Sun Energy Can Be Used More Frequently

By Parker Kenny


There has been an upsurge of interest in alternative power sources in the last decade. It is no longer out of reach of the average homeowner. A roof full of photovoltaic panels in a moderate to hot climate can provide all the power needed in the home, with some left over. Solar energy is free to use after the initial investment.



The energy generated by photovoltaic panels functions the same as that generated by oil, for example. Each installation remains functional for twenty five years on average. The initial investment pays off over time.

The high cost of the panels and installation is steadily going down. Apparently this technology has a sunny future to look forward to. Electricity is produced in a direct way by this system. Another feature is the low cost of maintenance.

There is no noise with this method of generating electricity. Sometimes wind power, generated by windmills, can make a disturbing amount of noise. Thus, the sun power is preferred because it does not present a noise problem in heavily populated cities where the homes are built close together.

The installation of solar photovoltaic panels on a home may be eligible for a subsidy. This may come in the form of a cash rebate or a tax credit. This makes investing in this alternate power source system even more attractive. Everyone wants to save money.

In the city of boston solar energy may be collected on panels installed on the roof or sometimes on the ground. The installation does not detract from the beauty of the homes exterior. There are no moving parts.

Relying on this particular source of electricity can be problematic if there is no sun. On cloudy days energy will have to come from a grid. The homeowner will want to have both capabilities to make sure there is enough electricity.

An Inverter must be added to the system when the homeowner wants to convert direct electricity to the alternating type. Both Inverters and batteries are needed to ensure a continuous supply. A homeowner may need extra coverage on the homeowners insurance.

When the rays of the sun reach the surface of the Earth, the Earth absorbs about fifty percent. About thirty percent is going to be reflected back into the atmosphere. Each time the sun takes the place of fossil fuels, it is beneficial to the planet.

Each 10 kw photovoltaic panel can generate approximately 17,000 kwh on an annual basis. That prevents 7 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being dissipated into the air. It is as much as 2.3 cars emit each year.

Other comparisons are helpful in gaining an understanding of how power from the sun is good for the planet. For example, the 17,000 kw are equal to CO2 emissions from the power used for a household in a year. It is also the equivalent of the CO2 resulting from burning 27.3 barrels of oil.

The rays of the sun can also be stored and used as thermal energy. For example, it can be used in some heating systems. One of them is the under-floor heating elements. Another is for air conditioning systems.

Even children can understand the benefits of replacing sun power for fossil fuel whenever possible. Their future and the future of their children will be greatly enhanced by the further development of solar power. PV storage units are an ever-growing item to preserve and improve our environment.




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