What are two problems associated with the use of solar energy?

Answer 1

One problem associated with the use of solar energy the cost to purchase the solar panels and convert the energy. Another problem is there needs to be a way to store the energy when the sun is not out.

Answer 2

Solar energy is generally a very good renewable resource. It's even the source of energy for all life on Earth! Of course, there are a few significant problems it poses.

1. First, without sunlight, there is no energy. This problem is often solved by allowing the solar panels to charge a battery during sunny times of the day to be used when there isn't sunlight.
2. Next, solar energy can be a bit more expensive at a small level (e.g. a house) rather than non-renewable alternatives. Year after year solar energy seems to be getting consistently cheaper and more efficient, so this may not be a problem for much longer.

The issues with solar are fairly well known to the industry and hidden from the public as much as possible. First, no solar panel is capable of reaching the claimed output. The wattage is rated with open voltage and short circuit conditions. This is a physical impossible situation. Secondly, the power developed is for a very brief period of the day. In some areas this may be under two hours on average. Temperature is also a very serious issue with solar panels. The best case for solar power is under 75 degrees F. Temps above this can degrade performance by as much as 50%. I have several panels on my house and live in Wisconsin. We see better power output during the winter months even though the sun is overhead far short times during the winter. A typical 75 watt panel in Wisconsin will relieved about 150 watt hours per day of usable power to your inverter. The inverter will deliver to your grid up to 120 watts per day of usable power assuming you do not use a grid inverter.

Solar makes wonderful backup power, but is still not practical for actual energy for your home on a daily basis. Assuming a expected life of 20 years, it is doubtful these panels will produce as much energy as the took to make. Payback will never occur. If you are looking an awesome backup, they do provide very quiet power.