| Solar energy can be collected in two main ways - | | | | solar energy will become a viable alternative.It's |
| either by heating water (Solar Thermal) or by | | | | secure. We live in uncertain times and we are |
| converting light into electricity (Solar Photovoltaics). | | | | increasingly relying on our fossil fuel supplies |
| Here follows a brief run down of the main | | | | coming from areas abroad over which we have |
| advantages and disadvantages of solar energy as | | | | little or no control. |
| a green energy source encompassing both solar | | | | Disadvantages |
| thermal and solar photovoltaics. | | | | Continuity of supply. Those of you who live and |
| Advantages | | | | work here in the UK may have noticed that the |
| Solar energy is free. There is an initial capital cost | | | | sun doesn't shine for 8 hours a day every day. |
| but once you have made the investment the | | | | Fortunately the latest technology allows more of |
| energy harvested from the sun costs you | | | | the sun's energy to be captured even at relatively |
| nothing. No one will be sending you a bill for | | | | low levels. There is also the opportunity to create |
| sunshine. | | | | hybrid renewable energy systems that take |
| Solar energy is abundant. Even in mid winter we | | | | advantage of the synergy between solar and |
| are blessed with a moderate amount of natural | | | | wind energy. |
| daylight provided courtesy of the sun. Okay, it | | | | Cost. Even if solar power is a viable alternative to |
| might not be sunny everyday but we are still | | | | mains power, the initial capital cost may be |
| experiencing radiation from the sun and it is this | | | | prohibitive for many. There are some grants |
| which can be gleaned for our own renewable | | | | available, however, as yet these are not sufficient |
| energy purposes. | | | | to encourage widespread investment in the |
| It's clean. It is a clean alternative to fossil fuels | | | | technology. |
| and nuclear power and it will never run out.It's | | | | Visual impact. In some instances panels will be |
| silent. Solar power can be captured anywhere | | | | intrusive and may detract from the |
| without creating noise pollution that might | | | | attractiveness of buildings and landscapes. Most of |
| otherwise up set neighbours and wildlife. | | | | us can appreciate that it would not be suitable to |
| It works wherever the sun shines. It doesn't | | | | cover a building of particular historical, |
| matter how remote, solar can generate energy | | | | conservational or aesthetic value with a huge |
| where no other form of power can be obtained. | | | | array of solar panels. Visual impact becomes less |
| It's cost effective. Solar photovoltaics are still | | | | of an issue as the technology improves and the |
| relatively expensive, however, the technology is | | | | size and look of the panels improves. |
| growing rapidly, as is production and as a result | | | | Location is important. Correct location of solar |
| the costs involved are coming down. Solar hot | | | | panels is of the utmost importance and not every |
| water panels have been greatly improved in | | | | building can benefit from a solar array. Ideally, |
| recent years and, with lower cost, payback times | | | | panels need to be facing south and shouldn't be |
| for domestic systems can no be as short as five | | | | subject to any shading. |
| years. As coal, gas and oil prices continue to rise | | | | |