There is no single disadvantage that applies to every solar installation, but one of the main practical limitations of solar panels is that their electricity generation is variable.
Solar panels only generate electricity when sufficient daylight is available. They can still work on cloudy days, but output is generally lower than in strong sunlight, there is no solar generation at night and UK systems normally produce considerably more electricity during the summer than during the winter.
This means that solar generation may not occur at the same time that a home or business needs electricity. Surplus electricity can be exported to the grid or stored in a battery for later use, but battery storage increases the cost and complexity of the installation.
Other potential limitations include the initial installation cost, available roof or land area, shading, building suitability and grid connection or export restrictions. The significance of each issue therefore depends on the site. For a business considering solar, an assessment of expected generation, electricity consumption patterns, installation costs and available roof or land space is normally more useful than considering solar capacity alone.
