Solar
Solar power is energy from the sun converted into electrical or thermal energy. In order to heat a building, we must orient them towards the sun or pump a liquid, like water, through roof collectors. With the use of passive solar heating systems, heat from direct sunlight is absorbed and stored without the need for pumps to distribute heat. To generate high temperature heat and electricity, large arrays of solar collectors can produce high temperature heat in order to spin turbines for electricity, however the costs are high. Overall, solar energy is abundant and clean.
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
Energy is free (economic) |
Need access to sun 60% of time (environmental) |
No CO2 emissions(environmental) |
Sun blocked by other structures (environmental) |
Very low land disturbance, built into roof or window (environmental) |
High cost, active (economic) |
Very low air and water pollution (environmental) |
Active system needs maintenance and repair (economic) |
Moderate cost (economic) |
Need heat storage system (economic) |