5 Ways to Live a More Sustainable Life in 2024 - Earth.Org
1. Go Plant-Based. Going plant-based is better for your wallet, the environment, and your health. These diets can help treat chronic conditions ...
have low maintenance costs
If you want to upgrade your home even more, consider adding something more permanent, like solar panels. Solar panels <anchor>have low maintenance costs</anchor>, so once you get past the installation price, they should pay for themselves in no time. Make it a financial goal and you’ll see it pay off for you in the future.
Why Aren't Solar Panels Everywhere? - Institute on the EnvironmentInstitute on the Environment Why Aren't Solar Panels Everywhere? - Institute on the Environment
Why Aren't Solar Panels Everywhere? - Institute on the EnvironmentInstitute on the Environment Why Aren't Solar Panels Everywhere? - Institute on the Environment

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[Home](https://environment.umn.edu/)[Education](https://environment.umn.edu/category/education/)[Sustainability Education](https://environment.umn.edu/category/education/susteducation/)[GCC 3011/5011: Pathways to Renewable Energy](https://environment.umn.edu/category/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/)Why Aren’t Solar Panels Everywhere?

# Why Aren’t Solar Panels Everywhere?

[![](https://environment.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/alrawasmarwan_83477_12613114_photovoltaic-system-2742302_1920-868x556.jpg)](https://environment.umn.edu/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/why-arent-solar-panels-everywhere/)

- BY [Lilli Ambort](https://environment.umn.edu/author/ambor025/ "Posts by Lilli Ambort")
- IN [GCC 3011/5011: Pathways to Renewable Energy](https://environment.umn.edu/category/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/)

- October 16, 2020
- [3 comments](https://environment.umn.edu/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/why-arent-solar-panels-everywhere/#comments "3 comments")
- [24](javascript:;)

By: Marwan Alrawas

Over the last few years, the world has been shifting its focus to renewable energy in an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change. Major components of the renewable energy transition have been solar panels and solar farms. The utility and resourcefulness of these solar panels have been much talked about; and the panels have been portrayed as the gateway out of conventional energy. For this much talk about their benefits, it is important to discuss why they are not as common as they should be.

Solar panels, which are sometimes referred to as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are panels that consist of solar cells that are used to collect and convert sunlight into electricity for power generation. These solar cells are made up of silicon semiconductors consisting of a negative layer and a positive layer opposite to each other. These layers create an electric field and generate direct current (DC) electricity. In domestic applications, solar panels can achieve around 20% solar efficiency, meaning that it can convert 20% of the sunlight it collects into usable electricity.

Solar panels have numerous advantages along with some disadvantages. The biggest advantage of solar panels is the fact that they are clean and carbon free; they do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Another major advantage of solar energy is that it is renewable; this form of energy is sustainable and, quite literally, endless. Other advantages of solar panels include, but are not limited to, their diverse application and their low maintenance costs. The installation of solar panels is also creating new jobs in the renewable energy sector. On the other hand, one of the disadvantages of solar panels is that solar panels are weather dependent. However, most panels come equipped with batteries that store electricity for later use. Another drawback for solar panels is that, due to their low efficiency, they require large areas for installation; however, with advancing technology in this field, solar efficiency is expected to increase in the coming years.

[![Image](https://i0.wp.com/environment.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/alrawasmarwan_83477_12613112_photovoltaic-2138992_1920.jpg?w=960&ssl=1)](https://environment.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/alrawasmarwan_83477_12613112_photovoltaic-2138992_1920.jpg)

A number of factors have been holding back solar panels from becoming a leading source of energy in world. The first being the cost; the initial capital cost required for installation is very high relative to other energy sources. There is a positive return on investment (ROI) in the future; however, it is slow and can take up to a few years. This eliminates demographics, such as low-income households, from being solar panel owners. It also makes it an unattractive business prospect to build large solar farms or even produce solar panels. Recently, a project to build a solar farm that would supply 15% of Europe’s power failed because the cost of power transmission did not drop as quickly as the price of solar panels. Currently, producing electricity from solar panels is 2 to 3 times more expensive than from hydro, coal, or nuclear energy sources. However, things are looking up as the price of solar panels has decreased almost 65% in the last decade. A second factor is the overall grid infrastructure. The available power grid infrastructure was built to work with consistent power generation levels and these grids may not be able to cope with the inconsistency of solar energy. Another factor that reduces the competitiveness of solar energy is how often electricity is produced; also known as its capacity factor. Generally, a solar farm runs at 15% capacity. For reference, a coal plant can operate at up to 80 % capacity.

There are a number of solutions that can allow the solar energy sector to thrive and still be part of the conversation decades down the line. Large, efficient batteries can be used to store the excess power through the night and on cloudy/rainy days. These batteries are relatively expensive, but there has been a downward trend in its price over the years. Another solution involves merging other forms of renewable energy (i.e. wind or hydro) with solar energy to provide consistent power generation that satisfies the requirements of existing power grids. It is important to continue searching for solutions that accelerate the growth of the renewable energy sector. Addressing the challenges that stand in the way of the progress of solar energy and, in general renewable energy, is the first step to realizing their huge potential.

_Edited for spelling, grammar, and clarity._

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### [Lilli Ambort](https://environment.umn.edu/author/ambor025/ "Posts by Lilli Ambort")

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[Power Rangers](https://environment.umn.edu/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/power-rangers/)

[The Self-Healing Grid](https://environment.umn.edu/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/the-self-healing-grid/)

## 3 thoughts on “Why Aren’t Solar Panels Everywhere?”

1. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9788700d44141e71ff435e40fad293f8?s=68&d=mm&r=g)[Mason Taylor](https://www.soblime.com/) on [September 16, 2021 at 4:04 am](https://environment.umn.edu/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/why-arent-solar-panels-everywhere/#comment-25688) said:





Thanks for sharing this information!!

[https://www.soblime.com/](https://www.soblime.com/)





[Reply ↓](#comment-25688)

2. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da41af19c8ad7fa6e8e1931a73ceb952?s=68&d=mm&r=g)[Drump Lee](https://datsolar.com/) on [October 4, 2021 at 10:31 pm](https://environment.umn.edu/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/why-arent-solar-panels-everywhere/#comment-25948) said:





thanks to author. this post is really helpful





[Reply ↓](#comment-25948)

3. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/143f9aaf7a17d9802c16513fb8da794f?s=68&d=mm&r=g)[David Campbell](https://unrivaledsolar.com/solar-panel-supplier-houston-tx/) on [November 11, 2021 at 5:13 am](https://environment.umn.edu/education/susteducation/pathways-to-renewable-energy/why-arent-solar-panels-everywhere/#comment-26308) said:





ow!! Amazing blog. you are really a great writer. your solar panel procedure is really great. Solar panel installation is important for saving money and the environment. Solar energy systems are becoming more popular due to the advancement of technology. The process involves converting solar energy into electricity for use in homes and businesses. Solar panels are made by solar energy equipment suppliers. There are many types of equipment suppliers, some of them being solar panel holders, roof mounts, brackets, and silicon molds. Before shopping for a solar energy system it is important to be aware of your needs as this will help you find the right supplier.





[Reply ↓](#comment-26308)


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