Solar Power

Solar energy is created through conversion of the sun’s energy into electricity. There are different solar technologies including solar chimneys, ponds and thermo-electric converters. These systems allow people to use solar power as an alternative to costly fossil fuels. Solar energy is not only a more affordable option but it is also a safer and healthier means of generating energy.

FACTS

Despite the benefits of using solar energy, few people around the world have embraced the technology. Less than 1 percent of homes in the US utilize solar energy. Part of the reason why many people are not using solar energy is the initial costs associated with the installation of solar panels. However, using solar energy is actually much cheaper than other forms of energy.

BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY

Independent Systems:

Solar panels have an independent operation because they are not connected to a power grid. They can be installed even in the most remote locations. Solar panels help to offset energy consumption from utilities and supply power for refrigerators, laptops and other household electronics during power outages. From another perspective, solar energy curtails dependence on foreign oil which helps in building a sustainable economy.

Flexibility:

There are different types of solar panels including amorphous, polycrystalline and mono-crystalline. Each type of solar panel has a certain level of efficiency and pricing structure. In addition, there are different types of solar panel array mounts including adjustable, fixed and tracking. These mounts provide flexible solutions to power generation depending on the locality and availability of sunlight.

Installation and Maintenance:

Solar panel installation does not require major modifications to the structure of a building. They can be installed on a roof or in a field. The solar energy system can also be scaled up to meet increasing energy needs by installing more panels. A notable benefit of solar panels is that they do not require fuel to operate which keeps maintenance costs at a minimum.

Simple Storage:

Most solar panels come with a backup battery to store energy when the sun is not shining or in case of a power outage. This provides practical solutions to various power problems for homeowners. They can use solar-powered refrigerators eliminating the need to store canned foods for emergencies or use their laptops and PCs even with a power outage.

Zero Pollution:

Unlike noisy, fuel consuming generators, solar panels are clean and noiseless energy generators. In addition, solar panels do not release harmful toxins such as sulfur-dioxide, mercury, nitrogen-dioxide and other pollutants into the environment. Solar power minimizes acid rain, smog and climate change.

Economic Benefits:

After the initial buying and installation costs, solar power is virtually free because no one pays for sunlight. Furthermore, homeowners are given financial incentives by the U.S Department of Energy for using solar power. People can hook up their solar panels to the national power grid and sell excess energy back to the utility. Solar power can substantially reduce electricity bills or eliminate them altogether. Fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels affect the cost of electricity. However, with solar power, the fluctuations have no impact. According to GE Global Research the ash cloud from the volcanic eruption at Eyjafjallajokull Glacier in Europe had no visible effect on the PV output and solar power.

Recommendations:

People can gradually ease into solar power as their budgets allow and knowledge on solar energy grows. Using solar power is a win-win situation for the users and the environment.

Solar Water Heating:

One of the first places to use solar energy is on water heating. Residential water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water systems- active and passive.

Solar Panels for Beginners:

Nowadays, people can purchase and install solar panels regardless of their technological background. In fact, many solar panel systems are designed to plug directly into a power supply. Solar panel kits come in different sizes to fit different budgets. Homeowners can purchase small solar panels and evaluate their performance before advancing to bigger ones.

Misconceptions:

Because solar energy is created by the sun, the fact that the sun sets at night doesn’t make the idea of using solar energy flawed. There are many techniques of storing solar energy including phase change materials, pumped-storage hydro-electricity, thermal mass systems and grid energy storage systems among others.