Saturday, January 23, 2010

Why Use Solar Energy?


By Walter Hull

Chances are, you are already using solar energy in a variety of forms. It is the primary fuel source in the creation of food, fresh water, petroleum, and wood. The question we propose is "why use solar energy to power your homes"? Is it realistic for generating useful heat and electricity?

The answer is that solar radiation is the most reliable source of energy that we know. It is there each and every day. Almost nothing is for certain in life they say, except death and taxation. But most of us would probably bet with 99.99% certainty that tomorrow we will have the 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.

Yes, it is true that solar energy systems are not the most efficient. But you will be using the lowest costing and most reliable fuel source on the planet. No monthly charges, and no swings in the markets. And most important for some us, we are covered when there are power outages, emergencies, and large storms.

Selecting the right solar energy system for your home can be challenging at the start. What are the best choices for your location? What should we consider when sizing the equipment? Is solar energy really right for me? Here are a few answers to guide the way.

If you live in locations with good amounts of sun, then your prospects for energy independence are good. In addition, you could be saving money and promoting a cleaner environment. The decision is not so difficult.

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.

When it comes to making heat and hot water with solar energy - absolutely. We call this passive solar heating. These are low cost systems that can be designed directly into your business or home. The designs for passive solar heating systems can be relatively simple and inexpensive.

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.

If your household or business consumes lots of electricity then solar power is hard to justify. This is where local Utilities are good, they can kick out the juice for all the high power users and the heavy duty industries. But if you are simple in life and efficient in how you use energy, then the up-front cost of solar power can pay off over time. It could be as little as 5 years depending on the electrical rate of your local utility (i.e. California)

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.

Emergency reserve energy systems are another potential benefit with solar energy. A person could charge a large bank of batteries and keep them on standby. When it comes to emergency reserve energy, for some of us the cost is no element. We just want to be covered in times of natural disaster.

We should and could be making great strides in cutting greenhouse emissions and capturing energy from the Sun. If it's there then let's use it. Whether for heating your house, your hot water, or making electricity, solar energy solutions can be both a money saving and environmentally friendly path toward energy independence.

About the Author:


You like it? Share it!


0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home