ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY:
Solar energy makes use of a renewable natural resource that
is readily available.
Solar power used by itself creates no carbon dioxide or
other toxic emissions.
Use of solar thermal power to heat water or generate
electricity will help reduce the Territory’s complete dependence on fossil
fuels.
Solar water heaters are an established technology, readily
available on the commercial market, and simple enough to build, install and
maintain by yourself.
The production of electricity by the photovoltaic process is
quiet and produces no toxic fumes.
PV cells generate direct-current electricity that can be
stored in batteries and used in a wide range of voltages depending on the
configuration of the battery bank.
Although most electric appliances operate on alternating
current, an increasing number of appliances using direct current are now
available. Where these are not
practical, PV-generated direct current can be changed into alternating current
by use of devices called inverters.
DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY:
Solar thermal systems
are not cost-effective in areas that have long periods of cloudy weather or
short daylight hours.
The arrays of collecting devices for large systems cover
extensive land areas.
Solar thermal systems only work with sunshine and do not
operate at night or in inclement weather.
Storage of hot water for domestic or commercial use is simple, using
insulated tanks, but storage of fluids at the higher temperatures needed for
electrical generation, or storage of electricity itself, needs further
technical development.
Photovoltaic produced electricity is presently more
expensive than power supplied by utilities.
Batteries need periodic maintenance and replacement.
High voltage direct-current electricity can pose safety
hazards to inadequately trained home operators or utility personnel.