Solar energy is becoming more and more popular each and every day, and for good reason. It’s not only sustainable, but it can also be very powerful when done right. That being said, the United States currently lags far behind most other countries when it comes to embracing solar energy. The main reason behind this trend is that it’s still too expensive for the average American to install solar panels on their homes. The solution to this problem lies in government subsidies, which, as of yet, the United States doesn’t offer. Without these subsidies, the cost of solar energy is likely to scare off more people than it attracts. Only time will tell if this strategy will eventually prove to be successful, but for now, the United States is falling behind.
Cost
Solar energy is a form of energy that is essentially free. With no fuel costs or manufacturing pollution to consider, the cost to produce is only about the same as that of traditional energy sources. The power of solar energy comes from the fact that it can be generated at any time and place. This allows it to be integrated seamlessly into an individual’s or a business’ daily schedule. The only downside to this flexibility is that it can sometimes be difficult to arrange for uninterrupted power if it’s not available when you need it. For this reason, many people choose to invest in batteries to store solar energy for later use. The cost of these batteries is gradually declining, so it’s almost certain that they’ll become a thing of the past. Even so, they still have their place when it comes to smoothing out the peaks and valleys of a dependable power supply.
Technology
Even though solar energy has been around for centuries, it’s still a relatively new area of study for most people. This is mainly due to the fact that it isn’t yet commonplace for individuals to generate their own energy sources. In addition to this, there is still much debate as to which type of solar panel is the best. This is mainly because the technology is still in its early days, and different companies are seeking to gain an edge over the competition through innovative new designs. Regardless, traditional photovoltaic panels remain the gold standard when it comes to efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These factors put them ahead of all other types of solar cell, despite the fact that they’re not quite as aesthetically pleasing as some of the more modernized alternatives. Traditional panels usually consist of a large number of single-crystal solar cells that are interconnected in series to form a standard voltage (usually between 0.5 and 1.0 volts). It is this connection that enables the device to generate electricity from solar radiation. This is also the reason behind the common misconception that all solar cells are the same; they are not! Traditional panels are often referred to as ‘monocrystalline’, as this is where the process of creating solar cells began.
The Growth Of Solar Energy
In case you were wondering, yes, solar energy is indeed “trending” in popularity. Here’s a short video that’ll give you a taste of what to expect in the near future:
The above video was created by Renewable Energy World, and it shows us that although solar energy is still somewhat of a niche market, it is certainly growing in popularity. This is mainly thanks to the changing tides of consumer behavior, as well as government support and subsidies in the form of tax breaks, grants, or zero-interest loans. If you’d like to learn more, check out the links below.