Solar energy is the process of converting sunlight into thermal or electrical energy. It is a renewable source of power that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Every hour, enough sunlight hits Earth`s surface to fulfill global energy needs for an entire year. But how do we harness that energy?
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It`s completely free
Many companies offering free or low cost solar panels advertise these programs under the banner of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. These programs enable the company to install solar panels on your roof for no upfront cost.
They then charge you a monthly fee for the electricity these panels produce. This is the same rate that you`d pay for electricity from your utility.
Despite the misleading marketing, there are still many incentives available that can make solar systems more affordable. For example, the 30% federal solar tax credit is a significant reduction in your taxes.
Many utility companies offer net metering. This allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back into the grid to receive energy credits for use in low-sunny periods. These programs can dramatically reduce your monthly energy costs and make solar an attractive option for your home.
It is clean
Solar power is one the most eco-friendly renewable energy sources. It decreases fossil fuel consumption and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The technology converts sunlight into different types of energy, including electricity or heat. This flexible renewable energy source can be used for distributed generation (where it is located at the point-of-use) or utility-scale solar + power plants.
When the sun shines, photons of light are absorbed by semiconducting silicon material in solar panels. The atoms in the silicon react to create direct current (DC) electricity, which is sent to the system`s inverter.
However, solar panels can contain complex chemicals such as copper indium selenide, cadmium gallium selenide, and hexafluoroethane, which can be hazardous to both humans and the environment. These compounds can seep into soil and water when panels are disposed off in landfills. This could potentially cause contamination of drinking water.
It`s renewable
Solar power is one of the most sustainable renewable energy sources on the planet. It doesn`t release greenhouse gases into the air or contaminate water, making it a clean alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power.
It is also very cost-effective and can be used on a hyperlocal level, such as at the home or business of an individual, without the need for large infrastructure like wind turbines.
In addition, solar is the cleanest form of energy because it doesn`t produce carbon dioxide or other pollutants that cause climate change. It also has the lowest water-consumption footprint of any type of renewable energy.
However, the value of solar energy in terms of avoided greenhouse gas emissions is often overlooked in studies commissioned by electric utilities. These studies usually only consider the energy generated and not the energy used to power the grid.
It`s reliable
Solar power is an efficient and reliable source of electricity. It can help homeowners cut their electricity bills and even eliminate them altogether, especially when combined with energy storage.
The most popular method to harness solar energy is through photovoltaic panels. Each solar cell absorbs sunlight and can contain hundreds or even thousands of cells.
Every photon of sunlight releases electrons that are directed at the metal contacts at each cell`s top and bottom. A voltage then forms between these layers, causing current to flow through the circuit.
This current is then converted into usable electricity by an inverter. It`s important to choose a quality inverter to ensure the reliability of your system and to prevent issues down the line.
Solar power, unlike many other sources of energy such as fossil fuels, is 100% renewable and will not run out any time soon. It also has no negative environmental impact.