| There is no single "perfect" energy producing | | | | no moving parts (except for fans and pumps, for |
| technology. All of them have advantages and | | | | example) and can last a long time. |
| disadvantages, even solar power. Let's take a look at | | | | 8. Small systems require very little in the way of |
| both sides of the issue for solar power. | | | | "monitoring" for routine operation. |
| | | | 9. Given the right data, it is almost always possible to |
| Solar Energy Advantages: | | | | predict how much power a solar energy system will |
| 1. Solar energy is a renewable resource, for all practical | | | | produce. |
| purposes. | | | | 10. The systems are quiet and increasingly unobtrusive. |
| 2. Except for the processes involved in manufacturing | | | | |
| the materials, solar energy does not give off any | | | | Solar Power Disadvantages |
| harmful substances. | | | | 1. The initial costs for components can be high. |
| 3. Sun, unlike fossil fuels, does not exist only in specific | | | | 2. Rarely efficient enough, predictable enough, or |
| pockets of the earth: it is everywhere, although not in | | | | powerful enough to provide a substantial portion of a |
| evenly distributed concentrations. | | | | specific user's needs: needs efficient storage for |
| 4. Sunlight is free. | | | | "down" times. |
| 5. While far from perfect, the technology required to | | | | 3. Not every location is a feasible site for solar. |
| use solar radiation as energy to produce heat, light, | | | | 4. Solar "farms," like almost all large-scale building |
| mechanical power and electricity already exists. | | | | projects, are subject to the "NIMBY" syndrome ("Not in |
| 6. Small solar power systems are easily installed. | | | | MY backyard!"). |
| 7. The systems are very low maintenance: they have | | | | |