NEW! SOLAR POWER CALCULATORWhy is solar energy a renewable resource and also some advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy?
November 21st, 2008
Can you please explain to me some disadvantages and advantages of using solar energy? I also was wondering why it is called a renewable resource. Can you also tell me how much solar energy is left and how long it will last? Thank you so much.
Your easiest question first. The Sun will continue to shine for another 2-4 billion years. So no need to worry how long it will last.
Solar energy depends on lots of sunshine, one disadvantage is that on any day where there is no sunshine your solar panels will not generate any electricity. Such days are when it is: cloudy, overcast, rainy, foggy, and snowy. Another challenge is converting solar energy from DC to AC that you can use in your home. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) and this has to be converted to AC current to make it useful in running things in your house. Another challenge is in the storage of electricity. In order to store energy, batteries are required, so the DC current from the solar panels can charge the batteries, and then the DC current must be converted to AC.
The good news is, solar energy is clean, not pollution except for the manufacture of the panels and of the batteries.
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November 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 am
Solar energy is renewable because it is an abundant source of energy, it will be there as long as the sun is.
Advantages-saves other resources/clean/eco-friendly/cheap
Disadvantages-not as powerful/must be a clear sunny day/cannot gain solar energy at night
November 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 am
Search Wikipedia for solar power.
1) The advantages are numerous. It is nonrenewable technically. However, the energy itself extends from that endless pool of warmth we call the sun. So, we'll never run out of solar energy… at least until our sun dies out. That'll be in a few billion years.
2) Solar energy is gathered and collected by solar panels. You may see them on top of some houses, some gass stations, or on top of emergency phone boxes in some rural areas.