Problems With Solar Panels

Manufacturing

• Solar panels are considered one of the greenest ways to power homes, leaving no apparent carbon footprint on the Earth's environment. However, the carbon footprint created by the panels' initial manufacturing is huge. Large amounts of fossil fuels are used to create the panels, according to Tree Hugger. The panels are also created out of materials that are fragile, both glass and semiconductors, making them prone to breakage due to the way they are manufactured.

Cost

• Solar energy technology is more costly than using coal power plants, according to Weather Questions, and if installed on a home, can often take 10 years before it will pay itself off through reduced electricity bills. The panels often must be replaced and need to be repaired and maintained constantly. According to Oracle ThinkQuest, "single solar panels are not sufficient power producers" with "only about a 40 percent efficiency."

Insufficient Sunlight

• Cloudy days, especially in regions of the Earth such as the Pacific Northwest of the United States where winters can mean weeks on end with cloud cover, can create insufficient power for the business or home. This is the main problem and concern with solar panels, as constant light is needed for constant power. If there is no more than an average of 5 hours of direct sunlight a day, not enough energy is created to power a home. Overhanging branches, trees and shadows from other buildings can also pose challenges in obtaining enough sunlight.

Disposal

• While solar panels are considered a green form of generating heat, they are not so environmentally friendly when disposed of. Many panels are constructed for 25 years of use. However, they can occasionally break and must be replaced after this time. Harmful chemicals are contained in the panels, such as chromium and mercury, that, if thrown into the usual garbage disposal, can seep into groundwater systems, according to the Los Angeles Times.