What is a limitation of solar energy?

What is a limitation of solar energy?

• A. It is less effective on cloudy days or at night.
• B. It never requires maintenance.
• C. It is a source of frequent greenhouse gas emissions.
• D. It produces radioactive waste.

Answer: (A)

Solar energy generation depends on sunlight, so its output varies with time of day and weather. On cloudy days or at night, the amount of light reaching solar panels drops significantly or disappears, causing electricity production to fall or stop unless energy storage or another power source is available. This variability and need for backup is the main practical limitation, shaping how solar is integrated into the grid and how storage or flexible generation is used to maintain a steady supply. It’s not true that solar energy never requires maintenance—panels and inverters need periodic cleaning, inspection, and sometimes replacement of components. And solar energy doesn’t emit greenhouse gases during operation; its life-cycle emissions are generally low, and it certainly doesn’t produce radioactive waste.

Solar energy generation depends on sunlight, so its output varies with time of day and weather. On cloudy days or at night, the amount of light reaching solar panels drops significantly or disappears, causing electricity production to fall or stop unless energy storage or another power source is available. This variability and need for backup is the main practical limitation, shaping how solar is integrated into the grid and how storage or flexible generation is used to maintain a steady supply.

It’s not true that solar energy never requires maintenance—panels and inverters need periodic cleaning, inspection, and sometimes replacement of components. And solar energy doesn’t emit greenhouse gases during operation; its life-cycle emissions are generally low, and it certainly doesn’t produce radioactive waste.