Solar Power Issues

Cost

• Once installed, a solar energy system often produces more energy than a house can use. However, the cost of a solar energy system is much higher than tapping into the electric grid. Solar panels are incredibly expensive, and adding enough of them to power a home or a city represents an enormous investment. Additionally, these panels are made of delicate materials that may need to be replaced as they grow older, creating a potential future cost liability.

Efficiency

• One solar panel will not generate enough energy to power a home. Though advances are being made in solar technology, it still takes large fields of panels to create the required power for a city block or neighborhood. This efficiency problem means solar may not be the best option for large cities with limited room, though local landowners may be able to cash in on leasing rights for solar fields. Until the efficiency of panels can be improved, solar is unlikely to take over the industry.

Aesthetics

• Solar panels are not attractive and can create incredible glare from the sun, depending on where they are placed. Due to their poor aesthetics, many homeowners may not want personal solar panels, as it may decrease the visual value of their home. Additionally, people who live in rural areas may be less likely to accept a solar farm near their homes because of fears that it will be an eyesore. This is another problem that can be solved with increased efficiency, which would require smaller panel areas.

Weather Dependency

• Solar panels are not powered by heat, but they do require light from the sun to generate power. In areas that are commonly cloudy or overcast, solar may not be the best option for creating clean energy. It is estimated that solar panels generate about half as much power on cloudy days as they do on sunny days, relying on local utilities to make up the difference if the power is not sufficient. If the system is off-grid, power will need to be stored in a battery in case the weather takes a downward turn.