The cost of fuel, whether it’s electricity or gas, has been increasing consistently year after year. That has made it more difficult for many people to pay for basic living costs, such as food and shelter. Fortunately, new solar energy technology has emerged that allows for homeowners to generate their own electricity. That is known as self-generation, and it offers a viable alternative to traditional energy sources.
Cost-effective And Versatile
The cost of solar energy systems has dropped significantly in recent years, which has made them more affordable for the average person. These energy sources are often available for free, or for a very low cost, because of government subsidies and tax incentives. The equipment and installation is also quite affordable. That being said, generating solar energy is still more costly than using traditional forms of energy, such as gas and electricity. But for those who can afford it, the cost-effectiveness of solar energy is becoming increasingly attractive.
With self-generation, homeowners have the capability to generate enough electricity to meet their basic energy needs, as well as provide flexibility in how they use the energy. And because solar energy is so versatile, it can be combined with new technologies and applications to provide additional benefits.
More Secure
Due to the volatility of fuel prices, as well as the increasing costs of using traditional energy sources, such as gas and electricity, those who use self-generation technology often feel a greater sense of security in knowing that they can generate their own electricity. Fuel suppliers in particular have been known to hike up their prices, without warning, so it’s good to know that you’re not entirely at their mercy. When it comes to self-generation, you’re in control of the energy resources that you have.
And for those who have chosen to go green and reduce their CO2 footprint, generating their own energy is a wonderful alternative. The United Kingdom government alone has estimated that going solar is better for the environment than using conventional energy sources, such as gas and electricity. So it’s not purely financial savings that make solar energy more desirable; there’s also the environmental factor that has to be taken into consideration.
Increased Independence
Independence is another big plus point of self-generation. When you have the capability to generate your own energy, you have the freedom to decide when you use the energy and how you use it. You can also choose to have the energy supply disconnected from the grid, in case there’s an issue with the grid itself (e.g., power outage). In addition, you have the freedom to choose the energy provider, as well as structure your energy deals with them, which makes self-generation even more appealing.
And let’s not forget the obvious: you’re not entirely reliant on any one company for your energy needs. Fuel suppliers, electricity providers, and telecom companies cannot guarantee that there will always be energy available, as circumstances beyond their control (e.g., bad weather) could potentially disrupt the supply. With self-generation, however, as long as the sun shines and the system is properly maintained, energy should be available to generate.
To provide you with some peace of mind, self-generation systems come with a warranty that covers both parts and labor for a period of time. That means you can easily obtain support from the company you bought the system from, in case you have any questions or encounter any problems with the system. In other words, the company you bought the system from is confident that you’ll be able to operate it successfully. There is also a guarantee that the system will be free from any defects, as long as you follow the instructions and keep up with the maintenance.
In light of all these benefits, what’s preventing you from going solar right now? The biggest hurdle might simply be the fear of what’s unknown. You may not know what to look for, or how to go about installing a solar energy system. That’s why it’s good to be amongst friends, as we’re sure that you’ll have plenty of questions, too. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Types Of Solar Electricity Generation Systems
There are two main types of solar electricity generation systems: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. A monocrystalline solar cell is made up of a single, perfectly cut crystal. That crystal is responsible for absorbing the sun’s light and converting it into electricity. Hence, the name monocrystalline. A polycrystalline solar cell is made up of multiple crystals cut at different angles, which allows for better absorption of sunlight. That makes it more powerful and flexible than a monocrystalline cell, which is why it’s more common in the industry.
You’ll often hear people say that sunlight is the most natural source of energy because it permeates everything. This is quite true, but it also depends on how you want to use the energy. If you’re looking for a steady, stable energy source, then natural gas is probably the best option. But if you want something more flexible, then solar energy is the way to go.
Of course, it’s not only about what type of energy you’ll use. The bigger the scale of your project, the more you’ll need. If you’re looking to generate a significant amount of energy, then you might want to consider a solar power plant that harnesses the power of many solar cells and optimizes the energy generation process. Let’s have a quick look at the different types of solar energy systems and how they work:
Small-scale Systems
Depending on your needs and the amount of energy you need to generate, a small-scale solar energy system could be the ideal solution. Those who choose to go solar often do so for economic reasons, since they see it as a more accessible and affordable option compared to traditional energy sources. In addition, they like the idea of being able to control their own energy supply and avoid any energy spikes as a result of climate change or fuel shortages.
A small-scale solar energy system, as the name suggests, is generally made up of smaller components, which makes it cheaper and more accessible. That being said, these systems are less effective at generating electricity compared to large-scale systems, due to the decreased efficiency of the smaller components, which means more degradation of the energy source.
Off-grid Systems
If you live in an area where the electricity supply is not available or where it’s unreliable, then an off-grid system is what you need. These systems allow for greater independence from fuel suppliers by generating your own energy whenever and wherever you need it. And if that means drawing on stored energy sources, such as batteries or water tanks, then that’s perfectly fine.
An off-grid solar energy system works by converting sunlight into electricity, more or less the same as a traditional energy system. However, in an off-grid system, the energy is stored in a separate unit, which is then connected to a power inverter, which converts the energy into a form that can be used by the general public. This is why off-grid solar energy systems are also called stand-alone systems.
You’ll often hear people say that the cost of living will never come down. While that may be true, relying on one source of energy to meet your needs can drastically increase the cost of living. That’s why going solar is often viewed as a temporary solution at best. If you’re looking for a long-term, stable alternative, then an off-grid system is not for you.
Grid-tied Systems
Those who choose to go green and try and reduce their eco-footprint often have to consider how they’ll generate their energy in the long term. If you’re looking for a steady, reliable source of energy that doesn’t cost the Earth, then a grid-tied system is what you need. And for those who are fortunate enough to live in a country that enjoys abundant sunshine, they can greatly benefit from a grid-tied system.
A grid-tied solar energy system converts the sun’s energy into electricity just like a traditional energy system. But instead of being connected to the grid, it is connected to an inverter that is then connected to the grid. This system is quite stable and reliable, and allows for a greater degree of control over when and how you use the energy. That being said, since the electricity is connected to the grid, there is the possibility that the power could be cut off, if you don’t pay your bills on time or if the energy usage surpasses a certain amount (e.g., during peak hours).