Energy from the Sun has two things going for it as a usable energy resource. It is renewable - it will never stop supplying energy (and if it does then powering a television will be the least of your worries). And it is sustainable - no matter if we use it or not, it will never be depleted as an energy source. So doesn’t it make sense to take advantage of solar power given the environmental problems fossil fuels cause and the constant rise in these energy resources ? It does and will do in the future but there are a few disadvantages the solar power that this article will cover.

The biggest impediment to installing a solar system is the up front cost. It’s true that solar panels and many other systems have become cheaper but the cost can still mount up.

Depending on the type of system you are planning to install or how reliant you are planning to become on solar energy, your system may cost anything from $5000 to $50000. Many countries and states have tax rebates for installing solar systems however this can only be claimed after the system has been installed (and paid for). For many people, finding this up front cost is out of their reach.

The second most often cited disadvantage of solar power is that it is climate dependent. If you don’t get the right climate or day to day weather conditions that make solar power feasible then it won’t be an effective solution for your energy needs.

Another potential disadvantage of solar power generation is the timing. Solar power generation is at it’s most effective at midday. This is normally when the average household has the least need for energy. However, when the average household does need energy, at night or early in the morning, solar power generation is not possible or less effective.

The solution to this is to store the energy the Sun creates to be used later. This can be done by sending it to your utility company. This is known as a grid tie system. When there is a net metering arrangement between you and the utility company, this can be a good way to store energy but also save on your bills. The other way is to store the energy in batteries on the property. This is more complicated to set up and maintain.

Solar panels and solar water tanks can be large and not really aesthetically designed. this may detract from the style or design of your home. For anyone that has a concrete vision of how the house should look a compromise may be in order if they decide to use solar power too.

Large solar panels or a bank of batteries may cause concerns with your neighbors. They may be concerned that a large panel will block out their view. Or they may be concerned about having hazardous chemicals close to their property. Letting them know what you are doing beforehand and the safety of the system can generally diffuse any potential problems.

A final disadvantage is that you will have to do a bit more work with a solar power system than if you used the grid. There will be initial work installing the system and then regular maintenance. The maintenance is not that much but it will be there. This may motivate and inspire or it may be a chore and demoralize.