Solar power is the largest renewable energy source worldwide. With 120,000 terawatts of solar energy entering the earth daily, there is a lot of power to work with for commercial and residential energy needs combined. There is still potential for the continued growth of solar energy over the coming decades, especially reducing the carbon footprint you leave on the earth.
Understanding Solar Energy and How It Works
There is often a great deal of fear with the potential of the residential solar panel to provide a valuable amount of energy in the home on a regular basis. With many short days of sunlight throughout the year and the rainy seasons where the sun is not out very much, consumer concern exists for the value of solar energy. So, there are a number of details about these systems to remember when considering the choice of residential solar panels, or commercial solar energy as well. Certain features of solar power systems can help increase the amount of energy that remains available when sunlight is less than expected.
Solar Energy for Commercial and Residential Use
Considering the greatest energy waste to be in the heating and cooling of your home, with over half of utility bills spent on heating and cooling, an investment in solar power for HVAC is a good cost reduction option. Heat can be gained and lost at rates up to 30% during different seasons, increasing the amount of energy that is wasted through running the heating and cooling systems. Considering the amount of energy wasted from the use of fossil fuels, as well as the greater lifetime energy yield of the solar power system, there is much to be gained from the installation of solar panels. Solar companies continue generating both commercial and residential solar panels, and with the increased research and proof of the benefits solar energy the market has increased.
Installation of Solar Panels and the Use of Solar Energy
Many technological developments have come regarding solar and other renewable energy systems. Due to reduced costs, solar panel installation has increased greatly over the past two decades, with the potential for continued growth in this industry. Solar companies are generating residential solar panels, and with the increased research and proof of the benefits solar energy the market has increased.
See the Growth of Solar Energy
With over a million homes in the United States already using solar panels for energy, there is much to consider with the benefit this has on the power grid. Some of the numbers of existing homes with solar panels installed include:
- Solar panel costs have fallen by about 99% since 1977, from $77 per watt to $0.21 per watt
- With solar energy as the most useful renewable source on earth, it holds great potential
- Almost 40% of new electrical production installed in 2016 was solar energy
- Solar panels are known to last about 30 years after installation
With the benefit of sustainability to the earth and everyone’s lives, there is much to consider in regard to using solar energy. There is much to be said for the amount of additional power that is generated, the fact that it can be stored, and eventually combined for the benefit of an overall renewable energy source for all communities. Solar panels with the combination of battery backup help to keep these solar power systems continually providing energy to homes and businesses. We also have the ability to reduce the carbon footprint upon the earth by slowly moving away from fossil fuels. Although it may take a bit of a challenge to launch the initial purchase and installation of solar power, there is much to be gained when it is added to any location.
