Facts About Solar Energy
Facts About Solar Energy
As the price of oil rises, and with it the cost of electricity we are finally starting to see the advantages of solar energy, but are you getting all the facts about solar energy? Not only is solar energy free (after cost of equipment), it is never going to run out and has no negative environmental impact. If we are really interested in saving the planet then solar energy would make a huge difference towards cutting back on our greenhouse gas emissions. Now if you were to get an electric car, and power it from a battery charged by a solar panel that would really be something!!
Some people are under the misconception that there isn’t enough energy from the sun to power everything, boy are they wrong. In fact, the energy (in the form of light) from the sun that hits the earth in 1 hour is enough to fill every human being’s electricity demands for an entire year. Imagine if that could be done, well at least we are making progress.
Right now solar energy accounts for a mere 1% of energy creation in the United States, the majority of the rest is coal-fired energy which is responsible for pumping billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Not only does the creation of energy create pollution, but the harvesting of coal in the United States has ruined millions of acres of precious wildlife areas, leveled mountains and polluted streams. Even so-called clean hydroelectricity has been responsible for disrupting many a habitat.
For this to change we have to realize that solar power can fill our energy demands, and that the initial cost is far outweighed by the benefits of clean energy for life. While solar panels and accessories can cost a fair bit, they last for decades which mean that you will earn your investment back many times over.
Many will argue that solar energy is not ‘clean’, because pollution is created in the manufacturing and shipping of solar panels, batteries, and other components. This is true, however within the first year the amount of carbon dioxide that is not put in the air due to the use of solar energy from the panel and components makes up for this, whereas coal-fired energy continues to poison the planet year after year.
Not only is solar power clean, but it is also quiet, something that can’t be said for power plants, hydro dams or even wind turbines. The solar panels just sit and quietly collect energy then send it to a battery for storage or directly into your home for immediate use. Today’s solar panels are quite attractive and easily mount on any roof, or can be place in racks wherever there is a consistently sunny location.
Solar power is the future, and as new technologies are discovered it will become more affordable to convert your entire home to clean solar energy. The best way to save money and help care for the environment is to start now, even if it is only one panel to charge your cell phone. Every little bit makes a difference.
