Solar energy - what is it?

Solar energy is energy - usually in the form of electricity or heat - that is generated by the sun's rays. The best-known example of this form of energy generation is the solar system, also known as a photovoltaic system. In addition to generating electricity, the power of the sun can also be used to provide hot water. In these cases, we speak of so-called solar thermal systems or solar thermal energy. 

Here, however, we only want to focus on the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy for energy generation. These can now be found all over the world on various domestic and commercial roofs and open spaces. And for good reason: solar energy is free and 100% renewable. Today, 53 gigawatts of green electricity are already being generated in Germany, and the amount of solar power is set to almost triple by 2030.

Like any technology, solar energy has its sunny and dark sides. So that you can get a fully comprehensive picture before purchasing your own solar system, we present the most important advantages and disadvantages of generating electricity with solar energy:

 

Advantages                                                                                                 Disadvantages

clean and emission-free energy generation                                                    amount of electricity depends on weather and season

free electricity                                                                                                        generation is expensive to purchase 

permanently reduces the electricity bill                                                           additional bureaucratic effort

protects against rising electricity prices

reliably supplies electricity for 25 years or more

free refuelling of your e-car

 

 

 

The advantages of solar energy for power generation

Electricity from solar energy has long since established itself as a firm pillar of the energy transition. And for good reason:

 

Advantage 1 - Solar energy is clean and emission-free

Solar energy is generated from the power of the sun. Unlike coal or gas, it does not require fossil fuels, which have to be burnt to generate energy and release large amounts of CO2 in the process. Once the solar system has been installed, it generates electricity completely without emissions. CO2 is only released during the production of the solar modules. This results in a CO2 balance of 56 g/kWh for solar energy. If the producing countries switch their public electricity mix to 100% green electricity, completely climate-neutral production and therefore energy generation is even possible.

 

Advantage 2 - Solar energy is free

The power of the sun is infinite by earthly standards. According to the current state of science, it will continue to shine for at least another 5 billion years. That is exactly how long you can - at least in theory - continue to generate solar power free of charge with your own solar system.

 

Advantage 3 - A solar system lowers your electricity costs

Of course, solar power from your own roof is not completely free, after all you pay a purchase or rental price for your system. According to calculations by the Fraunhofer Institute, this results in electricity production costs for private solar systems of approx. 11 - 13 cents per kilowatt hour. At a current electricity price of just under 32 cents (at the beginning of 2024), you will save up to 21 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity.

 

Advantage 4 - Own solar power protects against rising electricity prices

The two previous advantages of solar energy result in another plus point: rising electricity prices cannot affect your solar system. Regardless of how the price of electricity from the public grid develops as a result of higher electricity consumption, falling raw material quantities and a newly introduced CO2 price.

 

Advantage 5 - Solar modules are real endurance runners

The first solar cell from Bell Labs saw the light of day in 1954. Since then, solar technology as a whole has continued to develop, leading to ever more powerful and durable products. Today, modern solar cells - and therefore also solar modules - from leading manufacturers can produce emission-free and free solar power for at least 25 years.

 

Advantage 6 - E-cars can be charged with solar power

Charging your own electric car at home has various advantages. Firstly, you save over 20 cents per kilowatt hour of charging compared to a normal electric charging station. Secondly, you are guaranteed to charge your e-car with your own solar energy in a climate-friendly way and with zero emissions.

 

 

The disadvantages of solar energy

Even if the advantages of solar energy clearly outweigh the disadvantages: This form of energy generation is not without its weaknesses.

 

Disadvantage 1 - Solar energy is dependent on the weather

Solar systems require direct or indirect sunlight to generate electricity. The more sunlight, the better. Conversely, however, this also means that in cloudy weather, in winter and at night, your solar system can produce less or no energy at all. In such phases, you are dependent on electricity from the public grid. 

The solution

Combine your solar system with a battery storage system. This stores surplus solar power during sunny periods. The storage system can then be discharged at night or on less sunny days. This allows you to use your own solar power around the clock.

 

Disadvantage 2 - Solar systems are expensive to purchase

Solar energy provides free electricity for your home. However, for this to work, you must first invest in high-quality components such as solar modules, an inverter and possibly also a battery storage system.

The solution

Long-term planning and you will see that the purchase is an investment for the future - both for nature and for your finances.

 

Disadvantage 3 - Solar makes you a trader

Operating a solar system in Germany and some other countries involves a number of bureaucratic decisions. For example, you have to decide whether you want to register your system as a commercial activity or as a hobby. You also have to decide whether you want to make use of the so-called small business regulation. All in all, you will have to deal with various tax issues and decisions when operating a solar energy system.

 

 

Solar energy - Is the euphoria justified?

Solar energy has various advantages: The solar power produced is 100% renewable, lowers your electricity bill and protects you from rising electricity prices. At the same time, solar technology continues to develop every year, which should make it even more efficient and better in the coming years. The few disadvantages that this form of energy still has today are no longer a major obstacle. Thanks to modern electricity storage systems and customer-friendly rental models. We at Libi Elektronik are therefore convinced that solar energy is the future.