There is no single “perfect” energy production technology. All of them have advantages and disadvantages, even solar energy. Let’s take a look at both sides of the solar energy question.

Advantages of solar energy:

1. Solar energy is a renewable resource, for all practical purposes.

2. Except for the processes involved in manufacturing the materials, solar energy does not emit any harmful substances.

3. The sun, unlike fossil fuels, does not exist only in specific areas of the earth: it is everywhere, although not in evenly distributed concentrations.

4. Sunlight is free.

5. Although far from perfect, the technology already exists to use solar radiation as energy to produce heat, light, mechanical power and electricity.

6. Small solar power systems are easily installed.

7. The systems are very low maintenance: they have no moving parts (except fans and pumps, for example) and can last a long time.

8. Small systems require very little in the way of “monitoring” for routine operation.

9. With the right data, it is almost always possible to predict how much power a solar power system will produce.

10. Systems are silent and increasingly discreet.

Disadvantages of solar energy

1. Initial component costs can be high.

2. Rarely efficient enough, predictable enough, or powerful enough to meet a substantial portion of a specific user’s needs: You need efficient storage for “down” times.

3. Not all places are feasible sites for solar energy.

4. Solar “farms”, like almost all large-scale construction projects, are subject to “NIMBY” syndrome (“Not in MY backyard!”).