Solar Energy Facts for Green Energy Newbies
February 17, 2010 by Jason Monsky
Filed under Solar Energy Facts
Solar power accounts for only about 1% of the world’s energy supply, but this number is growing rapidly. The world’s solar energy capacity grows at a rate of about 40% per year, and experts predict that solar and other renewable energy sources will provide up to a third of our overall energy use within the next two decades.
These figures may not sound like much, but when you read between the lines, what we’re looking at is a genuine green energy revolution. As any scientist will tell you, we’re currently pumping way too many greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and this has to change. Fortunately, millions of people all over the world are rising to the challenge and making the change even where governments can’t.
Of course, on a person to person level, most of us do care about saving the environment, but there are other solar energy advantages. The solar power cost is cheaper than other types of energy, and it also just feels good to be self-reliant with our energy needs.
Solar Power History
Although we tend to forget this basic fact about existence on Earth, the sun is what powers everything. It makes life possible; it feeds our weather patterns; it helps our crops grow; it redistributes water to feed our rivers. All in all, the sun has been doing its work for billions of years, and the Earth has been reaping the benefits.
But it wasn’t until the Ancient Greeks that people first started consciously harnessing the sun for heat and light in private homes. The Greeks invented architectural techniques specifically designed to capture the sun and reduce the need for fuel burning. It may not be the same as our modern solar power systems, but it’s a start.
Solar Power Advantages
The advantages of using solar power electricity fall into two categories: financial and social. The financial reasons are obvious. When you have solar energy at home, you pay less to the energy companies. Over years, this can save you thousands of dollars. In the big picture, with millions of people across the country switching to solar power, all of these savings can translate into a big boost for the economy.
As for the social benefits, you’re probably already familiar with some of these. Using sustainable energy helps make it possible for our children’s children to inherit a healthy, stable planet. This may not mean much to us today, but there’s no denying that it’s the right thing to do.
Plus, when you make your household self-sufficient, you decrease our need for foreign sources of energy, which is definitely a good thing.
Solar Power Cost
The cost of solar power depends upon your needs. If you want to have a deluxe state-of-the-art system that takes care of all your energy needs, you’ll probably have to invest $5,000 or more in parts, plus another large chunk for installation. On the other hand, if you have a small home, or if you just want to invest in something simple like a solar water heating system, you can get away with spending less than $1000.
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