Some Facts about Solar Panels Electricity
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by: JoanT.Ritzborough | Total views: 145 | Word Count: 561
In 2006 the Energy Information Administration estimated around 86 percent of the total world's primary energy was shared by fossil fuels, a non-renewable energy resources that took millions of years to form. It is a pity that renewable energy resources such as wind, solar and geothermal contributed less than one percent only.
What makes people reluctantly switch to the green energy, especially the solar energy? To answer this question first we have to compare the pros vs. cons of the solar application itself.
It is a fact that solar energy is free, we won't need to worry about its availability because it can be found in most of places around the globe. Let us start with this pro.
Solar panels electricity conversion emits zero noise thanks to no moving parts used in the system. It also has zero air pollution due to no fossil fuels involved in the process. No fossil fuels needed means a huge cost saving while at the same time we can keep our environment clean.
Some states applied net metering policy that will benefit the owners of the solar generators. Any unused electricity left after the household consumption can be sold to the utility company. Because the solar panels electricity is grid-tied it will be taken by the grid causing the meter to spin backwards. If the solar electricity generation is troubled the grid can supply the electricity needed at anytime.
OK, now let's look at the main con. Solar energy is free but you need to spend an initial cost to process the energy. Be prepared to buy parts such as solar panels, inverter, solar charge controller and batteries if you prefer to have it off-grid plus other accessories needed. This is not a small amount of money and normally the electricity generated can pay the initial cost back after some years since its initial day.
The other drawback is in order to have the solar panels produce electricity at its full capacity it needs full sun exposure. You will not get the maximum capacity during cloudy days or in winter season. And because the panels are covered by a transparent glass pane heavy air pollutants and dirt may deposit on the glass surface and reduce the sunlight absorption. The solar panels also occupy your space so ideally they should be installed on your roof unless you have a lot of space available in your own yard. More power demand means bigger space occupation, pretty straight forward.
When you decide to store the solar panels electricity in batteries there is another issue you need to consider. Solar batteries - just like other batteries - are highly toxic. Therefore you have to strictly follow the local regulation to dispose them of.
Solar panels electricity is one of the most possible energy in the future but hoping it to totally phase out the fossil fuels will still take years to materialize. However you shouldn't be pessimistic because solar cell technology has been improved a lot and we can expect soon the solar kits and installation cost will be more affordable. The fossil fuels is depleting and we must choose other alternatives which are friendly to the environment and at the same time are provided free by nature. Maybe right now it is not a good solution for everybody but if you are living out there without power lines this can be your perfect solution.
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Make sure you visit solarcost.org to read more information about solar panels electricity and other relevant articles related to the solar energy.
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