• Solar energy is energy from the sun that is converted to other forms of energy, like heat or electricity, when it reaches the earth. Solar energy is converted to electricity either with photovoltaic devices (solar panels) or solar power plants. If we collected all the sun's energy that reaches the earth, it could easily produce enough energy to meet current global energy needs. Solar energy offers an environmentally healthy and renewable source of energy, but it also has several disadvantages.
  
  

Cost

• Solar energy technology has a relatively high cost in comparison to traditional fossil fuel energy. Although solar power is better for the environment, it is not an economic option for everyone. However, the cost of solar energy may decrease as technology improves.
  
  

Sunlight Requirements

• Solar energy requires high levels of sunlight. If you don't live in a consistently sunny climate, solar panels may not capture enough energy from the sun to be useful or efficient. Weather and time of year can also affect available sunlight. In addition, surrounding buildings or tall trees can obstruct sunlight.
  
  

Time Frame

• Since solar panels require sunlight, they only draw energy during the daytime. In areas that don't receive much daylight during some or all parts of the year, solar panels are unlikely to be a feasible source of energy.
  
  

Space Requirements

• Solar panels require a large amount of space to be efficient, since the sun only creates a small amount of energy in any given space and that amount of energy may not be consistent. If you don't have much space, or if you live in a location where space is very expensive--for example, in many city settings--solar energy may not represent a useful energy source.