While there are many benefits to solar energy, there are also some drawbacks. Read on to learn about the costs, land requirements, and environmental impact. There are also myths around solar energy. You can make an informed decision if you have the right information. Additionally, solar energy is becoming less expensive.
Cost
The cost for solar energy is falling and some regions are already at "grid parity". The average going electric rates for solar energy are lower in areas like Hawaii. This is because there is a lot of sunshine. This is a significant breakthrough for solar power. It could be a real game-changer in terms of reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector.
In the US, solar farms are consistently cheaper than building new power plants. Actually, current utility-scale solar projects across the United States, China, India, and Japan cost on average 35 to 55c per megawatt, which is down from around $300 per megawatt an decade ago.
Requirements for land
A key consideration when considering solar energy is the availability of land. The 20 megawatt or greater utility-scale solar power plant requires large areas for solar radiation collecting. They may also cause conflicts with existing land use, such as mining or farming. Some of these facilities could even affect areas designated for their use. Proper siting decisions can help avoid such conflicts.
There is not much research currently on the land requirements for solar installation. Although models and official statistics assume that solar panels require very little land, new research is beginning to address the issue. These studies are part a EU-funded project called LOCOMOTION that aims to develop policies for solar energy. These models are based on data from a number of sources and may provide an indication of land requirements for solar energy.
Pollution
Solar energy is not dependent on fossil fuels, unlike conventional power. This makes solar energy a sustainable source because it doesn't deplete the natural resources and doesn't harm the planet. Furthermore, solar energy is not dependent on electricity and reduces the need to purchase conventional power. This reduces the risk of global warming.
However, solar power is not without its problems. The installation of solar panels can lead to pollution. This is caused by the mining, manufacturing, and transportation of raw materials. It also results in the creation of solar panel. Additionally, fossil fuels emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Solar energy systems result in minimal air pollution. Although solar energy facilities are not directly water-using, they could have an indirect effect on groundwater pollution.
Environmental impact
Numerous environmental risks are involved in solar energy projects. Constructing large-scale, solar power plants can increase noise and air pollution. Additionally, diversion of water resources for cooling solar panels can affect local wildlife. Toxic chemicals that are used to make solar panels may have an adverse effect on the local water supply and land. Some of these chemicals could have long-term adverse effects on wildlife.
Water is a finite natural resource. But, traditional power generation systems and transmission can make use of significant amounts. Water is needed to cool generators or refine fuel. Solar energy requires very little water to produce electricity, thus reducing its impact on water resources. To prevent water pollution, residential solar panels only need to be washed periodically.