In the race to reach net-zero emissions, countries around the world are looking to scale up and eventually depend on renewable energy to substitute polluting fossil fuels. Solar is the most abundant, fastest, and cheapest energy source on Earth, and it generates minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Although this renewable energy is rapidly growing across the globe, with an increasing number of countries investing in it, there are some factors that could hinder its growth. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy and how does this valuable renewable resource work and w?
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The vital role in which the sun plays in life on Earth has been celebrated since ancient times. Egyptians in Africa were the first people known to use solar energy on a large scale to heat their homes, designating them in a way that could store up the sun’s heat during the day and release it at night. Fast forward to today, societies around the world have developed innovative technologies that allow us to turn the sun’s energy into electricity that powers heating and cooling systems, transportation, lighting, and ventilation, just to name a few.
This energy source is growing fast: between and , solar rose from 0.06% to 1.11% of the global energy mix. In , it recorded a record growth of 22% as installations experienced a boom. Among the countries that have poured the most money into solar energy are China – by far the largest investor, the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. The latter aims to be a global leader in solar energy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi committing to increase energy from renewable sources up to 50% by the end of . In Europe, Spain is one of the first countries to deploy large-scale solar photovoltaics and the largest producer of solar-powered electricity on the continent.
Before we move on to some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar, it is worth answering a question: how does solar energy work?
When sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface, human-made innovative technologies capture their light and heat and convert these into electrical energy. This conversion happens through photovoltaic (PV) panels, which contain cells that can capture the sunlight’s energy. This energy generates electrical charges that move around the cell, causing electricity to flow. An alternative to PV is solar thermal panels: as opposed to PV generating electricity, thermal panels create heat. When installed on a roof facing the sun, they capture the hot sun rays which are used to heat water stored in a cylinder.
While many nations are starting to recognise the vast potential of solar energy – a powerful and extremely beneficial renewable source – there are still some downsides to it. We explore the main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
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As the name suggests, solar power is a resource that never runs out. Unlike fossil fuels, the production of which requires huge efforts, time, and expensive heavy machinery, renewables convert a natural resource – in the case of solar power, sunlight – directly into electricity. Another big factor that makes renewable energy much more attractive than coal, oil, and natural gas is the significant difference in emissions, namely fossi fuels being one of the world’s largest contributors to the generation of greenhouse gases. Renewable energy sources are not only cleaner but also cheaper and easier to produce than any fossil fuel. But what makes solar energy particularly advantageous over other sources of renewable energy?
In fact, solar is the most abundant energy source on the planet and throughout the years, we managed to develop innovative technologies that could allow us to depend entirely on solar for the rest of our existence. Another huge advantage is that just a tiny fraction of the sunlight we get every day can provide a huge amount of energy. Indeed, the US Department of Energy argues that an hour and a half of sunlight that reaches the planet’s surface generates enough power to meet all of humanity’s energy consumption for an entire year.
Over the years, scientists have made some important advances in the development of solar technologies, notably improving the efficiency of solar panels and battery storage systems as well as their overall durability over time. According to Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the global PV sector has been growing at an average of over 40% in the last eight years and major advances in automation, manufacturing, and throughput have considerably improved this technology. Most panels today are between 15% and 20% efficient, meaning that they are able to convert 15% to 20% of the amount of sunlight they absorb into electricity. Panels’ efficiency has improved consistently over the past decade, a promising factor and one that contributes to continued cost reduction. Furthermore, their resistance to extreme weather has been drastically improved, bringing their average durability to about three decades with little to no loss in efficiency.
Improvements have also been made in battery storage systems, which are emerging as a key solution to effectively integrate solar renewables in global power systems on a large scale. Most of the world’s utility-scale storage systems are being deployed in Australia, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Small islands and off-grid communities have invested in large-scale battery storage systems to store excess energy. However, an increasing number of small-scale batteries are also being produced and they are expected to complement utility-scale applications by .
In the list of the advantages of solar energy, price is an important point. In its World Energy Outlook report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed that solar power schemes now offer the cheapest electricity in history. In its report, the Agency predicted that by , renewable energy generation will keep growing, with solar power production skyrocketing and becoming the world’s primary source of electricity. Solar energy is indeed praised for the relatively marginal operation and maintenance costs of panels. While the cost of panels itself is the most critical part of the overall equation, solar is definitely a cheap source of power that can considerably lower the electricity bill in the long run.
Lastly, solar energy generation’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is one of the main benefits of this renewable energy source. Indeed, solar power produces no emissions during generation itself and studies demonstrate that it has a considerably smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels over its life cycle. Even though PV modules and other components are made of materials that are mined and processed and thus generate some levels of emissions, solar is still undoubtedly a carbon-smart energy source whose lifetime emissions are insignificant when compared to coal and natural gas. In fact, a coal power plant releases on average 25 times more emissions than the ones produced by a solar power system. Similarly, a natural gas power plant, despite being less polluting than coal, still generates 10 times the amount of emissions generated by a solar array.
