Expectations vs Reality
Home Solar Installation is often touted as a key solution to our energy problems and a way to reduce our monthly electricity bills. With any new technology, reality can often fall short of expectations. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the solar energy expectations vs reality to have a clear picture of this renewable energy source.
Unlimited Energy Potential
One of the most common expectations of solar energy is that it provides unlimited energy potential. While it’s true that the sun doesn’t possess any limit on the consumption of its energy, the reality is the opposite. According to stats, most residential solar energy systems can only capture a small fraction of this energy of about 75-100 watts of electricity.
Moreover, the efficiency of solar panels depends on several factors, the angle and orientation of the panels, the weather conditions, and the system’s location. The larger the surface area, the more space to install solar energy panels, resulting in increased energy.
The Reality of Energy Storage
A lot of people expect solar energy to be an excellent option for energy storage. Compared to other energy sources, solar energy can both generate and allow you to save only a sufficient amount of power for later use.
Since storage systems are expensive to install and maintain, generating and storing more than a limited amount is never a good choice. In short, solar energy storage systems are not much efficient as a significant amount of energy is already lost during storage and retrieval.
The Limitations of Solar Energy
While solar energy has numerous benefits, it also has several limitations that can impact the overall potential. First, solar energy is weather dependent and may not be able to help during extreme weather conditions. This can make it difficult for businesses and households to rely solely on solar energy, especially during periods of high energy demand, such as heat waves, intense cold fever, and extreme temperatures.
The Potential of Solar Energy
Solar energy is expected to have unlimited potential as a clean and renewable energy source. While solar energy certainly has potential, the limited efficiency can cause a conflict between the two. In simple words, solar panels can only convert a fraction of the sun’s energy into electricity, with the help of a large number of panels to generate power. As a result, it can lead to high costs and a limited ability to generate electricity in different scenarios.
Cost-Effective
Another expectation of solar energy is that it will be cost-effective. Although solar energy can be a cheaper alternative to monthly electricity bills, the initial investment is relatively high when compared to other energy sources.
As technology advances and spreads across borders, the cost of solar panels will decrease, making it an affordable option for homeowners and businesses to invest in a reliable energy source.
Limited Access
Another reality of solar energy is that it is not yet widely accessible because of limited awareness. Many still lack the infrastructure to take advantage of this renewable energy source. However, the best way to fill this gap is by spreading awareness to create interest
about the benefits of solar energy.
Future Advances in Solar Energy
Scientists are working to increase the efficiency of solar panels, allowing them to convert more of the sun’s energy into electricity. This will help make solar energy a viable option to meet increasing energy demands and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Solar energy has immense potential to be a clean and renewable solution to our energy problems, but reality tells another story. While the technology is advancing, it still faces limitations in its efficiency and accessibility that are expected to be solved in a few years.
