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Discover the benefits and facts about solar energy

The facts about solar energy are these: using solar energy is by no means new to the human race- having glass windows, drying clothes outside etc. are all ways of harnessing solar energy for free. However, the invention of an actual solar collector for commercial use did not come until the 1950’s. 

The definition of solar energy is simple: solar energy is the energy emitted from the light of the sun. The light effect from the sun, measured at a 90° angle to the distance of Earth is 1367 W/m². This energy is constant as can be harnessed efficiently and gently on sunny days. 

Every year the sun generates thousands of times more energy than is necessary for all human consumption while also providing enough energy to take care of all of nature. Solar power is often criticized for being unprofitable and too difficult to use. However, many believe that it is research in the field that is lacking and that with the right brains on the case, solar energy could be the answer to many of the world’s environmental issues, if we can learn to fully understand how solar energy works.

solar diagramTwo of the most obvious benefits of capturing the sun’s rays to produce energy are the fact that the sun provides energy for free, and that solar panels generate zero CO2 emissions.  The potential of the sun to power our planet remains largely unexploited because of our current over-reliance on fossil fuels.  

As these fossil fuel supplies are slowly dwindling and their price is skyrocketing, it may be time to put more money into research on solar power and other green forms of energy. This would lead to a drastic decrease in CO2 emissions and pollution, while at the same time utilizing the largest free source of energy available- the sun.  

We can help you to get started on learning abot solar power with some solar energy diagrams that clearly outline the entire process of generating energy through the use of the sun.

These are the most obvious facts about solar energy, but they are far from the only benefits:

  • “Free” energy obtained from the sun’s rays

  • Produces clean, emission free energy
  • Save money on or eliminate your electric bill completely
  • Almost entirely maintenance free after installation
  • Independent from the power grid means no blackouts
  • Can provide power 24 hours a day due to solar battery chargers
  • Can be used anywhere

Free Energy from the Sun’s Rays

Solar panels produce solar thermal energy directly from harnessing the energy from the sun.  They can be especially effective in very sunny areas, although they can still be effective even in more cloudy areas. This energy is constantly available whenever the sun is shining and can provide limitless amounts of free energy depending on the size of the solar panels. 

Produces Clean Energy

Solar energy has been around for centuries: the rich history of solar energy is the best proof that green energy is the best and cleanest way of providing power. It's true for the past, and it will become more and more important in the future.

To illustrate this, have a look at this article on the improvements of solar panel efficiency over the past 60 years. You'll notice that solar panels got smaller in size, but that their output has increased considerably, and will continue to do so in the future.

In modern times, our reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in a huge increase in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that are released into the atmosphere every year. One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it produces absolutely zero emissions of any kind. The only downfall is the large amount of space required for solar panels, which makes them much more difficult to use in some urban environments such as inner cities. 

Eliminate Your Electric Bill

By installing solar panels in your home, you can save a large amount of money on your electric bill, or possible even eliminate your electric bill altogether. Some places even allow you to sell any extra energy created back to the electric company, thus receiving a credit instead of paying money. Although the cost of solar panels initially requires a large start-up, the expense can quickly pay for itself in a matter of years, and even has the opportunity to make you money in the long run.

Maintenance Free Energy Production

Once installed, solar panels require almost no maintenance, and because the energy is being produced directly from the sun’s rays, they also require no additional costs to keep them functioning. A properly installed solar panel can last for several decades without the need for expensive repairs. This only serves to increase the amount of money you can save. Solar panels require no fuel to be added, and don’t need to be turned on or off - they are constantly absorbing the sun’s energy whenever it is sunny out.

Total Energy Independence = No Blackouts

By producing your own energy, you can be completely self-reliant and not have to depend on the electric company for your power needs. This means you can be free of any power outages or blackouts that may affect your neighborhood. It also means that in case of emergency, you can still continue to produce and use energy as long as there is no damage to your solar panels.

Can Provide Energy 24 Hours a Day

Solar energy may be dependent on the energy gained from the sun’s rays, but this doesn’t mean that can only use electricity when the sun is shining. Although no energy is produced when the sun isn’t shining or during the night, this doesn’t mean that no energy can be consumed. Most all solar units come with a self-charging battery unit which is capable of storing several days or weeks worth of energy depending on the size of the battery.

Provide Energy No Matter the Location

Solar panels can be and are installed anywhere and everywhere in the world. They can be installed on the roof of a building in the middle of a city, or in the middle of an open prairie. The only thing that determines where they can be installed is the size of the solar panel itself. Some solar panels are quite large and so require a very large space to install them, so these might not be ideal for many situations such as in the middle of a city. However solar panels come in a variety of sizes to fit almost any space, although the output is limited by the size of the particular panel. Solar panels are almost always installed facing north to take advantage of the sun’s rays most effectively.

Another cool read I recommend is Conserve Energy Future, a well-structured and easy to read site. Be sure to check it out!

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