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Did we not just say that solar energy is getting cheaper? Well, it is true. However, there are some aspects of solar technology that are still quite expensive. Indeed, purchasing a solar system requires a significant initial investment to cover the costs of panels, inverter, batteries, wiring, and the installation of the system itself. One of the most expensive parts of the system is the batteries used for solar power storage, which can cost upwards of USD$5,000. When solar energy started being commercialised 40 years ago, the price of panels was also incredibly high. Nevertheless, solar technologies are constantly developing and this is contributing to a significant decrease in prices. Statistics show that the average global cost of solar PV modules has gone down drastically in the first two decades of commercial solar power production and it has been slowly but consistently decreasing ever since. Just a decade ago, an average 6-kilowatt hour residential solar system could cost USD$50,000 or more. However, the price has gone down by an annual average of 62% and nowadays, a typical home installation rarely exceeds UDS$20,000.
An undoubted disadvantage of solar energy is that this technology is not equally efficient around the world. While solar power can be generated on a cloudy day, some level of daylight is still required in order to harness the sun’s energy, and the amount of energy that can be produced varies greatly depending on many factors, such as the amount and quality of direct sunlight that the panels receive as well as the size, number, and locations of the panels themselves. Thus, in countries that receive limited sunlight throughout the year, alternative renewable resources like geothermal energy and hydropower might work better. In Iceland, an area with little sunlight and wind, for example, these two energy sources make up 27% and 73% respectively, allowing the country to generate 100% of its energy from renewables.
As we said before, the carbon footprint of solar energy is minimal. However, this renewable still has some aspects, mainly related to land use and waste generation, that can still harm the environment. First and foremost, solar power plants require space. For example, a solar power plant to provide electricity for 1,000 homes would require 32 acres of land. This means that, in order to meet the US energy consumption needs, nearly 19 million acres, equivalent to 0.8% of the entire country, would be necessary.
Another factor to consider is the management and disposal of hazardous materials such as metals and glass needed to build some components of solar infrastructure that are energy-intensive to produce and thus responsible for the generation of carbon emissions. Building PV cells and panels also requires some hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. To avoid harming the environment, such materials necessitate careful management and disposal procedures once the solar plant’s life comes to an end. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that by , solar energy systems could be responsible for up to 78 million tonnes of waste.
The short answer is yes. There is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ energy source. From nuclear and fossil fuels to renewable resources, all of them have many advantages but also some disadvantages, solar energy included. However, as we are quickly running out of time in the race to reach zero emissions, it is crucial that all countries begin to seriously evaluate which sources of energy can bring the most benefits. While solar energy might not be the best solution for northern countries for the lack of sunlight they receive throughout the year, and some of its disadvantages such as the extensive land use that the installation of solar panels requires might not make it the best candidate for everyone, this renewable resource, along with all others, certainly has undeniable potential and it still a better alternative to environmentally unfriendly fossil fuels, beyond being the best chance we have at stopping global warming.
As the need for clean energy becomes more apparent, the shift to renewable energy generation has seen a striking increase. Solar power is a renewable source that can lower our carbon footprint and meet energy demand, all while reducing electricity costs.
As of , the U.S. has reached over 5 million solar panel installations, and that number will continue to grow. However, it’s important to know that while solar has plenty of benefits, it also comes with a list of downsides.
To help you better understand this abundant source of energy, the experts at SolarReviews have compiled a list of the pros and cons of solar energy in .
Between utility bill savings and a reduced carbon emissions– there are plenty of advantages to solar energy systems you may not know about. Here are 8 pros of using solar energy:
Sunlight is one of the most abundant energy sources on the planet, and harnessing its power using solar panels won’t deplete it’s strength. Because using solar energy doesn’t reduce the amount of sunlight available, it’s considered a renewable resource.
Unlike fossil fuels, which there is a limited supply of, renewable resources like solar are infinite or can be replenished within a human lifetime, making them a far more sustainable solution for our ever-growing energy needs.
When solar panels generate electricity, they don’t release any harmful greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, making solar a clean power source. Because there are no harmful gasses or particulate matter released when solar energy is produced, it minimizes health and enviornmental impacts.
By increasing the use of solar energy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, like natural gas and coal, we make the planet a healthier place to live while fighting climate change.
Arguably the greatest advantage to owning home solar panels is that they help reduce your electricity bills. By using the power generated on your roof, you reduce the amount of electricity you use from your power company which lowers your utility bills. Solar panels also help provide insurance against rising electricity costs — as increase continue to rise, so do your savings!
In , the average household can save around $1,500 per year on electric bills with a residential solar panel system. Most homeowners can break even on their solar investment within 10 to 12 years, but actual savings will depend on your specific system and where you live.
