The concept of renewable energy has been around for a while. People have been trying to find sustainable ways to generate electricity since the beginning of time. Renewable energy simply means energy that we can generate without damaging the environment too much. There are currently a wide variety of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power, and waterpower.
In this article, we will discuss solar energy in central Oregon. We will begin by defining what solar energy is and then move onto explaining how it works and some of the advantages of using solar energy.
What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is just another form of renewable energy. Solar energy is created by the sun and it is available everywhere in the world. It is generally known as sunshine energy although the sun produces more than just heat, it also creates light and motion via radiative concentrator heating. While there are various technologies which can be used to capture solar energy, we will discuss the most basic and popular one here – photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels function on the basic principle of capturing and converting solar energy to electricity. The efficiency of PV solar panels really depends on the quality of the solar radiation and the temperature of the environment in which they are installed. In general, PV solar panels have an efficiency rating of around 15 %. However, under the right conditions – such as direct exposure to the sun and with a bit of extra work – it is possible to get an efficiency of up to 20 % or more. The general rule of thumb is that the higher the efficiency rating of the solar panel, the more sunlight it can absorb and the more electricity it can generate. The efficiency of PV solar panels drops as the temperature drops. This is why it is best practice to install them in an environment with a relatively stable temperature, such as a greenhouse or a sunny climate.
Advantages Of Using Solar Energy In Central Oregon
There are a number of advantages to using solar energy in central Oregon. First, it is always available. Regardless of the weather conditions, there will always be radiation from the sun. Therefore, we will never run out of electricity because it is created by infinite sunlight. Additionally, the radiation is naturally free and comes without any cost. Furthermore, solar energy is clean and doesn’t produce any harmful byproducts. Also, it is quiet and doesn’t produce any noise. Those are important factors if you are living or working in a remote location. Solar power also reduces the need for fossil fuels and creates less toxic waste. It is always good to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint. Finally, solar energy is sustainable. We cannot destroy the environment to create more energy; we are simply recycling nature’s own free energy source.
Disadvantages Of Using Solar Energy In Central Oregon
Although there are a number of advantages to using solar energy in central Oregon, there are also some disadvantages. First, solar energy isn’t abundant. The more we rely on it, the more expensive it will become. In certain areas of the country, such as the Southwest, solar energy provides less than 10 % of the total electricity generated. It is better to have alternative energy sources available in case of a solar energy shortage. Second, solar panels are relatively expensive. They may cost between $5,000 and $15,000. If you want to install solar panels on your roof, you will have to spend several thousand dollars. In some cases, it can cost more than you make in annual income. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to spend on insulation and heating too. Third, solar energy requires maintenance. Even though we are talking about a relatively simple and basic appliance here, it still needs to be serviced and maintained regularly. This means you will have to pay someone to come and fix it or replace it once or twice a year. Maintenance is not something you want to skip because it could lead to serious problems in the long run. Finally, solar energy doesn’t supply enough energy to support a large household. It is generally designed to supply enough electricity for lighting and small appliances. If you want to run your air conditioner or large appliances frequently, you will need multiple solar panels. In most cases, two panels will be sufficient to supply all your energy needs.
Where Can I Go To Learn More About Solar Energy In Central Oregon?
If you are interested in learning more about solar energy in central Oregon or if you would like to invest in solar energy, your best source of information would be the local utilities or government agencies. The electrical utilities usually hold public meetings once or twice a year to discuss the energy situation and upcoming energy rates. You can also find a lot of information on the internet, but it is better to attend a local library or community center and look for books or articles on the subject.
If you want to invest in solar energy, check out these companies for the best prices and terms: SolarCity, Sungevity, and Sunrun. With all the information you need in one place, it is easier to make an educated decision.