Solar systems-Are they really cost-efficient and safe? Look at the cons and pros before buying one!

 Solar systems are being popularized by governments and companies manufacturing it. They give many claims for the system and people purchase it for what the companies and governments tell them about it. It is when the people invest, purchase, and start using it do they realize the pitfalls of it? Hence, let us quickly go through the advantages of these solar systems before detailing in-depth what their limitations are? I am elaborating on the limitations of the system because very few websites would tell you about it. In their eagerness that people buy their systems, the companies and also the government will not highlight the disadvantages of the system. And ultimately the end-users suffer. After going through the article, it is up to the buyer is he or she wants to get the product or prefer alternative modes of power!!!

SOLAR SYSTEM-THE BENEFITS

The sun is a powerful source of energy and to use it is a good thing. It is a renewable source of energy. There are no electricity bills, they say. Its applications are diverse-for heat production and also for electricity generation. The maintenance cost of the solar panels is less and technology in the field in developing fairly fast. Solar battery storage systems are available that can now collect and store the energy for later use! It is said to be free of greenhouse gases. That’s it.

Solar energy systems [Source: Pinterest]

THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

1.       When we talk of a household or family, solar systems incur an initial high cost because you need to pay for the solar panels, inverters, batteries, wiring and the installation. It is still a high cost and investment for many households, especially in Asia.

2.       The solar system efficiency to collect solar energy drops drastically during cloudy and rainy days. During winter, many cold countries have fogs and sun heat and energy for these solar panels is less. It so happens that the days you need the energy the most are actually the days that the energy is not available due to lack of the sun on those days. So for example, if you are in a cold foggy country and dependent on solar energy for heating the water then you will not get the hot water on those days of most need!!! This is presumably the worst scenario for any family and household. They will have to have added electricity connection and bills in the cold months. Then you have to consider thermodynamic panels and its added cost. The solar panels also do not work at nighttime when there is no sun.

3.       The storage of solar energy is expensive as off-the-grid batteries are needed for it. But these are expensive.

4.       The more solar energy you want to harness, the more solar panels you will require. This occupies a lot of space and for people with a small terrace, this could be a difficult situation.

5.       Contrary to claims, solar system transportation and installation does emit greenhouse gases. Also, during the manufacturing process of the solar photovoltaic systems, a number of other toxic materials and hazardous products are released into the environment.

Solar energy systems cause an initial high rise in greenhouse gases during the making [Source: Science World Report]

These are detrimental to humans. In 2008, a study was published in Environmental Science and Technology titled Emissions from Photovoltaic Life Cycles. It reveals that during the making of the photovoltaic system, raw materials have to be mined; these have to be treated and later assembled into the solar panels. In this process, there are air pollution and heavy metal emissions. The making also requires energy leading to more pollution and greenhouse gases emission. They are not a clean source of energy generation, as claims say. The situation as regards the emission of these toxic gases during the initial manufacturing of solar panels is same even to date.

6.       Most solar system salespeople give a life expectancy of these solar panels of 20-25 years. But this may not be true. There is no law to ensure that these claims on the life expectancy of the solar systems are met or not.

These are the ugly sides of a solar panel which no government or manufacturer would tell you about. Take special care if you live in non-sunny areas or have cold and sunless winters. Look at the pros and cons before you decide to spend on solar system for your home!!!

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