Besides the obvious benefits of using solar energy in the home, there are other reasons to install a solar array. Installing solar panels on a roof can add value to a home and reduce electricity bills, and the trend towards “green” living means there’s a growing demand for homes powered by renewable sources. Moreover, installing solar panels is relatively easy to finance through a mortgage, making solar a more affordable option than ever.
A few specific advantages of solar PV as an energy source include its ability to generate power with no pollution or greenhouse gases, and its scalability. Although silicon is abundant in the Earth’s crust, the other materials required for the production of PV systems will limit its growth. Other major constraints include lack of labor and competition for land. However, the benefits of solar energy to make this energy source a viable supplemental source of electricity in most latitudes.
The strength of solar energy varies according to the day of the year, the latitude of the location of collection, and the shape of the object. The intensity of solar energy varies greatly, depending on how far it reaches the Earth. The solar radiation in a region with cloud cover reduces its production during nighttime. Moreover, clouds block the Sun’s rays, thus reducing the amount of energy that solar panels can absorb in a single day.
The growth in solar power capacity is significant. Solar and wind energy projects account for the majority of the world’s increase in electrical capacity. In fact, China leads the way in solar power capacity expansion. Its photovoltaic installations already generate 3.9 percent of the country’s energy needs. Germany and Australia have the highest solar power capacity per capita. So, if you want to generate electricity and power for thousands of people, you should consider solar energy.
Solar panels are becoming more efficient, and their cost is decreasing as well. They are durable, lasting for more than 25 years without losing any efficiency. Additionally, the materials used in solar panels are increasingly being recycled. Humans started harnessing solar energy as early as the 7th century B.C., by reflecting the sun’s rays onto shiny objects. The Greeks used mirrors to harness solar power in religious ceremonies. There are many reasons to invest in solar power.
The sun’s heat and light are free, and their radiation can be collected via photovoltaic technologies. In fact, an hour of sunlight can supply enough energy for the entire world’s energy needs for a year. Photovoltaic panels are widely available and can be used to power solar-powered homes and businesses. The cost of solar energy has dropped by 45 percent since 2016 – a huge advantage. This cost decrease is expected to continue in the future.
The amount of energy received by the earth’s surface depends on several factors, including the angle of the sun, cloud cover, and the amount of dust and water vapor on the ground. On average, less than half of the solar radiation reaches the earth’s surface, and the rest is absorbed by the atmosphere or reflected back into space. The solar constant is approximately 1.37 106 ergs/cm2/sec. This translates into about 2 calories per square cent of the surface area.
There are several advantages of solar power, and it can reduce energy bills and offset air pollution. Additionally, it can reduce the number of people dependent on fossil fuels. Solar power is also a viable option for remote areas where there is no electricity grid. Solar power also creates thousands of new green jobs each year. A solar array installed on a roof can provide power to a home that does not have a connection to the grid. With so many benefits, it’s worth a look.
Although solar power doesn’t generate electricity all day, its high production during the summer corresponds to the highest demand for electricity during the summer months. In fact, solar power is highest during the summer when air conditioners consume most of the electricity. This corresponds to the overall demand for electricity in hot climates. Its popularity has led to the construction of many utility-scale solar installations, which are sometimes located on unsuitable areas. Solar energy also enables homes and businesses to sell back excess electricity to the grid and earn payments or bill credits.
A solar panel’s capacity is measured in watts. Often, its theoretical output is 15% to 30% of its theoretical output. Consequently, an average solar array may only produce about 3,942 kWh of electricity per year. These are the equivalent of one-third of the average electricity consumption of a U.S. household. As technology improves, solar panels will become more affordable and more accessible to homeowners. The government often offers reduced taxes to people who choose to install solar arrays on their roofs.