Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

In parallel with innovative and rapid technological developments, a rapid development is observed in solar energy technology.

The advantages of using solar energy are:

• It is a source of energy that does not decrease and is inexhaustible.
• It is a type of clean energy. There are no gas emissions polluting the environment.
• It is suitable for local applications. It is possible to benefit from solar energy almost wherever energy is needed.
• Countries that benefit from solar energy reduce their dependence on foreign energy.
• Solar energy can be provided anywhere without any transportation costs. Complex technology is not required for many solar energy applications.
• Operating costs are very low.

The disadvantages of solar energy are:

• Solar energy is low in intensity and has no continuity. We may not be able to find it in the density we want when it is needed.
• Since the radiation reaching the unit surface is low, large surface areas are needed.
• The initial investment expense of the systems required to benefit from solar energy can be a deterrent.
• The amount of energy coming from the sun is not optional and cannot be controlled.
• In many places of use, there is a problem of time difference between energy supply and demand. It requires storing the energy from solar energy to be used when it is in excess. Energy storage can also pose a problem.