Are you looking for more ways to live a sustainable lifestyle? Then it’s time to start using solar energy for your home. Not only will this renewable energy help you save more, but it will also benefit your health and the environment.
What is solar energy?
Solar energy or solar power is clean energy from the sun. It’s carried by photons, which are energy particles transmitted via the sun’s heat and light. These particles are then captured and transformed into electricity through the following ways:
By using solar panels
Using solar panels, also known as solar PV systems, is the most common method of capturing and converting the sun’s energy into electricity. When the sun hits the panels and the solar cells within, conversion takes place. Electrical charges are then produced, which leads to flow of electricity.
Many homeowners today have solar panels installed on their rooftops to capture the sun directly. Unlike fossil fuels, these do not produce carbon dioxide or air pollution.
By using solar thermal electric plants
Using solar thermal electric plants is another method of converting the sun’s energy into electricity. These use mirrors to reflect sunlight onto its receiver, which is converted into heat. Then, a fluid inside the receiver will boil and produce steam. The steam will spin the system’s turbine and power up the generator to produce electricity.
Solar thermal plants work similar to fossil fuel power plants. Instead of relying on the sun, however, they rely on burning fossil fuels to produce steam. While solar thermal plants can generate on utility-scale solar energy, they only work when the sun is up.
By using biofuels
Biofuels are fuels or energy extracted from recently living organisms such as algae and plants. These naturally store the sun’s energy through photosynthesis for later use, unlike solar panels and solar thermal electric plants that require immediate use of converted solar energy. To extract the energy and produce electricity, biofuels are burned.
Using biofuels is a cheaper method of turning solar energy into electricity. They are also considered as carbon neutral. The carbon dioxide they release is the same one they consumed as they were growing.
By using artificial photosynthesis
As the name suggests, artificial photosynthesis mimics the process of natural photosynthesis in plants to help store solar energy for later use. This has been done by scientists in numerous ways, one of which involves the use of solar panels and bacteria.
Once solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, that electric current breaks down chemicals such as carbon dioxide and water into more reactive molecules. These are then placed inside a tank with the bacteria that will convert the molecules into alcohols.
The alcohols can be used for different purposes like fuel, artificial flavoring, and industrial solvents. Like natural photosynthesis, artificial photosynthesis is carbon neutral.
What are the benefits of using solar energy?
The sun showers the Earth with about 430 quintillion Joules of energy per hour. The amount of energy used by human beings is 410 quintillion Joules per year. In other words, the sun gives off more energy than we will ever need!
Hence, using solar power for your home is not only practical. It also comes with plenty of benefits like the following:
It’s easy to install
Since solar systems do not need a power plant to work, you can have them installed on your roof quickly. But make sure to deal only with well-trusted and established companies that know how to install solar panels correctly. These usually involve high-voltage wiring, and any installation error can ruin your fuse box and even your home appliances.
It’s reliable
Solar power is one of the most reliable sources of electricity that exists. Besides the fact that the sun is its power source, residential solar panels are durable, low-maintenance, and will last you for years. Just make sure to keep leaves, dirt, and more from covering your solar panel.
It helps you save money
If you’re looking to cut back on utility bills, installing solar panels at home is the way to go. These help you rely less on expensive electricity from the grid and allow you to generate your very own electricity.
Although the upfront costs of solar panels may seem a little pricey, they will actually cost you less in the long run. Once installed, you can say hello to lower (or even zero) monthly utility bills.
It increases your home’s value
Using solar electricity for your home can actually boost its value, especially if you have plans to sell it. Potential buyers view solar power generated homes as an upgrade just like a renovated kitchen or bathroom. In fact, some people are willing to pay more for solar-powered homes.
It’s great for the environment
Again, solar power systems obtain their energy from the sun. These help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, unlike the traditional electricity we rely on. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, then it’s time to power your home with a solar panel system.
It’s great for your health
Burning fossil fuels for electricity leaves harmful gases in the air that humans end up inhaling. These can cause respiratory disorders, stroke, heart attack, and even early death. If you want to help combat the negative effects of using fossil fuels, then go solar.
What can you do with solar power?
Using solar energy is not a new concept. People have been doing it for thousands of years in different ways, such as cooking and drying food. But thanks to today’s technology, you can now achieve more with solar power:
- Charge devices such as phones and laptops
- Light up your home
- Generate appliances such as TV, refrigerator, and air condition unit
- Run water heating systems
- Power ventilation solutions
You can also expect to do more with solar power in the future. After all, it has already helped convert seawater into drinking water, power up a plane, and even light up villages in Kenya where traditional electricity is scarce.
Is it worth investing in solar energy?
If you’re looking to cut back on your utility expenses and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, solar energy is definitely a great investment. Even if the total cost of installing a solar panel does not come cheap, homeowners like yourself will benefit more from this renewable and clean energy, rather than relying on the grid for non-renewable and costly electricity.
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