Solar power offers a variety of advantages in the fields of environmental impact, on-going cost, flexibility, and self-reliance, although there are some disadvantages regarding its initial cost and the effects of weather conditions.

ADVANTAGES: The advantages of solar include the fact that no pollution is created in the process of generating electricity, there is no on-going cost for the power it generates, it can be flexibly applied to a variety of stationary or portable applications, and it offers much more self-reliance than depending upon a power utility for all electricity. Unlike most forms of electrical generation, the panels can be made small enough to fit pocket-size electronic devices, or sufficiently large to charge an automobile battery, power attic fans, or supply electricity to entire buildings.

DISADVANTAGES: One of the major disadvantages of solar power is the initial cost of purchasing stand-alone panels or devices with built-in panels. However, it is possible to reduce the impact of this cost by starting with one panel and expanding over a long period of time, or buying one solar-powered device (fan, radio, battery charger, outdoor light, etc.) at a time as extra funds become available. Another one of the disadvantages is that electricity won’t be generated during some types of weather conditions, like snow or rain, and snow-covered outdoor solar panels will need to be cleared.

Overall, solar generally offers more advantages than disadvantages, and is one of the few realistic options for home and small business owners to generate their own electricity.

One rarely discussed alternative method for powering automobiles is solar energy. Solar powered cars, while not very common, exist in a variety of forms. This includes cars with numerous solar panels directly attached to them, electric powered vehicles which use an external panel to charge their batteries, and electric cars or buses which are charged by a solar power plant.

Cars with directly-attached panels are, according to wikipedia.org, not a realistic form of transportation at present. However, they do exist as experimental vehicles and very small race cars. It seems more likely that vehicles which are partially powered by the sun may become popular at some point in the future; perhaps an automobile with a panel on its roof for charging its electrical systems, but otherwise powered by gasoline or diesel, would be a realistic option.

Electric cars which are indirectly powered by photovoltaic panels offer a more feasible option. Panels mounted on a home can be used to recharge them, and energy of this type is available through regular electrical lines in areas with solar power plants. Electric vehicles available in the United States, which are listed on the fueleconomy.gov website, include the 2000 Nissan Altra, 2000-03 Toyota RAV4 electric version, and 2001 Nissan Hyper-Mini.

According to the website of Naresuan University in Thailand, the university operates forty solar energy powered buses on their campus and recharges them at a small solar power plant at the university, which appears to have a large number of batteries for storing the energy. It is not clear as to whether or not the buses have panels directly mounted on them as well, but this would be advantageous when the large surface area of buses is considered.

Solar powered homes offer a number of advantages, despite the substantial cost of initially purchasing and setting up solar panels (or more specifically photovoltaic cells). Their advantages include saving money on electric bills, reduced dependence upon power suppliers, and the potential to be paid for excess electricity. Such homes are also more desirable for home buyers to purchase, which is beneficial if it becomes necessary for the owner move elsewhere.

In addition to saving money on electricity, one of the advantages of solar powered homes is that the owner may be able to sell excess power to the local electricity supplier. However, the ability to do this depends upon your area and equipment; you can contact your electric supplier for more information.

Another benefit of owning a solar powered home is decreased reliance upon others for electricity, which reduces vulnerability to price increases or electrical outages. Natural disasters sometimes disrupt power for days or even weeks, but homes powered with solar can continue to use electricity as long as their panels remain undamaged.

Yet another advantage of solar powered homes is that they do not generate pollution or any sort of waste material while operating, unlike many power plants. If excess electricity is supplied to the local power company, it also helps reduce pollution generated by powering other residences and businesses.

Overall, homes which use solar power offer a number of significant advantages both for home owners and the environment. It should also be realized that using energy-efficient appliances and electronics can help magnify their benefits.