Solar Energy: Advantages and Challenges

What is Solar Energy?

Sunlight is a renewable source of energy which can be converted into usable energy by solar panels. There are two main types of solar energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels which directly convert solar energy into a usable form of energy using a PV cell containing a semiconductor material. CSP (concentrating solar power) on the other hand, concentrates energy from sunlight to a heat receiver which transforms energy from heat into mechanical energy, and in turn, solar thermal electricity.

Advantages of Solar Energy

• Because solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases, there will be no negative environmental impact. It is a pollution-free and non-polluting source of energy.

• Solar energy is a renewable source of energy. As a result, there will be no trouble using it all up without leaving any for future generations.

• Expanding the solar energy business will result in a large number of green jobs.

• Solar energy will benefit the economy in the long run because there will be no need to import fossil fuels like coal for energy.

• There is no need to buy any resources because sunlight is free.

• Solar energy requires money to install, but the energy generated is the cheapest electricity. So, many more people can have access to affordable electricity.

• Even in disaster-hit places, off-grid solar systems provide power. Off-grid means buildings designed to be self-sufficient without depending on public electricity and water lines.

• The production of electricity from fossil fuels requires a large amount of water. Solar energy production does not require the use of water. As a result, it saves water. Therefore, this makes solar energy more reliable. Even if there is a drought, power generation will not be affected.

Challenges in using solar energy 

• Solar power generation on a huge scale requires a large area of land.

• Solar cells currently only use a small portion of sunlight. Increasing the efficiency of solar cells is a big challenge. Moreover, as efficiency improves, the amount of land required decreases.

• Solar energy production facilities need a huge investment to set up.

• Not every part of the earth gets enough sunlight to totally rely on it.

• Storage is required to ensure power supply during the night when there is no sunlight.

• The clean energy industry is facing a skilled labour shortage. Another challenge is to train a large number of people in the required skill set to keep up with the increasing solar industry.

• Toxic chemicals such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are used in the production of solar cells. Developing efficient solar cells using less toxic chemicals is a big challenge.

Conclusion

The use of solar energy will result in energy transformation from fossil fuels to clean and sustainable energy. It also helps in the fight against global warming. Government should provide subsidies and widespread awareness to encourage roof-top solar grids and solar farms, so that everyone will have access to affordable and clean energy.