Even large-scale solar farms and utility solar systems can make energy costs cheaper. Solar energy is cheap to produce and doesn’t require expensive mining or the same intricate power plants traditional fossil fuels do.
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Solar panels require very little maintenance, especially if they’re tilted at an angle. Rain typically washes away any debris that might affect your solar PV system’s efficiency. However, occasionally cleaning your solar panels to remove excess can’t hurt if you live in a drier, dustier climate.
A huge reason why solar panels are low maintenance is because they have no moving parts, which minimizes the risk of equipment failures. Issues that do come up could be covered by a solar warranty, helping keep relatively low maintenance costs.
Solar incentive and rebate programs are available throughout the United States to reduce the initial investment costs of solar. Right now, the best incentive to go solar is the federal solar tax credit which earns you 30% of the total cost of your solar installation, applied to your federal income taxes.
There are also upfront rebates and performance-based incentives, like Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which can help you earn extra money based on how much your solar system produces.
As of , solar panels are 60% cheaper and 40% more efficient than they were in .
Solar panels are much better at generating electricity than they were 15 years ago, thanks to a number of advancements in solar cell technology. In , average solar panel efficiency ratings were about 15%. Nowadays, solar panels are generally between 20% and 23% efficient!
Not to mention, there's been a decrease in solar panel cost. In , a solar installation would cost the average homeowner about $8.66 per watt. Nowadays, the average solar installation costs just $3.03 per watt, on average.
Solar panels are considered a home improvement energy upgrade and can potentially raised your home value. You might even be able to sell your house with solar panels faster than without them.
Experts at SolarReviews analyzed over 400 homes on Zillow and found that on average, homes with solar panels are selling for 6.9% more than homes without solar panels. The value solar panels add to your home depends on several factors like your location, system size, condition, and how you paid for solar.
Solar panels allow homeowners to create their own energy instead of relying on the electrical grid, helping to achieve energy independence from their utility company and take more control over where their home sources energy from.
On a larger scale, solar energy systems in the U.S. would help the entire country reduce our reliance on other countries for foreign oil and other energy resources.
Although solar energy offers many benefits, it’s also important to consider some of the potential drawbacks before installing a system on your roof.
While the cost of solar panels has significantly dropped in the last decade, home solar still comes with a high initial cost. In , the average cost of a solar installation is about $21,600 before any incentives – or about $3.03 per watt. There are incentive programs and financing options to help with upfront costs, but it can still be a substantial investment.
Solar energy is considered an intermittent energy source because the amount of energy solar panels produce is generally weather-dependent. The sun’s intensity varies by location, the time of day, and time of year, meaning solar production can fluctuate and can be unpredictable.
You can’t truly guarantee that solar panels will produce the exact amount of energy you need at all times. But, you can pair solar panels with battery storage to make solar energy more reliable. Energy storage systems save solar power during the day so it can be used when the sun isn’t shining.
Unfortunately, not every roof is suitable for solar panels. To make your solar installation a worthwhile investment, your roof needs to have certain characteristics that are well-suited for solar panels.
Here are a few reasons why your home might not be suitable for a solar panel installation:
Your home’s roof is entirely blocked by shade
Your roof is old and due for a replacement
Your roof doesn’t have enough space
Your roof can’t handle the added weight of solar panels
While it’s true that solar panels generate clean, renewable energy, the manufacturing process does have an environmental impact. Solar panel manufacturing plants release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and mining for materials used in solar panels can impact the surrounding environment.
Also, large-scale solar installations require a significant amount of land, which can potentially impact the migration route of some animals, or amplify the effects of erosion in the soil during installation.
Despite this, solar panels are still a far better option for the environment and human health than the use of fossil fuels.
Some areas are more solar-friendly than others, meaning the state, utility, or local policies make going solar a smart investment for residents. If you live in a state that does not prioritize solar adoption, solar might not be as good of a financial investment.
A great advantage to having solar is increased property value. However, increased property value can also mean increased property taxes. Many states and municipalities offer property tax exemptions for solar panel installations. In other words, the exemption protects you from paying additional taxes.
Homeowner’s insurance is based on the replacement value of your home. So, if a solar installation increases your home’s replacement value, your insurance could increase. We recommend speaking to your insurance broker for more specifics on how solar panels impact your homeowner’s insurance policy.
In most cases, the advantages of solar panels make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Long-term electricity bill savings and increases in property value make up for the high initial cost. Not to mention, accumulated savings help to pay back your solar investment in 10 to 12 years! Solar panels typically last over 25 years – so you can expect over a decade of free electricity!
Whether solar panels are worth it for your specific home depends on where you live, your budget, your roof’s characteristics, available incentives, and how much energy you use. If you’re curious about solar being right for your home, try out our solar calculator to learn more.
Still unsure about solar? Here are some frequently asked questions pertaining to the pros and cons of solar panels.
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