Written by Rethinking Solar, Part 4: What Solar Can’t Do (Yet)
This is Part 4 of the Rethinking Solar Series. Is you missed any of the other articles the links are Below
Reality Check: Solar Isn’t Magic—Yet
You’ve seen the potential: solar panels that trim your bills, run your lights, and ease your climate guilt. But while solar power is amazing, it isn’t perfect. Not yet.
Like anything worth investing in, it comes with tradeoffs—some technological, some logistical, and some frustratingly political.
This final installment of The Reworker’s Solar Series looks at what solar can’t quite do yet — and the innovations just around the bend.
Where Solar Still Struggles
1. Winter Output and Cloudy Days
In places like Atlantic Canada, winter brings short days and long shadows. Add snow cover and cloud cover, and your solar system’s output can drop dramatically.
Solution: Oversize your system slightly or add battery storage for smoothing power across seasons. Or, if you like renewables, combine with wind or microhydro, if you’re rural.
2. Recycling Old Panels
Solar panels last 25+ years—but what then?
Right now, most panels end up in landfills. Recycling tech exists but isn’t yet affordable or widespread.
Some manufacturers offer take-back programs, but Canada lacks a national policy on solar waste.
Solution: Buy from brands committed to panel recycling. And/or advocate for provincial e-waste expansion to include PV systems.
3. High Upfront Costs
Even with rebates and zero-interest loans, solar installation still costs thousands. And for renters, apartment dwellers, or lower-income households, it’s often just not feasible.
Solution: Watch for more community solar and shared solar cooperatives—models that let you invest in panels off-site and benefit from the electricity.
4. Solar ≠ Off-Grid
Many people dream of cutting ties to the power company. But in practice, most residential systems remain grid-tied for a reason:
Batteries are expensive Blackout protection isn’t automatic Net metering often provides better value than going fully off-grid Solution: Think of solar as a resilience partner, not an escape pod. Start small and add pieces over time.
What’s on the Horizon
1. Solar Glass and Window Wraps
Imagine your windows doubling as power generators. That’s what researchers and startups are developing: transparent photovoltaic materials you can apply like film or build into glass.
These won’t replace roof panels just yet, but they could power small electronics or lighting in sun-facing rooms.
Try searching: “solar window film Canada,” or check emerging products from companies like Ubiquitous Energy or Onyx Solar.
2. Solar Roads and Sidewalks
There have been experimental installations of solar-paved roads, paths, and parking lots. While expensive and technically finicky, they hold promise in urban design and dual-purpose surfaces.
Bonus use: melting snow in winter or charging electric vehicles while parked.
3. Community Microgrids
These are small-scale power systems that serve a neighbourhood or cluster of homes, often combining solar, wind, batteries, and smart meters.
In a crisis or outage, they can island from the main grid and run independently. Several exist in the U.S., and pilot projects are starting in Canada.
This is where the future of shared solar equity and climate resilience may land.
How to Use Solar Wisely — Even with Limits
Solar works best when:
- You understand your energy use (see Before You Begin →)
- You use it to supplement, not replace, your current system
- You stay open to hybrid systems and non-rooftop solutions
- You think in terms of climate resilience, not perfection
Want More?
Rethinking Solar Part 1: What It Offers You (and the Planet) *** Rethinking Solar Part 2: Solar Dollars & Sense *** Rethinking Solar Series Part 3: Build a DIY Solar Pergola ***
Let’s keep reworking the future. ☀️