PV Gap

Everett Said:

What are ALL the pros and cons for solar power?

We Answered:

Pros:

Its renewable
Environmentally friendly
No noise pollution



Cons:

It isn't very efficient
Its expensive
Only works in daylight hours

Willie Said:

Pros of Solar Power? Cons?

We Answered:

Pros:Better for the environment and you can really STICK IT to the greedy electric companies.

Cons:You have to be rich to afford it.

Jordan Said:

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

We Answered:

Solar Pros
carbon free energy creation
can be cheaper than utility power cost over a 30 year lifespan
feed in tariffs can earn an income from solar
solar thermal with salt pond storage can provide 24/7 solar power
once set up solar is cheaper than coal or gas to run as there are no fuel consumables to purchase, dig, pipe or transport.
grid inverter saves the expense of batteries
concentrated solar power can reduce the percentage cost for solar materials which can help with local manufacturing
solar trackers can improve the solar return

Solar Cons
large capital costs to set up solar power
solar return is dependant on location
solar panels need to be kept clean
the ideal aspect and pitch of solar panels is not always available

Kathy Said:

what are the pros and cons of solar power farms?

We Answered:

Pros: Silent, can be put anywhere (eg roofs), produce less pollution, saves fuel, can be moved around, modular (can build any size you need) and cheaper than normal power if you're far away from a grid connection (building a grid connection to your house costs a lot).

Cons: currently expensive, unreliable output. Some current production methods aren't that environmentally friendly.

All of the cons are fixable: eg the price is going to come down a lot. However, to solve the unreliable output thing you have to spend more on batteries etc (so you can save excess power and use it later) so it'll probably take decades before solar is a major player.

Karl Said:

What are the pros and cons of using solar power?

We Answered:

Advantages of solar power as an electrical power source:

1. Non polluting: no noise, no harmful or unpleasant emissions or smells.
2. Very reliable: Kyocera modules have a 25 year warranty and a considerably longer life expectancy. The theoretical lifespan of solar modules is 100 to 125 years. The first modules ever manufactured are still producing power after 50 years of service.
3. No hassle: there is no need to supply any fuel, lubrication or maintenance other than making sure that the glass surface remains reasonably clean. This can easily be achieved by occasionally hosing down the solar array.
4. Solar modules over their lifetime produce more power per gram of material than nuclear power but without the problem of large volumes of environmentally hazardous material.
5. Solar modules produce more power within five years than the power consumed in their production.
6. Photovoltaic Solar modules are a renewable energy source, a resource that cannot be used up by its use. The sun will not cease to shine due to our harnessing sunshine as an energy source.

-The disadvantage of solar power is the capital cost, which is offset by very low running costs and is further dramatically reduced by any government subsidies that you may be eligible for.