You’ve probably heard of solar energy, but you’re not too sure what it is, or you’re interested in purchasing solar panels, but you would like to gather more information regarding this type of energy before making any decisions.
Whatever the case is, it’s always recommendable to get yourself familiar with it and find some useful information online, since, unfortunately, there are still lots of misconceptions when it comes to it.
But don’t worry. This article will offer nothing but the truth, so if you want to better understand it, then just keep reading, because we put together a list of facts that is surely very interesting and informative.
All You Need To Know About Solar Energy
Solar Energy Is A Renewable Power Source
Solar energy is the cost-effective, clean, renewable power source that can be exploited practically anywhere in the world, meaning at any location where the sunlight touches the surface of the earth. Now, since this type of energy comes from the sun, it means that it is an endless source of power.
Furthermore, renewable energy technologies produce electricity from resources that are interminable. Sunlight can never be destroyed, which goes to show that we will always be able to turn it into electricity.
Solar Energy & Solar Panels
But what are they exactly? Let’s put it this way – they represent devices that are utilized to absorb sunlight and then turn it into heat or electricity. A majority of solar panels are made up employing crystalline silicon solar cells.
What’s great about them is the fact that they are clean and do not cause any pollution, plus those who install them, help in fighting against harmful emissions of greenhouse gasses and at the same time, help decrease global warnings.
Another great thing about them is that, with their help, you will drastically decrease electric costs. So if all of this sounds appealing to you, and you’re considering installing solar panels, then you should find a reputable solar installer, go to their website, and collect even more information when it comes to this. Solar panels are always a great choice.
Solar Energy Is Less Expensive Than Fossil Fuels
According to some reports, solar energy costs around 4.3 cents per kWh, which means that it is cheaper than practically every other alternative for new fossil-fuel power plants. Namely, the least expensive option when it comes to fossil fuel is natural gas, which is somewhere between 4.2 and 7.8 cents per kWh.
Depending on the place where you’re looking (regarding the production of solar energy) it is highly likely that it’s much cheaper than diesel, coal, nuclear, and natural gas.
Our Planet Receives Enough Sunlight In One Hour To Power Humanity For One Year
Recently, Conserve Energy Future stated that the upper atmosphere gets around 174 petawatts of solar radiation. Seventy percent of this is absorbed by oceans, clouds, and landmasses, while the rest goes into outer space.
This just goes to show that our planet gets enough sunlight in only one hour to provide solar energy for an entire year. For the time being, we are not able to fully receive this much insolation, however, the potential to grip more sunlight and turn it into renewable, clean energy is actually massive.
Solar Power Plants Can Last For Forty Year, Or Even More
When a solar power plant is made, it is normally backed by a power purchase contract with a consumer (homeowner, business, utility) that lasts up to twenty-five years. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that these plants are not going to last longer.
On the contrary, many experts suggest that solar panels can last even up to fifty years and that the infrastructure that surrounds them is actually extremely valuable. Furthermore, these panels can even be replaced with very effective modules without spending too much money, which can positively affect their performance, but once the infrastructure is built and a site is restored, a solar power plant can actually have a very long and efficient lifespan.
Extremely Popular In The USA
It seems like more and more people are starting to see the benefits of solar energy, especially in the United States. For instance, in the first quarter of 2020, solar installers have installed eighty percent more solar panels than they did in 2019. What’s interesting is the fact that this country has become the fourth biggest solar market in the world.
Now it’s easy to understand Ancient Greeks and their huge love for the Helios, the Sun God. How can you not love the sun when it’s providing us with heat, warmth, and energy? We hope that things are now a bit clearer after reading this article.