In these days of volatile fuel prices and increased environmental consciousness, it seems simple common sense to start concentrating on the use of more renewable sources of energy. Solar power is one of the most popular methods and provides a plethora of advantages.
The use of solar energy in your home essentially relies on the capture of solar energy by solar panels. There are two main types of solar panels which use completely different technologies to make use of the energy from the sun
Solar water heating collectors are panels that absorb the energy from the sun and transfer it to heat water. Such systems can provide over half of a household’s hot water requirements over the year. These can be flat plate collectors which are made from a sheet of metal painted black which absorbs the suns energy. Water is fed through the panel in pipes attached to the metal sheet and picks up the heat in the metal. The system is usually installed on the roof. Alternatively, they may be an evacuated tube system. Here, a series of glass heat tubes are grouped together and are highly insulated, due to a vacuum inside the glass.
Photovoltaic or solar electric panels transform the solar radiation directly into electricity. The variety of applications for solar electric is numerous, indeed large PV systems can be integrated into buildings to generate electricity for export to the national grid. Solar water heating systems have a much lower initial cost to install than photovoltaic systems; hence more citizens view this method of renewable energy as the way to go.
The general advantages of solar energy in your home are summarised below. I have omitted specific installation costs as these tend to change rapidly with new technologies, according to popularity and competition. Similarly, technological advances will continually improve the efficiency of such systems.
Saving Money on Energy Bills
Although the initial investment can be expensive, in the longer term solar electricity is cheaper than buying it from an energy company. In fact once the start up cost has been recovered, the energy is basically free. This is in comparison to paying a monthly bill forever with the probability of traditional fossil fuel prices rising at least with inflation.
Some studies have shown that a photovoltaic system can pay for itself within 5 to 10 years. Obviously this payback period can vary depending on how much electricity your household uses. Others claim that solar panels can generate enough clean electricity within their first 2-4 years of operation to cover their manufacturing costs.
The value or desirability of your home could be improved (or maintained whilst property values decrease elsewhere) by having a solar electric system installed
Financial incentives may be available from the government that will reduce your initial cost. Many governments will provide some kind of tax credit or incentive for people purchasing solar energy systems.
If your system produces more energy than you use, then you may be able to sell your excess electricity. Many utility companies will gladly buy or credit you for this excess electricity.
There is a variety of solar panel systems available, ranging from costing multi-thousands of dollars, to just several hundred. This means that most people with a suitable property and planning permission could have the opportunity to participate to some extent.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Solar Energy is a clean, renewable and sustainable resource (unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas), helping to protect our environment. This is because it does not pollute the air by releasing greenhouses gases, carcinogens and carbon dioxide like many traditional processes of electricity generation. Hence, there is a reduction in global warming, acid rain or smog potential. Also, it does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste (from nuclear energy).
We never have to worry about running out of sunlight or using it all up. Even though it might be stronger and more abundant in some areas of the world, the sun is a consistent power source and hence will never be depleted. This is in sharp contrast to the fossil fuels we utilize now which are decreasing in supply.
Less Reliance on Energy Utility Companies
Solar energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. Not only does it reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home with electricity in the event of a power outage.
A Solar energy system can operate entirely independent and self-sufficiently, not requiring a connection to a power grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations. Solar panels can and do work anywhere, even in cloudy conditions; it’s just that their efficiency is reduced. This reduces the dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, and their related volatility of supply.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Solar energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades, often with warranties of around 25 years. In fact they can be simply added to in the future, if desired. Their reliability stems from the lack of moving parts and hence the worry about replacing mechanical parts.
Solar cells operate silently while collecting energy. Compare this with having a wind turbine in your garden!
In summary, by using solar energy to power your home, you are going to save money, be more independent, spend less time on maintenance and be less affected by the inevitable changes forced upon societies by the need to consider our impact on the environment!
ALL HAIL THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY IN YOUR HOME!