The Facts about Solar Energy

While scientists disagree over whether the shift towards green technology will cause an economic boom or be more of a gradual shift, everyone agrees that a move towards renewable clean energy sources is inevitable. The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth is more than 200 times the amount needed globally to provide all our energy needs. While not all of this can be harnessed, enough solar energy can be produced to reduce our dependence upon other more damaging sources of energy. Solar energy is cheaper, kinder to the environment and is not dependent upon imported commodities from other nations, such as coal, gas and oil.

How Solar Energy Works

Solar panels mounted on the roof of your home will convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC) power. This DC power is sent to an inverter which converts the DC power into AC power, the same type of electricity that is supplied to you by the electric utility grid. The inverter sends the power to the electrical load center panel which in turn distributes the power to the electrical loads in your home.

The good news about installing solar panels is that when your solar energy system produces power in excess of your requirements, the surplus power will flow into the electric power grid through the dual meter provided when your solar energy system is installed. It records the credits with your electric utility company. Conversely, when your energy needs exceed your solar power system’s production or during the hours of darkness, the electric utility grid will provide you with electricity. Solar energy is a great source of self-renewable and abundant energy that will never run out.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

Government subsidies can substantially reduce the cost of installing a solar energy system. As electricity bills continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation, installing a solar energy system makes good economic sense.

Generating electricity from solar energy reduces the consumption of fossil fuels, decreasing pollution and reducing emissions which are blamed for global warming. Installing a 5KW solar energy system reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 0.8 acres of trees or the amount produced by driving a car for 12,441 miles per year. For those serious about playing their part in preserving the environment, installing a solar energy system has a significant beneficial impact on the environment, making solar power a positive action both economically and ecologically.