensive to own as well in some cities.  High Pollution can also cause a disadvantage to the solar panels as it can degrade the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells.

Clouds also give a similar disadvantage, as clouds lessen the energy of the sun rays. These disadvantages were more pronounced with the older solar components and designs however, and the newer designs of solar panels have features that lessen these kinds of effects…… As we already know solar energy needs the sunlight to produce and convert energy into electricity so solar panels can only be useful during the day and at night your expensive solar equipment is useless. However, the use of solar battery chargers helps to reduce this disadvantage, or even better in Australia & Germany there are effective Feed In Tariff programs that allow people to sell their solar produced electricity during the day at a profit & buy fossil fuel produced electricity at night for a cheaper rate.

It’s important that solar panels are properly placed where they can get the maximum amount of direct sunlight so that your systems optimal output can be reached. Obviously Solar panels should not be placed in an area that has obstructions like buildings and landscaping, and the direction & aspect of the roof is also very important. Make sure your solar system is installed by an experienced and accredited installer.

So these are the disadvantages of making the switch to renewable solar energy. People should always consider the positive or the advantages of solar energy. At this point in our environmental crisis solar energy is proving to be one of the greatest invention of mankind, and it is set to become even more crucial and bigger in the future!

Energy is not running out, nor will it ever run out.The problem is not that less energy resources are available, but that the political and environmental consequences of the current energy consumption, well, stink.Hence, the drive for alternatives.The following will introduce the alternative energy candidates.

Solar power

Solar power uses sunshine to create both heat and electricity, as well as passive heating and cooling effects in buildings.Although there are other ways to take advantage of solar power (think photosynthesis, for example), the one most focused on is the direct conversion of radiation.This includes photovoltaic panels and solar liquid heating schemes.Large scale solar farms can provide entire communities with enough electrical and heating power to make the communities self-sufficient.

Nuclear power

Nuclear power harnesses the tremendous energies from both the splitting and fusing of atoms.To some, nuclear is not considered an alternative energy source, but my interpretation is that alternatives are those that do not emit the fossil fuel pollutants that are causing so much environmental harm.So I include nuclear energy in the alternative energy pantheon.

Wind and hydro-power

Wind power derives from windmills placed in locations with a lot of wind.Luckily for the US, there are plenty of suitable sites.

Hydro-power comes from dams which provide high pressure water flows that spin turbines, thereby creating electricity.It can be exploited on both a macro level (huge dams can be built to create statewide electrical power on America’s biggest rivers) and on the micro level (people can put hydro-power generators in backyard rivers and streams).

Geothermal

Geothermal power takes heat from the earth and redistributes it into a building, or uses the heat to generate electrical power.It’s available in tremendous quantities, but it’s difficult to extract and takes a lot of capital equipment.On a more general level, heat pumps (the kind in many homes) are a source of geothermal energy, so geothermal energy can be practical and effective on a micro level.

Biomass and wood

Biomass is sawgrass, mulch, corn, and so on.These materials are either burned in their raw form, or processed into liquid fuels or solid fuels.Wood, the most common biomass, is used to heat homes throughout the country.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Hydrogen fuel cells, in a nutshell, produce electrical power from nothing more than hydrogen, which is completely free of carbon.The exhaust is water, and what can be more natural than that?

Hydrogen fuel cells combine oxygen and hydrogen to produce water and electrical energy.Sounds simple, and there’s an amazing potential to solve a lot of the world’s environmental problems, should fuel cells pan out like some people think they will.The technologies are years off, however.And there are some major difficulties that may never be overcome.But the promise remains bright, and a lot of development money is now being invested in fuel cells.

Bio-fuels

Bio-fuels, are made of biomass products such as corn.Corn ethanol is now being added to most gasoline supplies in the United States.Despite the high energy consumption in the refining process, bio-fuels allow the US to import less foreign oil, and so the political effects are desirable.Bio-fuels may either be used in their pure form or mixed with fossil fuels.