Ever since the invention of the photovoltaic cell in the 1960s, solar power has been touted as the answer to our energy woes. Its popularity grew as energy prices soared in the 1970s and it was seen as a way to save money and become independent from the traditional energy companies.
Today, over 22 years after the first commercial solar power plant was built, we’re finally reaching the point where solar power can be considered a viable energy option. Let’s review some of the compelling arguments in favor of solar power.
How Does It Work?
Solar power works by converting light energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells, aka solar cells. These cells are often made from silicon but can be crafted from a variety of materials, including copper, titanium and zinc to name a few.
When light shines on a solar cell, photovoltaic electrons are generated and collected by the cell immediately. Because this happens extremely quickly and there’s no need for any kind of complex chemical reaction, solar power is a clean and sustainable alternative energy source. That is, until you consider the manufacturing process of solar cells which is, indeed, not at all eco-friendly.
Since solar power is dependent on light exposure, it has to be carefully managed to ensure optimal energy production and no power loss. This is why solar panel design is so crucial as it can greatly impact the overall operational efficiency of the system. When managed correctly, a sizable portion of the energy from the Sun can be captured and used for electricity generation.
Where Can I Buy One?
If you’re curious about investing in solar power, the best place to start is by taking a look at the market for solar panels. You’ll soon find that there are many different types of solar panels with varying performance ratings and prices. Depending on your requirements, the ideal solar panel can be the perfect fit.
In general, you’ll want to look for solar panels with high conversion efficiencies and minimal energy loss. These are often times hard to find, but it’s worth the search. It’s also wise to consider the warranty when purchasing a new solar panel as this will protect you from any malfunctions for a certain period of time. Some warranties even guarantee the workmanship of the product for a certain period of time.
If you want a one-stop-shop for all your solar power needs, be sure to check out our review of the best solar panels around. We’ve examined each product thoroughly and compiled a detailed comparison, covering every facet of performance that you might need to know about. This way, you can find the perfect match for your needs without breaking the bank.
The Rise Of Distributed Energy
One of the beauties of solar power is that it can be distributed in a variety of ways and placed almost anywhere. Unlike other energy sources which are either on or off, with solar power you can have it whenever you want and wherever you want. For that reason, it’s gaining popularity as more and more people decide that they’re dissatisfied with the traditional electricity providers.
Over the years, the cost of solar power has come down thanks in large part to technology advances and economies of scale. Today, the cost of solar power is competitive with traditional energy sources and even some renewable energy sources such as wind and hydroelectricity. In some places, like Germany and Spain, there are even government subsidies for installing photovoltaic panels on your roof.
What’s more, if you reside in a country which offers solar power incentives, it’s an even better option. The United States has been a bit slow to the game when it comes to supporting solar power but many states, including California, are changing that. By offering generous subsidies for solar power, the state has made it easy for anyone to go green and install a solar panel on their rooftop.
If you’re interested in adding a solar power system to your home or business, take a look at our guide to the best solar power systems for sale. We’ve examined each product and ranked them based on overall value and performance. We hope this article has convinced you that solar power is the way of the future and we look forward to hearing about your experiences with this clean and renewable energy source.