United Kingdom is the windiest country in Europe, so much so that we could power our country several times over. 
Pros and Cons of Solar Panels
Pros of solar panels
Solar energy is completely renewable, and can operate in cloudy conditions, as certain panels can absorb invisible infra-red and UV light.
Solar panels can be installed by competent DIY individuals, with many self help packs available to buy. PV panels may be created through self tabbing, casing and testing. See How to make solar panels.
There is a vast array of different solar devices to choose from, ranging from garden lights to large scale PV panels embedded in the roof.
They are flexible and can be installed on rooftops and in wall cladding, thus minimizing space required. New technologies, such as DSSC (Die sensitized solar cells) allow these to be thinner and more efficient, leading to use of ‘Solar paint’.
Solar panels require very little maintenance and in favorable conditions, can provide significant contributions to a home’s energy production 24 hours a day.
The cost of solar panels is falling, and there are a number of grants available, thus increasingly making them a viable economic option for homeowners.
Solar panels can be installed anywhere, and are particularly favourable in warmer climates, ideal for poorer LEDC (Less economically developed countries) which may not be connected to a mains power supply. This encourages energy independence, reducing our dependence on power sources. See Building Resilience in Communities.
PV panels can provide revenue by selling excess electricity in times of low demand back to the local energy supplier, thus reducing payback times.
Cons of solar panels
Depending on the type of solar panels installed, those in temperate climates at present produce relatively low quantities of electricity, and thus unable to meet the average homes energy demands.
Solar panels suffer from UV degradation and damage from air pollution, particularly in older models, and thus have a limited lifespan.
Purchasing and installing new solar panels remains a costly option, despite recent price reductions, and governmental grants and subsidies.
Solar panels are unsuitable for many locations, particularly in urban areas and on inner city buildings which are overshadowed by nearby properties.
Most PV panels are created from silicon, which has questionable environmental credentials, as this may contain potentially toxic materials lead and mercury.
Solar panels are an unreliable source of energy, their efficiency and productivity depending on the extremities of the weather.
Many models suffer from an inability to discharge and store energy into a battery source, whereby suffering to meet the fluctuating energy demands of a home during a 24hour daily cycle.
Overview
Solar panels have many advantages and disadvantages, and their use will depend on achieving a balancing act, between the two, weighing the environmental benefits against the costs. However it is expected that solar panels will continue to decrease in price, and with the advent of new technology; it is likely they will play a key part in meeting our future energy needs.