Solar energy is one of the sources of renewable energy that can be used to generate electricity for our usage. As the name suggests, it is energy harnessed from sun’s rays. The energy from the sun’s rays is then converted to usable electricity via solar panels.
There are many advantages of solar energy that can be incorporated into our daily activities and I have summarised them below.
Why Solar Energy?
Renewable Energy Source
As the name “renewable” suggests, solar energy is readily available and present everywhere in virtually unlimited supplies. So if the area permits, you can generate electricity from the sun by installing solar panels.
Generates Zero Pollutants
There is no burning and so no emission of fumes is involved when solar energy is utilised to generate electricity.
Plethora of Usages for Solar Energy for Different Environment
Solar energy powered heater for showers and swimming pool/spa, cooking and also landscape lighting; power facilities that are not connected to the grid; pumps for irrigation purposes; road signs and remote gates; navigational systems, buoys; DC (direct current) electrical motors.
Enhancing of Property Value
In an economical point of view, installation of solar systems in properties will also add to its value as developers can advertise it as being green housing. This industry will also create jobs and add to economic growth especially for countries like China that contributes to 70% of the world’s solar hot water collectors. This economic aspect is one of the advantages of solar energy.
Solar energy can be installed and utilised in various forms; from small projects like hot water and purification systems to large scale solar condenser power generators. Active government support is also one of the advantages of solar power; there are mandates to incorporate solar hot water technology in new buildings in countries especially Germany’s Renewable Heating Law that require at least 20 % renewable heating for new residential buildings.
Goverment Incentives
Other perks include tax incentives and credits that have been successful in the support of the solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and PV cells rooftop programs. Advances in technology have also reduced the cost of PV cells; since December 2009, the prices of the PV cells modules from USD 3.50 per watt to below USD 2.00 per watt of power generated.
Readily Available Solar Energy Kits
DIY projects for the enthusiasts involving solar technology are also available online in the form of ready-made kits and e-books like Earth for Energy that teaches you to assemble your own solar panel with clear diagrams. Such projects are perfect for family bonding and this is one such green project that you can also involve your kids!
However, to make it an even more well-rounded effort, you might even want to combine both solar and wind energy together to make it a well-rounded and more complete way to save on utility bills and save the Earth at the same time. Therefore since the advantages of solar energy are many, it is a worthwhile effort for you to install solar energy technology in your homes.
Some Recent Advances in Solar Energy
New PV cell generates electricity from UV and IR light. (accessed 15th June 2012)
GizMag (April 14, 2010) - Kyoto Institute of Technology researchers have introduced a new photovoltaic cell that is capable of generating electricity not just from visible light, but also from ultraviolet and infrared. The research group, led by associate professor Saki Sonoda, hopes that it wil result in a more efficient PV cell that can be single-junction rather than the more traditional multi-junction.
Highly transparent solar cells for windows that generate electricity. (accessed 21st July 2012).
ScienceDaily (July 20, 2012) - Researchers from UCLA have developed a new transparent solar cell that can potentially allow the generation of electricity by windows in homes and buildings while still allowing a view outside. This advance also paves the way for such solar cells as add-on components for portable electronics, smart windows and other applications.
(Last Updated 21st July 2012)
Advantages of Solar Energy is a post from: Green Energy Helps
