Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of household energy in many countries around the world. Why is this? What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy?

In the modern society, people have learnt how to harness natural or renewable sources of

energy

,

such

as wind

energy

or hydro power. Outstandingly, solar

energy

is regarded as one of the most potent as well as vastly available among all, which has gained traction worldwide in recent years. There exist several underlying reasons for

this

phenomenon,

as a result

, it has brought both benefits and drawbacks to human life, which will be illustrated as follows. In the

first

place, a number of favourable factors could hold explanation for

this

increasingly popular trend.

Firstly

, solar

energy

is beneficial as it curbs the

electricity

bills enormously when compared to using traditional electric

energy

.

In other words

, households, in the long run, can save a tremendous amount of money spent on monthly bill payments.

Secondly

,

this

source provides the

energy

as powerful as conventionally generated

electricity

.

For example

, one experiment in London in 2010 conducted by experts proved that a small amount of solar

energy

could operate five air-conditioners at the same time, which was required a ten-time bigger amount of

electricity

. On a larger scale, solar

energy

is environmentally-friendly. To be more exact,

this

system takes advantage of the natural sunlight, which is unlimited and induces negligible carbon footprints, to convert into

energy

used in daily activities

such

as

such

as to light bulbs or to operate household appliances.

Therefore

, the environment does not have to suffer from detrimental effects which could be witnessed in the customary way of generating

electricity

.

For instance

, a vast area of trees could be cut down to make room for dams - an indispensable feature in traditional

electricity

production.

On the other hand

,

this

seemingly magical source of

energy

has several demerits that are worth mentioning. One obvious drawback is that solar

energy

is not practicable in nations where there is little or weak sunlight or the duration of daytime is rather short. These cases could be seen in many nations adjacent to the two poles,

such

as Russia or Iceland. Another unfavourable aspect is that the cost of solar harnessing system installation could be prohibitively expensive for some low or average-income households.

Additionally

, the money for the maintenance of

this

system would

also

be a heavy financial burden that should be taken into consideration. In conclusion, there is a range of driving factors behind the popularity of solar

energy

. Irrespective of having both beneficial and undesirable aspects,

this

carbon-free source is inexorably securing a stable position in practical usages.