The increase in energy prices globally has prompted most people to look for other alternative and more sustainable fuel sources. Today, however, options such as wind, solar, and hydropower are readily available.
Of the three, solar is the fastest-growing, and everyone can learn to harness its power for cooking, lighting, heating, and various other household chores.
Many people invest in harnessing the sun’s power for heating water in homes and generating electricity.
Solar energy is energy derived from the sun. It can be used directly to heat and light a house or it can be converted into electricity through solar energy technologies like solar panels.
People are investing more in solar energy because it helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses, eliminating power lines, which are dangerous and expensive.
Solar energy which derives from solar radiation gives a reliable and steady supply throughout the year. To meet future needs as our non-renewable resources are set to decline in the years to come we need to make a shift towards renewable sources of energy like wind, hydropower, biomass, and tidal.
The best thing about solar energy is that it is easy to implement for both residential and business users because it does not require a large-scale setup, such as wind or geothermal power.
Solar energy benefits the ecosystm as well as individual homeowners, making it one of the most prevalently harnessed renewable energy sources.
Various Advantages of Solar Energy
The pros that solar energy can provide in comparison to traditional sources, such as oil and coal, are numerous.
Let us examine some of the benefits of solar energy.
1. It’s a Renewable Resource
Solar power is a renewable source of energy because as long as the sun exists, it can be used to generate electricity and is needed. Sunshine is available naturally. During our lifetime, we will always see the sun and it is ever-present.
The installation of solar panels with the purpose of harnessing this energy would decrease our dependency on foreign countries for coal supply to generate electricity, making it a highly prospective source of energy for many countries aiming to go green in the future.
While energy from the sun cannot be harnessed at night or during overcast days, it is readily available during the day and can be utilized multiple times. Solar energy is reliable, can be integrated in remote locations effortlessly, and serves as a perpetual source of energy.
2. It’s Eco-friendly
If you are searching the web for the best way to cut down your carbon emissions, look no further than solar energy as it is the best answer.
Using solar energy allows you to reduce your carbon footprint significantly and design your systems to create a living space where no footprint is generated at all.
Some U.S states even permit people to purchase shares in other people’s houses to generate additional solar energy.
Solar energy is produced without air pollution and, unlike fossil fuels, serves as a clean, renewable, and reliable source of energy. With solar energy, the air is free from harmful carbon, nitrogen, or sulfur oxides gasses.
That means there is less of a chance for environmental destruction. Solar energy does not need fuels for electricity, which means no transport issues, radioactive waste storage, or fuels needing to be burnt.
3. Cuts Back on Electricity Bill
One of the most beneficial aspects of solar energy is the ability to reduce your other persistent utility expenses. Accomplish this goal by adding solar panels to your residence.
Solar energy can accomplish a variety of energy-consuming tasks like boiling water for a cup of tea, space heating, and can reduce your expenses by up to 20% even with the addition of financing costs.
With some estimates projecting that the average American pays around $200 a month for electricity, you would be able to save an astonishing $60,000 over the upcoming 30 years.
4. Can Enhance the Value of a Home
Be informed that adding solar technologies will tremendously enhance the value of your property is you are planning to sell your home in the future.
This is especially true in regions where the public is more likely to purchase a house with solar panels installed, like populated cities where the government cares about environmental destruction.
As per the research, it is proven that modifying a house using solar panels increases its value by up to $20,000. This figure is the amount needed to install a solar panel, hence making the installation profitable when selling the house. That is a great improvement to your property.
5. Requires Little Maintenance
The cost of solar panel installation is steep. However, you will reap the benefits in the long run with the minimal maintenance required.
Maintenance is easy if your energy needs change and you want to add more panels. The initial investment of 10 to 15 years is worthwhile when considering the long-term benefits.
Moreover, solar panels are blissfully silent and non-polluting.
6. Easy Installation
There’s no shortage of cords, power outlets, or other forms of electricity in the equipment necessary for the setup of solar panels, which makes installation easy.
In contrast to wind or geothermal powered stations that use drilling equipment, solar panels can be set up on rooftops without any additional space from homes and businesses.
The growing demand for solar panels has caused a slight reduction in their cost. In places with high electricity prices, return on investment is faster.
7. Can Be Used in Remote Locations
In areas where there is little to no access to solar energy grids, solar energy poses a versatile solution.
Solar powered locations can be established as long as there is some sunshine available, making it extremely useful in remote areas which would be expensive to set up electricity power lines.
8. Comes With Money Back Guarantee
Apart from solar panels helping you lower your utility expenses, some governments are known to rebate tax money back to you, depending on your panels’ generated power. With regard to encouraging the utilization of solar energy, most governments do provide some form of tax credits.
These tax credits do typically cover a little above 30 percent of the installation expense. Numerous states further provide tax credits in the form of rebates to encourage the utilization of solar energy by its residents.
Furthermore, if solar panels generate surplus energy, most utility companies allow selling this energy back to the companies.
9. Long-Lasting Solar Cells
Due to the lack of moving parts, solar cells are virtually noiseless, enabling them to be self-sustaining, and maintenance free. In cases where electricity does not exist, solar energy provides affordable solutions to energy problems.
Top 5 Common Examples of Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the fastest growing renewable resources, and more people are starting to utilize it. Its aid on efficiency is also growing, which appeals to industries and businesses.
Some most common examples of solar energy include:
1. Solar Water Heating
Not a lot of people know that solar space and water heaters boast excellent efficiency alongside cost-effectiveness.
In contrast to solar space heaters, which capture the sun’s energy and turn it into thermal energy using a liquid or air medium, solar water heaters utilize the fluid that needs to be heated as a thermal transfer medium.
All solar heating systems are classified as either active or passive. Active systems have pumps that allow water to move, and thus generating heat. While passive systems rely on natural circulation.
One aspect that makes these thermal heating systems stand far above oil and gas pumps is the capability to heat a full size swimming pool at an incredibly cheap cost.
2. Solar Cells
Everything from business operations to simple calculators can be powered by solar cells. Solar cells are able to power entire homes, which is an advancement in technology as opposed to simply powering calculators.
Over the years large solar cells have made their way into the marketplace, and now entire homes can be powered.
Solar energy, unlike fossil fuels, is cool due to its environmentally friendly features. Long-lasting, low maintenance, and cost-effective in the long run, solar energy heavily benefits the environment.
3. Solar Tech
Many modern electronics, like tablets and cell phones, can be charged using solar energy. Solar-powered flashlights are now common items that can be set just by exposure to sunlight.
There is no doubt solar energy will be embraced more as additional focus is placed on products that use sunlight in their design. More and more people will begin to actively support solar-powered devices.
A prime example of solar energy being used to power a modern electronic device is the Apple smartwatch. Unlike a traditional watch, and Apple smartwatch can be continuously charged without the need for a plug in.
4. Solar Lighting
The use of solar lights for landscaping is a common practice that increases the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a home.
As with traditional exterior lighting, solar lights provide features like wireless capabilities as well as self-charging batters that harness the sun’s energy throughout the day so they can operate sans electricity at night.
In comparison to solar panels, solar lights tend to be less popular but they are gaining more and more popularity among consumers with smart home thermostats and LED bulbs due to their ability to reduce energy costs.
Moreover, the vast number of decorative solar light varieties available can significantly increase the cosmetic appeal of any property’s yard.
Best of all, purchasing solar lights won’t break the bank and can be had for around $20 per piece at your local retail store. This availability and low price are why so many street lights are being put up today.
5. Rooftop Solar
With the myriad of modern gadgets on the market today, people tend to overlook the most basic application of solar energy: rooftop solar panels.
Solar energy can help significantly reduce energy costs and carbon footprints, in addition to charging batteries and flying airplanes. For instance, a solar-powered rooftop can save homeowners thousands of dollars annually.
When assessing ways to shift towards solar energy, consider calculating your estimated solar savings as well as the investment effects of solar technology on your home’s financials.
Investing in small devices and home improvement tools to boost your home’s efficiency is an intelligent tactic. That said, installing a solar panel will further reduce your energy expenses and improve your carbon footprint in the future.