The 3 Most Under-Anticipated Problems With Solar Energy And What You
Can Do About Them
With so many people choosing to go solar these days, it helps to take a step back and look at the problems with solar energy. Come share in the
conversation that highlights the problems with solar power.
Some Problems With Solar Energy Stem With The Relative Youth Of The Solar Industry
When it comes to the solar homeowners that have faith in solar energy, there are a few problems with solar energy they might not have anticipated.
The thing to keep in mind with any alternative energy source that is fairly new is that there will always be things you hadn't anticipated.
When it comes to solar power disadvantages, there are three most under-anticipated problems with solar energy you can prepare for.
#1. Cloudy Days or Not Enough Sun:
When you are considering the problems with solar energy, the number one concern is having enough sunlight to generate sufficient power for your home.
- If your site selection is done properly and you are in the areas that average more than 5 hours of direct sun per day, you should be fairly safe.
- Because trees grow branches and leaves that can shade the solar panel systems, it is important that they are kept properly trimmed.
Dealing With Battery Banks
Another consideration is using battery banks to store excess power, or check with your utility grid for reverse metering or net metering, which can provide power on days when you don't get enough sun, due to rain and snow.
- Even several excessively cloudy days in a row can cause problems with solar energy powered homes that aren't still on the utility grid.
- With the addition of battery storage and reverse metering, you can have enough power for your system on cloudy days, when you don't get enough sun.
#2. Disposal of Old Solar Panels
One of the disadvantages of solar energy can be disposing of old solar cells and panels that contain harmful chemicals like mercury and chromium, which can be toxic when it seeps into the groundwater system.
- While most solar panels are constructed to last around 25 years and only 1% of the United States uses solar energy as electricity, this is one of the problems with solar energy that we haven't seen as much as other countries that have been using it for years.
There are companies that are getting into the business of recycling solar panels, which is addressing problems with solar energy components that need to be safely disposed of or recycled.
Because the solar panels are made with plastic primarily, there are already options underway to address these anticipated problems with solar energy that involve disposal and recycling of the components.
#3. Solar Powered Appliances:
One disadvantage of solar energy includes the fact that the electricity generated is standard household current or 110 volts.
- Many of the larger appliances require 220 volts and still have to run off the utility grid.
- To address these solar power disadvantages, more solar appliances need to be made as an alternative to those that must stay on the utility grid.
- Of course, some people are considering other sources such as natural gas appliances or even solar-heated hot water systems that can help heat the house and the hot water, for example.
Problems With Solar Energy - The Bottom-Line
Solar power is a relevant technology that has both advantage and disadvantages.
But as you can see, there are solutions in the works for the three most under-anticipated disadvantages of solar energy and it is bound to become a more viable alternative energy source in the years to come.
Here's to finding a way to bring more solar power into your family!
P.S. Here's a few more tips to help your solar power projects go smoothly...
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