What are the main advantages and challenges associated with solar energy as a renewable energy source?

Solar energy is a renewable source of power that is becoming increasingly popular due to its many advantages. One of the main advantages of solar energy is that it is a clean and sustainable source of power. It does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants, and it does not contribute to climate change. Solar energy is also a reliable source of power, with the sun shining for an average of 12 hours a day in most parts of the world. In addition, solar energy is becoming more affordable as the technology continues to improve and production costs decrease.

However, there are also some challenges associated with solar energy. One of the main challenges is that solar panels require a significant upfront investment, which can be a barrier for many people. In addition, solar energy is intermittent, meaning that it is only available when the sun is shining. This can be a challenge for countries and regions that do not receive a lot of sunlight or experience frequent cloud cover. Finally, the storage of solar energy is also a challenge, as current battery technology is expensive and not yet efficient enough to store large amounts of energy for long periods of time.