A disadvantage of solar energy is that no energy is produced at night. What is this energy type?

• A. Wind Energy
• B. Geothermal Energy
• C. Hydroelectric Energy
• D. Solar Energy

Answer: (D)

Intermittency is the key idea here: solar energy depends on sunlight, so photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems only generate power when the sun is out. At night there is no sunlight, so energy production stops unless electricity is stored in batteries or other storage systems, or another power source fills the gap. That characteristic—reliance on daytime sun and need for storage or backup—defines solar energy.

The other options don’t share this specific limitation in the same way: wind energy can produce at night when wind is present; geothermal energy typically provides a steady supply regardless of time of day; hydroelectric can often be run continuously or dialed up and down as water flow and demand allow. The scenario described matches solar energy’s daytime-only generation without storage.