Using solar power allows to generate clean and sustainable electricity without releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Overall, solar power has more benefits than harms but solar power is not perfect and there are certain challenges associated with it too. Here you can find out more about what they are.
The way solar power works is that solar electricity panels, which are also known as photovoltaics, catch energy from the sun and convert it into electricity that can be used by energy consumers.
It is worth noting that it does not have to be sunny for solar panels to be effective.
Positive effects of solar power
The main advantage of solar energy is that it is a renewable energy source that the world cannot run out of. This makes solar power very sustainable. And, the process of generating electricity using solar power is clean and does not use any pollutants. In fact, solar power reduces carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.
What is great about solar panels is the fact that they last for about 30 years and they come with fairly low maintenance costs. And, solar panels can be placed almost anywhere, including in areas where humans find it difficult to live.
‘Solar energy technologies and power plants do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases when operating. Using solar energy can have a positive, indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects on the environment,’ says the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
For those who choose to have solar panels installed, it can be an opportunity to reduce their electricity bill. How much people can save depends on the size of their solar system as well as on their energy usage. However, using solar panels reduces people’s vulnerability to changes to global energy prices. So, those who generate their own energy using solar power can have more security and are protected from sudden increases to wholesale energy prices.
Negative effects of solar power
One of the main concerns associated with using solar facilities is land degradation and habitat loss. Land area needed varies depending on the technology used but typically solar projects cannot share land with agricultural uses like it is the case with wind facilities. And, animals such as insects, birds, and bats might find it difficult to exist in the same place once large-scale solar facilities are installed.
‘As with any type of power plant, large solar power plants can affect the environment at or near their locations. Clearing land for construction and the placement of the power plant may have long-term effects on the habitats of native plants and animals,’ explains EIA.
This negative effect of solar power can be mitigated by placing more emphasis on developing technologies and methodologies allowing better monitoring of how large-scale solar facilities affect wildlife and ecosystems.
Another downside of solar power is the problem of recycling of solar panels. For the time being this might not be a major issue but this problem should not be overlooked as solar panels that are currently in use will need to be replaced in the next few decades.
On top of that, solar energy storage is expensive. Solar energy has to be used right away or stored in large batteries that can be charged during the day and used at night. These batteries enabling solar energy storage are very expensive, however. Such batteries ‘can cost anywhere from £1,800 to over £9,000 for an average home,’ according to the Federation of Master Builders.
This is why in most cases users use solar energy during the day and rely on energy from the grid at night.
As for pollution, solar power might not be releasing greenhouse gases but they can still be released into the atmosphere during the transportation and installation of solar systems. There are also some hazardous materials and products used during the manufacturing process and they can have a negative impact on the environment.
Is it worth getting solar panels?
The Federation of Master Builders reports that ‘a typical home will require a 4kW system and should produce around 3,500kWh (kilowatt hours). Assuming a kWh is 34p per unit, the 3,500kWh generated is worth £1,190. Therefore an installation costing £7,000 will pay for itself in around six years. This could drop even further if wholesale energy prices continue to rise.’
The Federation of Master Builders also adds that ‘it is estimated that the average household could save nearly £1,000 a year on their energy bills by producing their own electricity through solar panels.’
So, if you are wondering whether it is worth investing in solar panels, the answer is yes but you need to be patient to complete the pay-back period.
By getting solar panels you can reduce your impact on the environment, lower your energy bills, and protect yourself from increasing wholesale energy prices.
Solar power in the UK
More and more domestic and business energy consumers in the UK recognise the effectiveness of solar power. According to Green Match, ‘more than 4,000 solar panels are installed in the UK each month.’
And, the government aims to facilitate installation of solar panels through the ECO4 Scheme which offers grants to help homes fund energy-efficient upgrades and reduce their emissions. The final stage of the scheme is due to continue until 31st March 2026.
If you want to apply for ECO4, you need to contact one of the energy suppliers that are offering it. They will then ask you a few questions about your income and about the energy efficiency rating of your property. After that, they will arrange a date to visit your home and determine whether it qualifies for the grant.
Keep in mind that solar photovoltaics (PV) can be installed in all electrically heated homes through the ECO4 scheme only if a biomass machine or District Heat Network has been ruled out.