What are the disadvantages of solar, other than reliability and cost?

[allegrif]

It seems to me that the primary disadvantage of solar energy is its reliability on daytime, nice weather and high UV levels. However, there are so many applications where solar would benefit the world regardless of this, so I guess in these cases it's just the cost? But surely the cost of investment would eventually be repaid in energy savings?

For example, in my mind it makes absolute sense to put solar panels on ships. The roof of the bridge on most ships is empty space, and could easily accommodate solar paneling. This could help to power the ship's electronic systems, with the engine providing backup electricity when needed. I think the investment would be very small when you consider a container ship costs hundreds of millions of pounds, and solar panels just a few thousand. Not only would the panels pay for themselves, but it would be gold PR. So, what are the disadvantages that are stopping solar power being utilised in more applications like this?

[JamesH]

The reliability isn't so much one of unpredictability, as it's more predictable than wind. But the fact you have guarenteed downtime for approximately half the day. Wind energy can be stabalised if you spread turbines out across the network, but at midnight the entire collective solar output will be 0.

[CuriousGeorge]

But surely it can be stored for night-time usage?

[St Rhenium]

But surely it can be stored for night-time usage?

Storing electricity is harder than you think. It's not like water where you can just keep it in a tank (although storing water can be one means of storing electricity!)

Batteries are often used, but there are not efficient and a lot of the energy is wasted as they naturally decay. This means the guaranteed outage of solar panels is, unfortunately, a real issue.

[Martha Marsh]

I'd suggest that the main drawback is the fact that not all homes are eligible to use this type of power - as it depends on which way your house is facing. So it certainly isn't something that would be good for everybody.

[brightspark]

I'd suggest that the main drawback is the fact that not all homes are eligible to use this type of power - as it depends on which way your house is facing. So it certainly isn't something that would be good for everybody.

This was a considerable drawback until recently.  A new generation of Lithium ion storage batteries are being developed, notabley by Tesla the electric car maker.  They have been working on a compact Powerwall home storage battery which has been getting good reviews from early adopters and news is that a "new improved" Powerwall 2 is set to be released in 2017

[RaytonSolar]

Many people still see solar energy as expensive, especially when it comes to installing solar panels. However, it doesn't have to be! That's why we're so excited about what we're doing with Rayton Solar ( http://www.raytonsolar.com). Because we are able to make solar panels cheaper and more efficient, our hope is that people will embrace the "new" technology faster.

[tristanchua]

I think solar panel energy don't have any disadvantages but if you like you could search in the net but for the reliability and cost, it's so much better and efficient than any other forms of energy.