What are the limitations of solar cells?

Mainly that they need sunshine to work.

Even reduced sunshine severely limits the amount of useful energy that comes from cells. Clouds may reduce output to a slight trickle as the UV radiation needed is reflected by clouds.

Solar panels can also become damaged with large hail, flying debris or other objects striking the panel.

Heat is another factor. Temperatures over 85 degrees show severe degradation of the output of a panel.

Probably the worst limiting factor with solar panels though is the projected life span of the units. My homes system, operating as it stands for the past four years, should reach ROI (Return on investment) in about 25 years.

This is also the projected lifespan of the panels. A panel is considered to be within operating parameters when the panels operates at 75% of the normal output.