| Even though solar panels are quite simple, they | | | | happens even if you use Plexiglas shields for your |
| can still have problems from time to time. Here | | | | solar panels, since they can still get deteriorated |
| are some of the areas where they can have | | | | by hail, wind or lighting. When an area is prone to |
| problems. | | | | hurricanes, chances are that it’s not very |
| Out of all the ways that we can obtain renewable | | | | practical to use solar panels, as they get damaged |
| energy, a solar panel is our best bet for the | | | | if you leave them up during bad weather. |
| future. It’s easy and it’s clean at the | | | | One other problem you might have with panels is |
| same time, even though it’s not the perfect | | | | how efficient they are. Their efficiency ranges |
| method. Solar panels come with their own set of | | | | from 8 to just 15 percent, so you need more of |
| issues, both in the space/efficiency department | | | | them to produce all the energy you need. They |
| and in the materials/cost area. | | | | also have problems if they don’t get direct |
| It costs quite a bit to install a solar panel, usually | | | | sunlight, as it reduces their power output. Another |
| around $7 for each watt that your solar panel will | | | | factor that can cut down on the efficiency is if |
| provide. So, if you need 100 watts, it will cost you | | | | the house is at a good angle for the best amount |
| around $700 to install it. For a regular family, this | | | | of exposure, and they’re usually not. If you |
| cost will probably be too high. If you install them in | | | | get long periods with bad weather, the solar |
| a condo or an apartment complex, the cost | | | | panels become useless. |
| increases, so solar panels are not enough. | | | | You can compensate for the efficiency problems |
| You should also take into consideration the costs | | | | by using solar arrays, but they tend to take a lot |
| of the maintenance. The way to offset the | | | | of space to set up. The latest prototypes of solar |
| installation costs is by using government | | | | panels have efficiency of up to 40%, which should |
| incentives, like tax credits or rebates. | | | | prove revolutionary once they get to the average |
| Glass and semiconductors are the main materials | | | | consumer. You get a solar array by combining a |
| used for solar panels, and they are usually | | | | number of different solar panels together, and |
| considered fragile. You need to maintain them and | | | | creating a single big unit. |
| sometimes you also need to replace them. This | | | | |