Is Solar Energy Right For You?
The products of solar energy are around us everywhere we go. Our food, water, and organic materials were all derived using solar energy in some form. It is for good measure to ask ourselves, then, “why should we be using solar energy to fuel our homes?”
The answer is that solar radiation is the most reliable source of energy that we know. It is there each and every day. Almost nothing is for certain in life they say, except death and taxation. But most of us would probably bet with 99.99% certainty that tomorrow we will have the Sun.
Last we checked the government can’t tax it, and there is no pollution or greenhouse effect. And solar energy needs no refinement, it’s ready to go. Like a gift from heaven, perhaps nothing more perfect than pure solar energy.
So what if your photovoltaic system is only 12% efficient, or your solar collectors absorb only 70% of the available heat? The truth is, your energy source is free! No gas stations, no utility bills, no black-outs, and no ups and downs with the economy. Once you’ve placed your solar energy system in service, there are no recurring fuel costs. All that could take you down would be a volcanic cloud or weeks of unstoppable rain.
Starting from scratch and installing a solar energy system can be a daunting task. But with a little thought, a little help, and a little power of will, you will find the experience not so bad. Here are a few thoughts to help you get started in deciding whether a solar energy system is right for you.
People who live in locations with a regular pattern of sun, absolutely you should use solar energy. You could be saving money and helping the environment all in one.
If your climate tends to be cloudy and rainy most of the time, then probably solar energy is not for you. Coastal climates and northern winters tend to be tough for this. But this does not mean you should not investigate, there may still be some opportunity.
When it comes to making heat and hot water with solar energy – absolutely. We call this passive solar heating. These are low cost systems that can be designed directly into your business or home. The designs for passive solar heating systems can be relatively simple and inexpensive.
Another popular form of solar energy is Photovoltaic (PV) electricity. These semi-conductor panels will convert solar radiation into useful electricity. It is true that there is a significant manufacturing investment in making PV panels, and they can cost some money. So the decision to make PV electricity should be more carefully considered.
The more efficiently you use electricity, then the more Photovoltaic energy is right for you. PV systems can involve significant up front costs, but they will pay themselves off over the long run. This time period for payoff depends on your Utility’s electrical rate, and the amount of electricity you plan to use. In certain States experiencing high electrical rates, such as California (which has a lot of Sun), absolutely a solar energy system could be right for you.
They will also pay themselves off if developing a new property and avoiding the installation of electrical transmission cables routed to your home. Depending on the distance, these transmission cable costs can be significant.
There is one more possibility with solar energy – emergency reserve capability. If you were ever involved in a natural disaster, then how great would it be to generate your own heat and electricity? Simply turn on your inverter system and ride it through.
Whatever your specific purpose, the reasons for using solar energy are many. Whether saving money, reducing pollution, or backing yourself up in case of emergency, installing a solar energy system can be a profitable and rewarding experience.
Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar power power systems. For a short time you can get his free checklist to solar power from your own backyard.
