11.2 Advantages and Limitations of Solar Energy
Solar energy is an ultimate source which can deliver secure self-governed energy.
Such an ability is tremendously imperative for people as well as for the social and
economic growth of the nation. However, solar energy is considered as a generous
and consistent segment for electricity production in many developed and developing
countries besides the various constraints and benefits related to solar energy
utilization.
11.2.1 Advantages
Solar energy is a sustainable non-polluting, virtuous and consistent energy source,
which is never going to deplete. The utilization of solar energy will not discharge
volatile organic compounds and toxic gases into the atmosphere. Approximately
25% of anthropogenic greenhouse gases emissions is due to the power plants (Jerez
et al. 2015). Thus, the replacement of fossil fuel-based power sources with solarbased energy will inevitably be advantageous to accomplish sustainable development. In addition, there is massive water consumption due to fossil fuel-driven
power plants, which is a critical issue for droughts and heat affected areas. At the
same time, the power generation from solar power plants doesn’t require any water
source to operate (Kabir et al. 2018).
Furthermore, to enhance the energy generation capacity, additional modules can
also be added in the course of time. Over the years an increase in the efficiency of
solar-powered technologies has been observed along with reduced capital and
operating cost. All these points highlight the adaptability of solar-powered technologies over existing conventional technologies (Kabir et al. 2018).
11.2.2 Limitations
The high initial capital investment is a major disadvantage for solar-based technology, and the extended payback time with a limited revenue decreases the estimation
of credits for such frameworks. On the other hand, less efficiency (10–20%) of
domestic solar panels is another deficiency for the development of solar technology.
However, there is an availability of more efficient solar pales (>20%) but at more
expensive rates (Kabir et al. 2018).
The large space required by solar-based accessories such as batteries and inverters
is another concern. Furthermore, a short lifespan of the batteries and their disposal
are the other side effects regarding this system. Other variables related to such
systems is the scarcity of skilled workforce to meet the demands for the establishment, support and assessment of solar powered systems. Another inadequacy is the
11 Solar Photocatalytic Treatment of Tannery Effluents
361
Solar energy is an ultimate source which can deliver secure self-governed energy.
Such an ability is tremendously imperative for people as well as for the social and
economic growth of the nation. However, solar energy is considered as a generous
and consistent segment for electricity production in many developed and developing
countries besides the various constraints and benefits related to solar energy
utilization.
11.2.1 Advantages
Solar energy is a sustainable non-polluting, virtuous and consistent energy source,
which is never going to deplete. The utilization of solar energy will not discharge
volatile organic compounds and toxic gases into the atmosphere. Approximately
25% of anthropogenic greenhouse gases emissions is due to the power plants (Jerez
et al. 2015). Thus, the replacement of fossil fuel-based power sources with solarbased energy will inevitably be advantageous to accomplish sustainable development. In addition, there is massive water consumption due to fossil fuel-driven
power plants, which is a critical issue for droughts and heat affected areas. At the
same time, the power generation from solar power plants doesn’t require any water
source to operate (Kabir et al. 2018).
Furthermore, to enhance the energy generation capacity, additional modules can
also be added in the course of time. Over the years an increase in the efficiency of
solar-powered technologies has been observed along with reduced capital and
operating cost. All these points highlight the adaptability of solar-powered technologies over existing conventional technologies (Kabir et al. 2018).
11.2.2 Limitations
The high initial capital investment is a major disadvantage for solar-based technology, and the extended payback time with a limited revenue decreases the estimation
of credits for such frameworks. On the other hand, less efficiency (10–20%) of
domestic solar panels is another deficiency for the development of solar technology.
However, there is an availability of more efficient solar pales (>20%) but at more
expensive rates (Kabir et al. 2018).
The large space required by solar-based accessories such as batteries and inverters
is another concern. Furthermore, a short lifespan of the batteries and their disposal
are the other side effects regarding this system. Other variables related to such
systems is the scarcity of skilled workforce to meet the demands for the establishment, support and assessment of solar powered systems. Another inadequacy is the
11 Solar Photocatalytic Treatment of Tannery Effluents
361