Are solar panels actually efficient?

Question

I know what they do and how they work, but at this point they're expensive, don't always produce enough electricity as needed, and can't be used when there's no sun, as in half the day. Wouldn't wind power seem so more efficient? Or if they do use solar panels, how about putting them in the desert. But I really believe that research money should go to fusion generators since that's the future and the answer to our problems. Which is best in your opinion?

Answer 1

Solar panels currently hook into the electric grid through a rectifier.  If you were not into the grid, you would have a battery bank to use at night time.  Wind works the same way, rectifier, and battery bank if you are not connected.

There are communities in Europe that are wholly powered by solar now.

There are computers that direct the panels into the direct sunlight for maximum efficiency.

Look for them to be coming to your neighborhood soon.

Answer 2

There is not a yes or no answer. But for the majority of the population it is a definite no. Because the energy needed to make a solar panel is more than the energy that a solar panel can return in its life time.

so No for cities and urbanized areas because there is already existing infrastructure therefore you'll be wasting more energy getting them installed. And it is better and more efficient to have the more common energy sources for populated areas.

However that being said it would be more efficient if you live in a remote area as it would not be worth it to build a huge electricity grid just to power one small house in the middle of no where.  

Answer 3

They're more efficient than nothing, or fusion for that matter since fusion hasn't gone anywhere in the last 30 years.   Since most energy is used during the day time when its light out solar panels will do pretty well.   In most habbital places on the planet its light out for a good part of the day while wind doesn't blow steadily in most places.

Answer 4

It absolutly depends on where you live. I don't have enough wind in my area for a wind turbine to do any good. I just installed solar, the system will pay for itself in about 6 years. I didn't get a system that will zero out my electcity usage, but it will dramatically be decreased. I can always add to it in a few years. Since I plan on living here forever I will see a great financial benift.  

Answer 5

i think that they are effective, even tho they cost heaps to get installed, i think that they are worth it. They dont require any effort to operate and use natural sunlight that turns into energy that people use everyday. they may be an eye sore but think of how  much they are helping the earth and they are a great alternitave to fossil fuels (which are running out anyway), the only problem that i think they would have would be in winter when there isnt much sun on a few days. but other than that they are great