The benefits of using solar power are always highlighted but come with some cons or downsides one needs to know before using it. Some common known difficulties include high initial investment, replacing parts every few years, and working when receiving enough sunlight. But solar power panels manufacturing includes using various minerals extracted from the earth, and this mining can affect the local ecosystems just like with any other mining. These panels also have a limited lifetime, and once it ends, they turn into e-waste.