Solar energy has been treating us fabulously with its unlimited energy, opening doors to many new inventions and ideas. This is an important source of renewable energy which comes from the sun. It is sustainable and at the same time, abundant in nature. As per the National Solar Jobs in 2015, solar industry has successfully employed 208,000 workers alone in U.S so, if we take out a survey across the globe, the number will definitely be very high. Solar energy is a highly appealing source of electricity. But, it also has its pros and cons at use and being a user, let us have a look at it and be aware of what these are.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Solar energy has a lot of advantages if we know how to use it. This inexhaustible and sustainable energy has been used in solar heater, photovoltaics, solar thermal station, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis with the use of modern technology. We will not be running out of sun’s energy ever and the amount of energy it supplies to us is more than enough. This is also an environment friendly source of energy compared to other energy sources. As it becomes less harmful to the society, it also makes us less dependent on non-renewable energy sources such as oil, coal, and fossil fuels.
Solar energy is readily available to the world; we just need the technology to convert it into electricity. Solar panels are also easy to install and use compared to traditional grid system. They can be integrated in some buildings and are also easy to maintain. Unlike wind turbines, solar panels do not have moving parts to emit noise. Moreover, the government has also supported the use of solar energy by providing incentives and rebates to users. Some of the main advantages of solar energy are listed below:
- Automatic dusk to dawn operation
- Unaffected by power cuts
- Cost effective and energy efficient
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Reasonable price range
- Long-lasting components
Disadvantages of Solar energy
Like any other energy, solar energy also has a few negative points which we cannot deny. Firstly, the solar panels come at a relatively higher price. Although, it will take a few years for the cost of this system to be adjusted but it will free you from paying heavy electricity bills. Some parts of the solar cells are not easy to find; hence, this rareness makes it more expensive altogether. Solar energy might come inexpensive but in some parts of the world it is very intermittent as sunlight is limited and very unpredictable. People living in those days may not be able to use the services of this system completely and for them it might be a loss. According to some environmentalists, the manufacturing process of solar energy are said to emit some greenhouse gases like nitrogen trifluoride and sulphur hexafluoride which are said to be harmful. However, most people believe still believe that solar energy is eco-friendlier than non-renewable sources and has more positive factors to bring to our lives.
Solar street light are one of the most commonly used solar energy applications. Individuals and businesses are becoming more and more aware of the benefits of installing these lights in their public or private spaces. Solar street lights do not require any type of manual assistance to switch on and switch off and operate purely on solar energy, thereby saving monthly utility bills. Power outages do not affect solar street lights and they continue to illuminate the streets even when conventional street lights fail due to power cuts or heavy rains. Solar street lights are wireless and are not connected to any power grid and therefore, installation of these lights is very simple and does not require any cable trenching.
Solar street lights with motion sensors and timer-based dimming options are also available, both of these features help to save energy and provide illumination as per the requirement of the area. All the components used in a solar street light unit have a really long lifespan and these lights do not require any kind of maintenance other than occasional cleaning. Solar street lights are now available in affordable price ranges making them accessible not only for public usage but also for illuminating residential or any private properties.