Solar Energy Uses and Limitations: A Literature Review

Introduction to Solar Energy Research

Solar energy is still a relatively new phenomenon in terms of serving as an alternative energy supply to rival the use of fossil fuels. However, as Fares and Webber (2017), Lewis (2016), and other researchers show, solar energy has its uses—but also its limitations. Understanding where solar energy is capable of being advanced and where it has encountered obstacles in terms of utilization is key to developing pathways for greater research and development (Lewis, 2016). Simply storing solar energy effectively has proved problematic (Sinsermsuksakul, Sun, Lee et al., 2014)—but even here, advancements are being made, and creative solutions are being proposed to harness solar energy more efficiently (Assuncao, Moura & Almeida, 2016). Still, as Luthra, Kumar, Garg, and Haleem (2015) point out, not all of the limitations of solar energy are technology-related: some are social, political, economic, and infrastructural as well. This literature review examines the uses and limitations of solar energy according to the latest research.

How Solar Cells Work and Where They Fall Short

The uses of solar energy are numerous. Solar cells are created using earth-abundant resources—such as tin, zinc, oxygen, and sulfur. The cells collect light energy from the sun, which jolts loose atoms from the semiconductor material in the cell (Sinsermsuksakul et al., 2014). When electrical conductors are attached to form an electrical circuit, the electrons that are jolted loose are captured in an electrical current, which is what allows solar cells to be used as an energy supply for homes, businesses, and vehicles (Assuncao et al., 2016).

Nonetheless, in spite of the relatively simple way in which solar cells collect energy and make it available, the technology is still limited relative to where it should theoretically be—and part of this is due to insufficient research on advancing these cells (Sinsermsuksakul et al., 2014). When solar energy is discussed in current literature, the main focus is on solar cells, which continue to receive attention from researchers because their maximum potential has yet to be reached, as Sinsermsuksakul et al. (2014) show. Even so, breakthroughs tend to be incremental: for example, the doubling of efficiency of thin-film solar cells achieved by Sinsermsuksakul et al. (2014) still only brought the cells to roughly one-tenth of their theoretical potential as energy providers. For that reason, other researchers have begun exploring how solar thermal and solar fuels technologies may be advanced in light of the restrictions posed by solar cells (Lewis, 2016).

Alternative Approaches to Solar Energy Utilization

Solar cells—though some advancement has been made—are only one aspect of the solar energy field. The study by Lewis (2016) focuses on current research opportunities in solar energy utilization and ways in which this energy source can be advanced in the modern world. Assuncao et al. (2016) have also begun examining alternative approaches. In their study, they look at repurposing electric vehicle (EV) batteries for the residential sector to support solar energy development. Their findings show that repurposing EV batteries can be both cost-effective and technically feasible for homes seeking to combine solar energy with the existing infrastructural grid.

This type of approach aligns with the guidance of Lewis (2016), who stipulates that more research must be conducted in creative and thoughtful ways that demonstrate the full utility of solar energy so that it can be more meaningfully integrated into modern life. Lewis (2016) notes that creating more efficient solar cells is not the only way to harness the sun's energy; there is also potential for solar energy to be stored on the grid, and for solar thermal and solar fuels to play a role. Lewis (2016) does acknowledge that solar energy currently represents only a small fraction of the total global energy supply—but its usage is growing in estimation among technicians, lawmakers, environmental advocacy groups, and numerous stakeholders worldwide, which is bringing more attention to solar energy research and development. However, technological gaps remain in the production of low-cost, scalable solar panels that can be combined with current storage technology to provide distributable energy to consumers. This is, by far, the primary limitation of solar energy in today's energy climate.

References

Assunção, A., Moura, P. S., & de Almeida, A. T. (2016). Technical and economic assessment of the secondary use of repurposed electric vehicle batteries in the residential sector to support solar energy. Applied Energy, 181, 120–131.

Fares, R. L., & Webber, M. E. (2017). The impacts of storing solar energy in the home to reduce reliance on the utility. Nature Energy, 2(2), 17001.

Lewis, N. S. (2016). Research opportunities to advance solar energy utilization. Science, 351(6271), aad1920.

Luthra, S., Kumar, S., Garg, D., & Haleem, A. (2015). Barriers to renewable/sustainable energy technologies adoption: Indian perspective. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 41, 762–776.

Sinsermsuksakul, P., Sun, L., Lee, S. W., Park, H. H., Kim, S. B., Yang, C., & Gordon, R. G. (2014). Overcoming efficiency limitations of SnS-based solar cells. Advanced Energy Materials, 4(15).