ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
ADVANTAGES OF PHOTOVOLTAICS:
- The fuel source is vast and essentially infinite
- No emissions, no combustion or radioactive fuel for disposal (does not contribute perceptibly to global climate change or pollution)
- Low operating costs (no fuel)
- No moving parts (no wear)
- Ambient temperature operation (no high-temperature corrosion or safety issues)
- High reliability in modules (>20 years)
- Modular (small or large increments)
- Quick installation
- Can be integrated into new or existing building structures
- Can be installed at nearly any point-of-use
- Daily output peak may match local demand
- High public acceptance
- Excellent safety record
DISADVANTAGES OF PHOTOVOLTAICS:
- diffuse (sunlight is a relatively low-density energy)
- High installation costs
- Poorer reliability of auxiliary (balance of system) elements including storage
- Lack of widespread commercially available system integration and installation so far
- Lack of economically efficient energy storage
