Solar Power- Can it be done at home?
So if every single hour the sun shines on to Planet Earth provides more energy than what we need per year, at 7.7 billion people, why are most of us still not powering our houses with solar energy? Is it that hard to take the leap?
Let us guide you through the basics of utilizing the beams of this colossal star to create energy.
How does solar energy work?
Most solar technologies work by installing a series of photovoltaic (PV) cells – also known as solar panels – which convert the incoming photons – or particles of light – into electricity. Because this electricity comes in the form of Direct Current, it is later transformed into Alternating Current – the type we use at home to power devices – by an inverter.
For more insight into the technical workings of solar panels, make sure to watch TED-Ed’s videoon the topic.
Aside from the photovoltaic method mentioned above, there are a few others such as the Solar Heating and Cooling and Concentrating Solar Power techniques that are most commonly used in larger solar power plant operations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Solar power is basically a limitless fuel source that barely produces pollution and is, most of the times, noise free. It is also a low maintenance and constantly developing technology that is likely to see meaningful advances in upcoming years.
The biggest advantage offered by solar power, however, is perhaps the independence and empowerment that derives from being able to produce one’s own energy. This clean energy source makes the need of having to be connected to a larger electrical grid in order to have an energy supply completely obsolete… and with this goes the irritating energy bills.
On the other hand, solar power does present high initial costs and a relatively long Return of Investment that may vary from 5 to 10 years. Bear in mind that these figures depend on many factors including the access or not to tax incentives and government subsidies.
The panels are weather dependent, which means that they will generate less energy during cloudy days and will completely stop generating energy at night. Thus, batteries – which are usually expensive – are needed for energy storage. Also, a lot of space is needed to install solar panels, and the larger the structure to be powered the more panels needed.
Lastly, solar technology does contain hazardous materials similar to those found in electronic devices. Pollution associated with these materials, however, are substantially lower than that of other sources of alternative energy and, naturally, than that of fossil fuels.
ProsCons Limitless source of energy High initial costsLittle pollutionLong ROINoiselessWeather-dependent energy
production Low maintenanceBatteries are necessary for energy
storage Highly developing technologyPollution associated with
hazardous materialsEnergy independence and security Tax incentives and government
subsidies
Is it feasible for households to switch to solar power?
The most honest answer to this question is that it will depend on factors such as the household’s geographic location, whether or not its residents will be living there long-term, whether or not they have access to tax credits or government subsidies, and so on.
Nonetheless, there is an eye-opening element to be considered by everyone when it comes to the question of adopting solar power or not, and this is the fact that whereas inflation will drive the price of everyone’s electricity bill up every year, technological innovations in the solar industry will drive their prices down.
As an example, go ahead and watch Two Bit da Vinci’s video about Is Solar Worth It? 5 Years Later With Solar Panels.
Another element to consider is that, although financial incentives are available right now, they are most likely to decrease as solar energy becomes more popular.
For those of you who are wondering about putting solar panels in their house, read Time’s article on the subject.
Harnessing the Rays of the Sun
Solar energy is a technology that can change the way energy is supplied across the world. It is limitless, easy to maintain, and provides independence and empowerment to its users. Also, the annual increase in cost of the electricity bill, in pair with the decrease in cost of solar technologies also makes it an opportunity that’s hard to overlook.
by: Maria André