Can We Rely Solely on Solar Panels Electricity?
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.
Why are not people interested in using these green energy resources? Name solar energy, for example. You can find a wide range of applications but most of us seem to neglect it. To understand this issue better we have to put together all pros and cons of the solar technology 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 also produce electricity quietly because there are no moving parts involved in the energy conversion process. When there is no fossil fuels burned there will be zero pollution emitted as well. Think of how much we can save money and at the same time keep our earth green.
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.
Solar generators also have some cons. One of the major issues is you have to spend a lot of money to buy the solar kits. Although the solar energy is provided free by nature the system itself is not free. You have to buy the solar panels, inverter, charge controller and solar batteries – especially if you live in an area without power lines – plus some other related accessories. Due to this pricey cost you can only expect ROI years after installing the unit.
There are some other factors that affect the solar panels performance. You can expect the panels to produce maximum electricity during full sunny days only. Clouds and winter season will obviously reduce the electricity generated. Pollutants and dirt deposited on top of the panels’glass cover will also reduce the panels output. Don’t forget that you have to spare some space for the solar panels. The more electricity you need the bigger area they will occupy your yard. Whenever possible you should get them roof mounted.
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.
Nowadays solar panels electricity alone can’t replace the fossil fueled electricity. We need to find a highly efficient and better solar panel technology to make it happen. However this should never discourage you because technology is always improving and the solar kits production cost will be lower in the future. There is no doubt that solar energy – together with other forms of green energy – will soon replace the fossil fueled energy. Solar panels electricity may not be a perfect solution for everybody but if you are living in a remote area where no power lines available you definitely need to consider this option.
