Disadvantages:
1. Solar energy can only be harnessed when it is daytime and sunny.2. Solar collectors, panels and cells are relatively expensive to manufacture although prices are falling rapidly.
3. Solar power stations can be built but they do not match the power output of similar sized conventional power stations. They are also very expensive.
4. In countries such as the UK, the unreliable climate means that solar energy is also unreliable as a source of energy. Cloudy skies reduce its effectiveness.
5. Large areas of land are required to capture the suns energy. Collectors are usually arranged together especially when electricity is to be produced and used in the same location.
6. Solar power is used to charge batteries so that solar powered devices can be used at night. However, the batteries are large and heavy and need storage space. They also need replacing from time to time.
7. Solar panels can be expensive to install resulting in a time-lag of many years for savings on energy bills to match initial investments.
8. Electricity generation depends entirely on a countries exposure to sunlight; this could be limited by a countries climate.
9. Solar power stations do not match the power output of similar sized conventional power stations; they can also be very expensive to build.
10. Solar power is used to charge batteries so that solar powered devices can be used at night. The batteries can often be large and heavy, taking up space and needing to be replaced from time to time.
EmoticonEmoticon