The Facts About Solar Energy

There are many stories doing the rounds about solar energy, some true and many false. Here we try to sort through them and set the record straight.

For several years, getting the facts about solar energy may have been difficult as the information was sketchy and high technical in nature. Translating much of the information in plain language was not high the list of priorities and many were left in the dark with the facts about solar energy. What was not known was often speculated and people blamed traditional power companies for keeping the information quiet for fear of losing business to the sun.

Like every new technology there are people that believe in it and those that do not. It is no different from solar power and each side uses the facts about solar energy that bolster their view to present to the public. The bottom line, however is that there is a real need to find renewable energy resources as well as to protect the environment from continued pollution. There are a few indisputable facts about solar energy that cannot be ignored if the technology is to be developed for wide-range individual use.

Solar panels are currently available in two basic types, on has the photovoltaic cells that convert the sun’s energy into electricity sandwiched in glass. The other has the cells mounted in this plastic making them lighter and easier to work with. The thin cell solar panels also have improved technology to offer a better use of the sun. Where as the older panels operated at about 15 percent efficiency, some of the new newer thin plastic panels operate closer to 30 percent, at about the same price.

Separate Myths From Facts About Solar Energy

There are some who believe the solar energy is going to be the salvation of mankind’s energy needs. While it offers hope to help wean the nation from fossil fuels, the sun does have to shine in order for electricity to work. In many areas of the country, the facts about solar energy support the idea of it being a viable resource. In some climates however, there may be limits on the number of days the sun shows up for work, making the use of solar power questionable.

Using hybrid systems such as solar power connected with other systems like wind generation or even a secondary connection to the traditional power grid, can insure a home has a continuous, uninterrupted supply of energy. The facts about solar energy also point to the high cost of installation as not being worth the investment. However, the average home can have a solar power system installed and paid for in about 10 years. The entire time, there is little or no use of the power grid, resulting in no electric bill.