| Solar panels are unique among energy platforms in | | | | Another issue with solar panels is efficiency. Each one |
| that they are fairly simple. Still, you can have issues | | | | is only 8 to 15 percent efficient. Therefore, single solar |
| with them, so let's point out common problem areas. | | | | panels do not produce enough power in and of |
| Solar energy is the most promising source of | | | | themselves. They also do not work well enough if the |
| renewable and sustainable energy on the horizon. It is | | | | sunlight is even partially obstructed. Houses are rarely |
| both clean and easy. But it is not perfect. Many of the | | | | at the ideal angle for maximum exposure, which |
| articles and advertisements you see that tout solar | | | | further cuts efficiency. Trees and other houses can |
| energy leave out the potential problems. The problems | | | | create unwanted shade. Long stretches of bad |
| with solar panels can be categorized into issues with | | | | weather can render the solar panels nearly useless. |
| materials/cost and issues with efficiency/space. | | | | These efficiency issues have been addressed by |
| Solar panels are expensive to install, about $7 per watt | | | | creating solar arrays. But solar arrays are part of the |
| of needed output or $700 per 100 watts. If you | | | | space problem because they take...well, a lot of space. |
| consider that most single-family homes use several | | | | There have been recent breakthroughs in solar |
| thousands watts per day, then the cost is clearly high. | | | | technology that bounce their efficiency rating up to 40 |
| For apartment and condo complexes, the amount of | | | | percent. Once on the market, solar will become a |
| wattage used increases exponentially, and the use of | | | | power player in the energy market. |
| solar panels would probably not be sufficient. | | | | A solar array is the linking of many panels to creating |
| Maintenance costs must also be factored in as a | | | | a bigger unit. This obviously takes up more space. As |
| potential problem when considering solar energy. All | | | | mentioned above, large buildings would not have |
| this being said, installation costs can be serious offset | | | | enough room to place the amount of solar panels |
| with government incentives including rebates and | | | | needed to generate their electricity. Power companies |
| massive tax credits. | | | | could overcome this by creating their own solar power |
| Solar panels are made from fragile materials - | | | | generators. But to generate enough energy to meet |
| semiconductors and glass. They must be maintained | | | | the United State's electrical needs, solar panel farms |
| and occasionally elements must be replaced. Even | | | | would be needed and these would take up about the |
| with Plexiglas shields, the panels are subject to severe | | | | space of New Mexico's desert. So, while it is unlikely |
| weather conditions and can be damaged by winds, hail, | | | | that solar power will ever be the sole source of our |
| lightning or other inclement conditions. Solar panels are | | | | power due to the obvious constraints, it is likely that |
| not practical in areas prone to hurricanes, which means | | | | we will move more towards a mixed-use system |
| you need to take them down if hurricane warnings are | | | | where the traditional electrical grid is supplemented by |
| issued. Flying solar panels are not good for one's | | | | solar power and both systems compensate for the |
| health! | | | | problems of the other. |