Science Common Sense

901 - What are some challenges and limitations of solar energy technology?

Some challenges and limitations of solar energy technology include:

1. Dependence on Weather: Solar energy works best on sunny days. It doesn't work well on cloudy or rainy days.
2. High Cost: Solar panels can be expensive to buy and install, especially for large systems.
3. Space Requirements: Solar panels require a lot of space to generate enough energy.
4. Energy Storage: Solar energy can't be stored easily, so excess energy produced during the day might go to waste if not used immediately.
5. Intermittent Power: Solar energy is not always available, so we need backup systems for nighttime or when the sun isn't shining.
6. Inefficiency: Solar panels convert about 15-20% of sunlight into electricity, which isn't very efficient.

These challenges are being worked on by scientists and engineers to make solar energy more efficient and affordable.