Final answer:
The major disadvantage of using solar energy is the high initial setup costs, especially due to the need for energy storage solutions to manage its intermittent nature. Low efficiency in energy conversion under cloudy conditions is also a challenge for solar thermal systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
One disadvantage of using solar energy is high initial setup costs. Solar power generation is marked by its intermittency, which necessitates storage solutions to align energy availability with consumption patterns. This storage integration significantly adds to the upfront investment required for a functional solar energy system.
The up-front costs present a significant barrier to adoption, despite the long-term cost-competitiveness of solar energy when compared to conventional energy sources, due to the fact that fuel costs for solar are essentially zero.
While solar PV technology is abundant and has been widely adopted on a smaller scale, such as on rooftops, its intermittency aligns poorly with energy demand patterns, which tend to be more constant, with peaks often occurring in the evenings when solar energy production has diminished.
This mismatch necessitates either grid connection or the installation of costly battery storage systems to ensure a reliable power supply, making the high initial costs a notable disadvantage.
In addition, solar thermal systems require direct sunlight to function optimally, meaning they are hindered by cloudy conditions which reduce their efficiency. This particular limitation of solar energy underlines the broader challenge of low efficiency in energy conversion under less-than-ideal weather conditions.