Is Solar Energy Right For You?
The products of solar energy are around us everywhere we go. Our food, water, and organic materials were all derived using solar energy in some form. It is for good measure to ask ourselves, then, “why should we be using solar energy to fuel our homes?”
The answers to this question are simple. There is no other source of energy on the planet more reliable than solar energy. When is the last time you woke up in the morning and there was no Sun?
Equally important we must consider the cost of fuel. Solar energy passes this test, also, because it will cost you zero. Once the equipment is in place, the Sun will keep it going each and every day! Pure and simple.
So what if your photovoltaic system is only 12% efficient, or your solar collectors absorb only 70% of the available heat? The truth is, your energy source is free! No gas stations, no utility bills, no black-outs, and no ups and downs with the economy. Once you’ve placed your solar energy system in service, there are no recurring fuel costs. All that could take you down would be a volcanic cloud or weeks of unstoppable rain.
The difficulties in using solar energy are with selecting the right application and the right equipment. How much does a solar energy system cost and how difficult is it to integrate? How simple or elaborate should it be? In my location, is solar energy right for me? Here we present a few straight forward answers to help your case.
People who live in locations with a regular pattern of sun, absolutely you should use solar energy. You could be saving money and helping the environment all in one.
If your climate tends to be cloudy and rainy most of the time, then probably solar energy is not for you. Coastal climates and northern winters tend to be tough for this. But this does not mean you should not investigate, there may still be some opportunity.
Passive solar heating refers to making hot water and heating your home. If you are in a good solar climate, then you should consider installing these systems. They do not cost much and can be simple to integrate.
Another popular form of solar energy is Photovoltaic (PV) electricity. These semi-conductor panels will convert solar radiation into useful electricity. It is true that there is a significant manufacturing investment in making PV panels, and they can cost some money. So the decision to make PV electricity should be more carefully considered.
The more efficiently you use electricity, then the more Photovoltaic energy is right for you. PV systems can involve significant up front costs, but they will pay themselves off over the long run. This time period for payoff depends on your Utility’s electrical rate, and the amount of electricity you plan to use. In certain States experiencing high electrical rates, such as California (which has a lot of Sun), absolutely a solar energy system could be right for you.
If you are developing a new property that has no electrical transmission cables, then solar energy systems may be right for you too. The money saved in routing transmission cable may pay for your solar energy system in itself.
There is one more possibility with solar energy - emergency reserve capability. If you were ever involved in a natural disaster, then how great would it be to generate your own heat and electricity? Simply turn on your inverter system and ride it through.
The truth is, mankind is making good progress with solar energy technology. By engaging in independent and gridless energy systems, we can save a little money, help improve our environment, and set a good example for our kids. It is not such a bad idea to simplify our existence.
