Question

State the advantages and disadvantages of using solar cells.

Answer 1

Solar cell is also known as photovoltaic cell. It is an electric device which converts the light energy into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic effect is the same as photoelectric effect. Photovoltaic effect is when light exposes to the material voltage and current is generated in material. Generally, solar cells are made of silicon semiconductors in which silicon semiconductors absorb sunlight and then convert it into electricity. It is a sandwich of n-type silicon (blue) and p-type silicon (red).

Complete step by step solution
Advantages of solar cell:
Solar energy is a renewable energy source. It will never be finished. We all know that it is cheaper than any source of energy.
Most important point about solar energy is, it is pollution free. It does not cause any type of pollution which is very good for our environment.
When we are dependent on solar energy then the usage of fossil fuels and oil will decrease automatically.
Solar energy needs very low maintenance and repair. You only need to keep them clean.
Disadvantages of solar energy:
The purchasing cost of solar panels is comparatively very high. Middle class people cannot afford this. It is very expensive.
Biggest disadvantage of solar energy is it depends on sunlight. Solar panels do not work at night, in winters, cloudy or foggy climates. It will produce sufficient energy only in the presence of sunlight.
Solar panels require a lot of space, but at some places roofs are not big enough to fit the no. of solar panels that we want. As in India, in some states roofs are slanted. So, the solar panel does not fit on a slanted roof.
During manufacturing there are some toxic materials used which are very harmful for our environment.
If the electric grid goes down, your solar system will shut down until the power is restored to the grid. Therefore we have to invest in a battery backup.

Note
Don’t confuse yourself with solar cells and solar panels because there is a difference between solar cells and solar panels. Solar cells produce electricity through solar cells. Solar cells have many small layers. Limited amount of energy can be produced by a single solar cell. Solar panels contain many solar cells connected in series of parallel circuits. Main purpose of solar panels is to absorb the sunlight and convert it into heat or electricity.