Question

What are the advantages and limitations of solar energy? Answer the question

Answer 1

Limitations of Solar Energy

Solar energy has some inherent limitations:

1. The density of solar energy is low as compared to coal, oil, gas etc.

2. Problem of economically collecting solar energy over large areas and converting it to other forms that can be conveniently transported, stored and used in existing equipments.

3. Its intensity is not constant; it changes from early in the morning to evening with a maximum around 1-2 p.m., the maximum amount being in the range of 1 to 1.1 KW/ m2. This amount does not remain the same during the whole day. It also changes with different seasons of the year and depends upon the sky conditions.

4. Problems of designing facilities that can utilize diffused sunlight.

5. It's major applications are photo thermal conversion, solar water heating, space conditioning, solar air heating, solar desalination, solar cooker, solar refrigeration, power generation, water pumping, green house technology, generation of fuels, photo voltaic conversion etc.

Advantages: Solar power is pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted after installation
Reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels
Renewable clean power that is available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce some power
Return on investment unlike paying for utility bills
Virtually no maintenance as solar panels last over 30 years
Creates jobs by employing solar panel manufacturers, solar installers, etc. and in turn helps the economy
Excess power can be sold back to the power company if grid intertied
Ability to live grid free if all power generated provides enough for the home / buildingCan be installed virtually anywhere; in a field to on a buildingUse batteries to store extra power for use at night
Solar can be used to heat water, power homes and building, even power carsSafer than traditional electric current
Efficiency is always improving so the same size solar that is available today will become more efficient tomorrow
Aesthetics are improving making the solar more versatile compared to older models; i.e. printing, flexible, solar shingles, etc.
Federal grants, tax incentives, and rebate programs are available to help with initial costs

Answer 2

Dear Student,

◆ Solar energy -

• Solar plates made of silicon convert sunlight into electrical energy. This can be used for household as well as industrial purposes.

# Advantages -

1. It is a renewable source of energy.
2. Pollution doesn't occur no waste products are released in atmosphere.
3. It doesn't cause greenhouse effect.

# Disadvantage -

1. Biggest disadvantage is solar panels are bery expensive to install.
2. It can only work in sunny day, not at night.
3. They dont work in cold climate, storms, cloudy atmosphere.

Thanks dear. Hope this helps you...