Final answer:
Solar photocells are still expensive in terms of up-front costs compared to traditional energy resources, even though the manufacturing costs are decreasing. Challenges include environmental impact, waste from cell production, and intermittency issues, but green collar job creation and U.S. government incentives are promoting this sustainable technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the provided information, all the statements given regarding the use of solar photocells are true except that they are still quite expensive relative to prevailing energy resources, especially in terms of up-front costs. While manufacturing costs are dropping and there is a trend towards lower prices as production continues, the initial investment is still significant compared to traditional sources of energy.
Moreover, even though solar power has many advantages, such as a low carbon footprint and being conducive to decentralized power production, the technology faces challenges like intermittency and lesser suitability for certain energy demands like transportation and industrial heat/processing which makes it harder to balance the electrical grid.
Furthermore, the deployment of solar arrays can have environmental impacts, especially if not carefully managed. For instance, in desert ecosystems, the introduction of large solar systems might disturb fragile habitats, and the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells produces hazardous waste. Despite these challenges, solar energy is strongly encouraged in the U.S. by tax incentives and development investment, and the growing solar industry is creating many new green collar jobs.