Solar Energy
Every day there is a lot of information about obtaining electrical energy from alternative sources. We can say that solar energy is considered as the main one. But, as we all know, everything has its advantages and disadvantages, its pros and cons.
The sun is an inexhaustible source of light, ultraviolet and thermal radiation. Solar energy is considered one of the most promising. Environmental friendliness is the main reason for the popularity of solar energy. Scientists are constantly improving the equipment used, creating new types of generators.
Today, more and more people are installing solar panels. There is a saving in energy costs and a reduction in harmful emissions. However, no less number of people are concerned about the harm of solar panels. How safe they are for users and the environment – read below.
The use of solar energy has become almost a common theme for people who want to keep up with the times. But not many understand why it is so profitable, because they do not even know the main advantages of solar energy. Of course, there are also disadvantages, but they are so insignificant that there are simply no questions whether it is worth using the sun’s rays as an alternative energy source.
Flaws
The use of solar panels is in principle safe for the environment and human health. Nuance in the manufacture and disposal. If you follow the rules, the risks will be minimal.
What are the disadvantages of solar panels? They consist of cadmium, lead, copper, gallium, synthetic metals, aluminum as a base, and the like. Of course, this must be properly disposed of so as not to harm the environment. After the end of operation, one panel serves 25-30 years. After that, you need to remove with it materials that can be recycled: for example, aluminum, copper, metal foil, switchboards.
There are two processing methods:
thin – when almost all elements are taken out;
draft – when only basic materials are taken.
Some manufacturers are willing to recycle batteries for free. And some panels can still work for a long time even after the end of their service life.
Other Details to Consider
Solar panels hit the pocket. However, you should not worry, with proper operation, payback is achieved in 4-6 years. The performance of solar panels is from 5 to 25%. To install solar panels, you need a lot of space and take into account the needs of tilt, azimuth and the like. The performance of autonomous power plants depends on the weather and time of day.
Are solar panels dangerous to humans? It can be concluded that it is not. Solar energy is becoming more and more popular in domestic and industrial use. For example, today it takes only 1% of the energy used in the world. However, by 2050 it will be able to provide 20-25% of the market. Consequently, their quality and productivity will increase, and the harm from solar panels will decrease.
Advantages
All people have access to solar energy. It is inexhaustible and has a lot of positive qualities. Despite the possible harm from solar panels, the use of alternative energy is no less evil from everything that we do with the planet. Thanks to solar panels, you can organize an autonomous power supply and not depend on anyone.
- Solar energy is free and inexhaustible for at least another 5 billion years.
- Solar panels are environmentally friendly during operation.
- Resistant to various damage.
- Durable, with the possibility of replacing individual elements. Panels can be recycled after use.
Unfortunately, electricity is not something cheap. This is one of the biggest payments for a modern person. Why is this? The production of electricity requires both a huge amount of labor and insanely expensive and modern equipment, which not only has a high price, but is also serviced at the highest level. Yes, a huge number of thermal, nuclear, hydroelectric power plants can provide humanity with the necessary amount of energy, but they still carry a risk for society. Remember the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant that claimed the lives of more than a dozen people? Hydroelectric power plants in general are constantly under special control, as they require the presence of dams or dams, and water, as you know, is merciless to everything.
The main advantage of solar energy over classical types of electricity generation is safety. Is there anything more important than the family and its safety, and also the confidence that your family will wake up calmly in the morning, drink a cup of coffee and go about their business? All that can happen to an alternative energy source is that it stops working, this is the only drawback of solar energy. This is where the “catastrophes” end, minimal repairs are made, the damaged device is taken out for repair, disposed of or immediately replaced with a new one, and you continue to live normally. Convenience! What could be better?
Many will be glad to know that the cost of buying, installing and maintaining alternative energy sources powered by solar energy is getting lower and lower. It becomes a daily routine. More and more people are beginning to treat this not as a novelty, but as a given. But remember, once electricity in the house was a rarity, but what now? Now a person who has learned to be an electrician is not the most prestigious profession.
Every day there are more and more projects related to the study of the Sun. Many countries take part in the study of this type of energy. What happens in the sun? This information is obtained with the help of equipment installed on artificial Earth satellites and space rockets, on mountain peaks and in the depths of the oceans.
So in the end what brings solar energy, harm or benefit? For the environment, solar energy in no way harms, unless, of course, everything is done correctly. Production, disposal and recycling are complex processes that must be done wisely. Solar energy systems are not yet fully adapted. We live in a world of digital technologies that are improving every day. Therefore, all the problems associated with this energy source should be solved soon.
We hope the article was useful to you!