answersLogoWhite

0

There are several problems with solar energy. Most of these problems though are being solved. Solar energy has come a long way in just the last few years.

1. Cost - the single largest hurdle solar energy faces is that competing energy sources have always been cheaper in terms of dollars per kilowatt-hour (a standard measure). Compared to electricity from coal-fired power plants, solar is more expensive - if you don't consider the environmental costs (which typically are hard to asses a dollar amount to).

But in recent years solar power is becoming closer and closer to grid-parity on price especially with the introduction of new types of solar panel chemistry like Cadmium telluride.

2. Site suitablity - many sites don't receive enough solar energy to make solar energy cost effective. Cloudy areas with frequent rain are often not as well suited for solar panels because typically solar panels need direct sun to produce the most power. That's changing though, new panels can now use diffuse light on cloudy days to still produce power. With prices going down steadily, more sites would be feasible that once were not.

3. Embodied energy - It takes a tremendous amount of energy to produce a solar panel. Because of this - depending on the type of panel and the way it was made - the panel itself may have required 11 years worth of its energy production just to make it. So if that's the case, the panel won't begin making 'new' energy until it has been operating for 11 years. It takes energy to make them, and you can think of this like taking out an 'energy loan' and so the loan must be paid back before an 'energy profit' can be made. Again, this is changing, new panels are made more efficiently, and require less material than older technologies so the 11 years is highly dependent on the type of panel and the manufacturing process.

4. Production and Demand - Typically solar panels produce the most energy during the middle of the day and somewhat less before and after than. Also, solar panels produce the most power during the summer. To the extent that demand for power does not coincide with this production curve, other sources of energy must be used to fill in, or some sort of storage (like batteries) is needed.

5. Materials - The material used to make solar panels is in short supply or the supply has fluctuated. This, again, depends on the type of panel, some panels don't have this problem. Shortages in materials mean it can be hard for producers to meet demand - thus pushing up the cost - which is the main stumbling block for the adoption of solar energy.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Problems with solar energy?

A major problem with solar energy is if the sun is not out, you have no energy.


What are the two problems with solar energy that hinder its widespread adoption and efficiency?

The two main problems with solar energy that hinder its widespread adoption and efficiency are the intermittency of sunlight and the high initial cost of installing solar panels.


What are some of the problems that limit the availability of solar energy as an alternative energy source?

use a battery


What are the two problems with solar energy that are commonly cited by critics and researchers?

Critics and researchers commonly cite two problems with solar energy: intermittency, meaning it is not always available due to weather conditions, and the high initial cost of installation.


What is the problem with solar energy?

Solar energy, while being quite useful, can also have it's own problems. For example, how does solar energy work if you occupy a place that rains most of the time? The sun is never out so, no solar-power. Furthermore, the rate of efficiency with solar panels is only 40%, is it worth all the money that is paid for them?


What quiestions are there about solar energy?

A question about solar energy could be: what is solar energy?: what does solar energy do?:does solar energy do anything for the earth/planet?


How is the sun's energy solar energy?

the suns energy is solar energy because sun means solar so solar energy is from the sun


How does solar get its?

Solar systems get their energy from the sun. Solar energy is captured by a solar panel, or collector. This panel converts solar energy to electrical energy.


Why is solar energy used in only a limited way?

because then it would be to easy to solve all of our problems.


What are 2 problems with solar energy?

Intermittency: Solar energy generation is dependent on weather conditions and daylight hours, resulting in variability and inconsistency in power output. Cost of storage: Storing solar energy for use when the sun is not shining can be expensive and technically challenging, making it a barrier to wider adoption.


Are there any problems involved with solar energy?

Some challenges with solar energy include intermittency (dependent on weather conditions), high upfront costs for installation, and the need for energy storage solutions. Additionally, the production and disposal of solar panels can have environmental impacts.


Where does solar energy get its energy from?

In solar energy that comes from the sun