Sunday, July 26, 2009

Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

By Jordan Iwase

Knowing the solar energy pros and cons is one of the most important things in deciding whether or not you should buy this source of power. The uses for solar energy are nearly endless, some of the most practical uses are: electricity, central heating, hot water and cooking

Solar energy comes from rays generated from the sun. Solar energy is extremely helpful for the environment. However, when the rays emitted from the sun enters earth's atmosphere, it dilutes quite a bit

We'll start with the cons. The biggest disadvantage of solar power is that it is dilute. This means you need several solar collectors installed around your home. Solar energy may be very cheap but the solar collectors are relatively expensive and require maintenance in order to work properly and efficiently.

Your house roof may not be at a good angle for collecting solar energy, which would make installation on your roof less effective or in some cases, not possible. This can pose a big problem for those wishing to convert to solar energy.

There are many benifits in using solar energy too Fuel costs are nowhere to be seen, since you use the sun's energy, you won't have to pay for costly fuels to keep your energy going This can shave off quite a hefty sum of money for your overall bill!

Solar energy is very clean. In order to produce heat or electricity to use with solar energy, you only need the sun's rays. You don't need to use harmful fossil fuels when using solar energy All you need for energy is a solar energy collector or solar power panels.

Fuel costs are nowhere to be seen, since you use the sun's energy, you won't have to pay for costly fuels to keep your energy going This can shave off quite a hefty sum of money for your overall bill!

Solar energy can be great for desalination of water, if you are in an area where fresh, drinkable water is scarce. Solar energy evaporates brine and leaves the salt crystals in the bottom of the basin. Water then condenses back into another basin, where it becomes drinkable.

About the Author:

No comments: