Did you know the sun produces 380,000,000,000 terajoules of energy each second? This free energy source has enabled humans to thrive throughout history.
If you’re a homeowner, you may want to tap into the power of the sun and turn your house into a mini-power plant. Solar energy can help you cut costs. It also helps you help reduce carbon emissions and battle against climate change.
If you’re looking to take the plunge into green energy, you need to know solar facts. Here’s everything you need to be aware of when you go solar.
- Solar Energy Does Not Produce Any Emissions
Solar energy does not produce any emissions because it relies entirely on solar radiation for its power. Unlike many traditional sources of energy, solar energy does not require the burning of fossil fuels to generate power.
The output of a solar energy system is purely clean electricity. This makes solar energy a very attractive and clean alternative to traditional sources of energy.
Additionally, solar energy does not produce particulate matter or any other hazardous pollutants, like those released as by-products in the production of other energy sources. Solar energy is becoming more popular because of its environmental benefits. The potential continues to grow for more widespread deployment of this energy source.
- Solar Energy Is the Most Abundant Form of Renewable Energy Available
Solar energy is generated from the sun’s radiation, which is then converted to usable energy. The sun is an unlimited power source, making it the most abundant renewable energy available today.
It is one of the most reliable forms of renewable energy because it is available everywhere in the world. Solar energy has the potential to be a major source of energy as we transition away from finite fossil fuels.
- Sunlight Travels to Earth in Ten Minutes
Sunlight travels at an incredible speed in space, taking only 8 minutes to reach the Earth from the surface of our Sun. Once it has entered the Earth’s atmosphere, it takes around another two minutes for the light to reach us.
It is incredibly impressive that such a vast distance of 93 million miles can be traversed in such a short period of time. And it raises the point that although the Earth looks vast from our viewpoint on the surface, in terms of the size of the universe, it is relatively tiny.
The immense power of the sun’s light may seem weak over such a long expanse, yet its brightness and heat are essential for our existence here on Earth. Sunlight is responsible for the growth of the life we see around us, as well as affecting the weather and climate. Without the sun’s energy, life on Earth would be very different from the way we know it.
- Solar Energy System Increases Your Home’s Value
A solar energy system can add up to 20% to the total value of a home, making it a great investment. The system can reduce or even eliminate utility bills, making you more desirable to potential buyers.
They are an attractive feature to potential buyers, as they pay for themselves in savings and reduce the carbon footprint of the property. Home buyers want to be sure they are making an eco-friendly choice when purchasing a property, and a solar energy system is a good way to show them that.
- Solar Panels Require Little Maintenance
Solar panels require little maintenance to keep them running at optimal efficiency. The most important thing to do is to keep them clean and free of dirt, dust, and other debris. A simple wash of the panels with water and dish soap or even just a regular garden hose is enough to do the job.
With the right design and setup, your solar panels should be largely self-sustaining and require no further maintenance. They’re designed to take on environmental conditions. This includes inclement weather, without degrading their efficiency.
To ensure the best performance, you may want to consider a professional cleaning and inspection about once a year, but other than that, there’s not much else that needs to be done. Solar panels are a smart choice for those looking for energy independence and long-term cost savings.
- The Panels Can Last Up to Twenty-Five Years
The panels can last up to 25 years, which makes them a great long-term investment. They’re made from durable materials such as anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and tempered glass. It can withstand extreme heat, cold, and storms.
With a long life expectancy, solar panels can provide reliable and consistent power. They can also save money as they are more cost-effective than other renewable energy sources.
- Installing Solar Panels Qualify You for Federal and State Tax Credits
Photovoltaic systems can qualify for several tax credits to help offset the cost of installation. Solar energy system installation costs can range up to $30,000, but these solar incentives can help alleviate some of the financial burdens.
On the federal level, the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installing a solar system. This federal tax credit can be taken in the year the system was put into service.
Additionally, many states offer up to 100% sales tax exemption on your purchase of solar equipment. Depending on your location, you may also qualify for property tax exemptions on your solar panel system installation.
All of these credits help to ease the financial burden of installing solar panels. It can make transitioning to a greener lifestyle more accessible. For more information on specific tax credits in your area, it’s best to contact your local state government.
- The Cost of Solar Panels Has Fallen
The cost of solar panels has dropped over the past few decades. In the 80s, the average cost of a solar panel was around $20/watt. Today, the average price is under $2/watt. This drop in prices is due to several factors including advancements in technology, increased efficiency, and cheaper production.
Installation costs have also declined. Prices have dropped and solar has become a viable energy option for both businesses and homeowners. With the cost of solar panels dropping every day, solar-generated electricity is only becoming cheaper and more attractive compared to traditional sources of electricity.
- Solar Panels Don’t Need Direct Sunlight to Work
Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to be effective. While direct sunlight may help produce the highest levels of energy production, solar energy can still be produced without it. This means that even on cloudy, overcast, or hazy days, it can still generate electricity.
On top of that, many solar panels come with special backing materials that harvest kinetic energy from physical motion. This allows them to capture energy during the night.
Some solar panel technologies even enable a system to work as long as the lights are available. Solar energy is undoubtedly one of the most powerful renewable energy sources in the world.
- California Produces the Most Solar Energy in the Country
California has long been a national leader in solar power adoption. With over 15,500 megawatts of installed solar capacity, the state generates more solar energy than any other in the United States.
California recently announced plans to install more solar energy development and build enough solar to generate 74,000 gigawatt-hours of energy per year. With sunny climates, an abundance of open land suitable for solar solutions, and aggressive policies that promote solar adoption, California is continuing to show its commitment to clean energy.
California’s impressive solar energy production is proof of the power of clean energy solutions in the United States. It is helping to pave the way for other states that want to replicate its success.
- Photovoltaic Cells Are Efficient in Capturing Sun Rays
Photovoltaic cells are becoming increasingly efficient in capturing more of the sun’s energy. This allows people to power more items quickly and efficiently.
Engineers have been able to employ new technologies to make photovoltaic cells thinner and lighter. They are also allowing them to absorb more light and have less heat loss.
Scientists have also found ways to increase the efficiency of the cells. This is a huge improvement from previous generations of photovoltaic cells. This means that more energy can be produced using less energy input, resulting in a round of cost-effective and ecological power.
In some cases, they are nearly a hundred times more efficient than those of only a few years ago. As photovoltaic cells continue to become more efficient, they will continue to revolutionize the way in which people generate and store energy.
- Mojave Desert Hosts the World’s Largest Solar Power Plant
The world’s largest solar power plant is located in the Mojave Desert. Spanning over 6,000 acres, this plant produces enough energy to power 139,000 homes.
The plant features a “power tower” design, with around 173,000 heliostats, or mirrors, concentrating sunlight onto a receiver atop a 30-story tower. This technology helps to capture the sun’s rays more efficiently. The power plant’s innovative design helps to avoid the large costs associated with photovoltaic systems.
It’s connected to the Los Angeles electricity grid, using over 800 miles of power lines to supply renewable energy to the area. The Mojave Desert’s low humidity, clear skies, and access to open space help to create the ideal atmosphere for this massive renewable energy source.
The desert’s transparent skies aid in the transmission of large amounts of solar energy. This massive plant is a step in the right direction towards a more ecologically-friendly world.
- The United States Generates Third-Most Solar Energy Worldwide
The United States is now the third-largest solar energy generator in the world. This is a monumental achievement and a testament to the incredible progress made in the renewable energy industry. The U.S. installed a total of 55.7 gigawatts of solar power in 2018, accounting for 14.4 percent of all global solar capacity.
This number will continue to grow steadily, with states like California leading the way in solar energy production. With more businesses and homeowners installing solar panels, the United States is on track to become one of the leading solar generators in the world. In the coming years, the U.S. will continue to invest in solar energy, resulting in cleaner air, lower electric bills, and job creation for the future.
- There Are Multiple Types of Solar Technology Available
There are multiple types of solar technology available to meet the needs of different customers. For example, photovoltaic panels convert light directly into electricity. They’re used on a variety of structures such as buildings, vehicles, and camping equipment.
Concentrated solar power captures the sun’s heat and converts it into electricity. It can generate larger amounts of energy than photovoltaic systems.
Additionally, passive solar technologies use architectural designs to capture and use the sun’s energy. Solar heating and cooling systems use solar technology to shift heat during warm and cold months. The use of solar technology can reduce one’s energy costs and make a positive contribution to the sustainability of the planet.
- Payback Time for Residential Solar Energy Systems Is Around 5-10 Years
According to studies conducted by the Department of Energy, the average payback time for a residential solar energy system is 5-10 years. This means that a homeowner can expect to recover their investment in solar energy within that time frame.
After that period of time, owners are rewarded with a long-term savings on energy bills. This makes residential solar energy systems an attractive option for households. The upfront investment is generally outweighed by the long-term savings on electricity bills.
Uncovering the Solar Facts
Solar energy is a great way to save money and to ensure that your family lives in a more environmentally conscious way. As a homeowner, it pays to be informed on the solar facts to help you make an informed decision.
Investigate the government incentives and rebate programs that offer financial incentives for you to make the switch. Make sure to do your research to find the best solar energy option to fit your family’s unique needs. Get started with solar energy today!
Check out our other blog posts for more home and lifestyle tips.
Add Comment