Solar energy is an excellent alternative to electricity produced from fossil fuels, but challenges are still associated with its widespread use. For example, developers must address the varying intensity of sunlight. The amount of solar energy received varies wildly depending on the time of day and region. For example, Sharjah gets over five-kilowatt hours of sunlight daily, while other countries receive less than four-kilowatt hours daily. This is one of the major obstacles that discourage this source of energy. Read on to learn about other obstacles. See over here to learn about renewable energy in the UAE.
Environmental concerns:
Solar power is environmentally friendly. It produces relatively few air pollutants and low GHG emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, it has drawbacks. Some photovoltaic cells may contaminate water sources or disturb wildlife habitats depending on the technology used.
The production of solar power requires a significant amount of land. Small solar PV systems can be fixed to existing buildings, but larger utility-scale systems need 3.5 to 10 acres of land per megawatt. On the other hand, CSP plants require up to 16 acres per megawatt. However, the proper technology can improve efficiency and decrease the environmental impact.
Capital costs:
Although solar energy is relatively inexpensive to install and operate, capital costs are a barrier to the widespread use of the technology. To generate electricity from solar panels, a home or business needs to build a solar panel installation, which requires considerable upfront costs. The capital costs of solar and wind systems are the most substantial hurdle and are typically the largest barrier to widespread adoption.
The costs of construction may make renewables less attractive to financial institutions. This may cause interest rates to rise, making such investments more difficult to justify. Furthermore, fossil fuel power plants may pass on the fuel cost to consumers, reducing the initial investment but increasing the risk of higher electricity bills.
Political landscapes:
Political landscapes have long been barriers to the widespread adoption of renewables, from wind power to solar energy. The FDP, for example, argued that renewables should not sacrifice the landscape. But it was not the party’s political position that ultimately hampered its use.
