One of the most important commodities in the world today is energy. It is something that is crucial to the world economies, businesses, and even individuals. No one can do without it. There are various sources of energy and they are either renewable or not. Common sources of non-renewable energy include sources such as petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, coal, hydrocarbon gas liquids, biomass, etc. Renewable energy sources include wind, hydropower, hydroelectric, tidal, solar, etc. You can read more about it in this article.
Solar energy is a very abundantly available and cheap source of renewable energy. It is effective and practically inexhaustible. Many nations are now encouraging and embracing its use because of its numerous benefits one of which is its abundant supply. Other than this, it is also a clean source that does not require very sophisticated technology that will cost millions of dollar to install.
The energy obtained from the sun is typically called solar power. Sunlight is converted directly to electricity through the use of photovoltaics (PV) panels, indirectly by concentrated solar power or through a combination of the two methods.
Concentrated solar power makes use of solar tracking systems, lenses, or mirrors to focus a large concentration of sunlight unto a small area and this is converted to electric current. Photovoltaic cells, usually called solar panels, convert sunlight to electric current by the use of the photovoltaic effect.
Where Can Solar Panels Be Used?
Much like most other sources of energy, power from the sun can be used in various ways as long as the sun is available where it is needed which is practically everywhere in the world. Some of its applications include:
- Residential uses.
- Commercial and industrial uses.
- Municipalities.
- Street lighting for roads, highways, bridges, and car parks.
- Electric car charging points.
- In development projects.
You can find a number of different ways this source of energy can be used around the home here: https://www.thespruce.com/top-solar-energy-uses-1152263
Reasons to Install Solar Panels
Installing photovoltaic panels come with many benefits and below are some of this
Environmentally Friendly
Installing photovoltaic panels is a great source of clean as well as green energy. It is an awesome way of reducing your carbon footprint. A solar system installation can offset about 178 tons of carbon in over 30 years and this is equivalent to planting trees on more than 10 football pitches. This means that compared to other forms of energy such as coal and oil which contribute to global warming, solar power is clean and does not negatively affect the environment. It is safe, easy to use and does not cause any kind of pollution.
Low Maintenance
Solar panels do not require much maintenance. This is added to the fact that most suppliers provide you with up to 25 years warranty on panels. Once they are fitted, you can sit back and enjoy using them. There is no need for checking on or monitoring them. There is no need for professional maintenance or servicing. All you have to do is occasionally clean them, keeping them free from snow and leaves.
Energy Bill Savings
Energy bills are one of the highest expenses most homes face. You need the energy to do a lot of things around your commercial or residential building so by installing these panels, you will be able to drastically reduce this cost because you can get off the grid. Almost annually, the price of residential electricity goes up but when you use solar power, you can be independent as you do not have to connect to the grid and be subjected to this.
Although the initial outlay of getting solar panels installed may be higher than connecting to the national grid, over time, you would have spent less, saving on your energy bill. Furthermore, you will be protected against the unpredictable increases in the cost of electricity. The only thing you need consistently is the sun and you do not have to pay for that. Even if you live in an area where the sun is not in massive abundance or not fully available, it is possible to store some of the energy for the proverbial raining days. Interestingly, even during cloudy days, these photovoltaic panels can still draw energy that can be used to power your home.
Increase the Value of Your Home
When you install solar panels, it automatically improves the value of your home as potential buyers will be willing to pay more. This makes it a viable investment as it can help you quickly take your home off the market because it will sell fast. It has been said by experts that they increase the value of a building by as much as 6%. One reason for this is knowledge that there will be reduced the energy bills. Even when electricity tariffs increase. It will in no way impact you or anyone taking over the property.
You are in Control
Normally, electricity is transported from big power plants where they are generated and sent via extensive networks to end consumers who are connected to the grid. As a result of this long distance over which power is transmitted, there is a resultant power loss which can affect the amount of power that finally reaches you. When it comes to installing photovoltaic panels, you are in charge of your electricity supply which results in efficiency in supply. Added to this, there is little or no chance of interruption in supply as solar power systems are long-lasting as well as durable and they hardly have any issues.
Want to learn more about solar panels or looking to install them you can check here for some professional help.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to using solar energy as a source of energy as well as installing photovoltaic panels that you will need in drawing the power of the sun to convert into your use. It is effective, efficient, abundant, inexhaustible and clean. It can also be used in various applications including in residential and commercial buildings. One of the most interesting and enjoyable parts is the freedom that it brings. You are not subjected to waiting on others for your supply of electricity and it is possible that you even get a tax credit for installing them.
