It’s hard to deny that, nowadays, climate change is a real issue that is affecting people all around the world. And while we can’t completely stop climate change, we can at least slow it down by switching to renewable energy. That’s exactly why so many households and businesses are considering going solar. If you are one of those people, you might be wondering — what do I need to know about solar? Luckily, we are here to explore all the aspects of solar energy and help you understand everything about it.
What is Solar Energy?
Generally speaking, solar energy is the energy type that comes from the sun and is harvested using solar systems. Thanks to its reliability and high return on investment, solar is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy. In fact, according to a survey, 46% of US citizens are considering switching to solar energy. But to better answer what do I need to know about solar, you need to understand how it all works.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
In order to be able to harvest solar energy, you need to use solar panels that are made out of photovoltaic cells. The panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity or heat, depending on your requirements. For example, you can either use a battery for banking solar energy, or you can use it to heat a water tank.
How Reliable is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is extremely reliable, thanks to the high-quality materials used when making solar panels. Additionally, solar systems rarely experience failure and can last up to 30 years. But with proper maintenance and regular inspections, you can improve the lifespan of your solar system by a few more years.
Is Solar Energy Environmentally Safe?
Although solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases, the process of manufacturing solar panels does. That’s because solar panels are made out of caustic chemicals, glass, and plastics. Therefore, the process releases CO2 and produces waste, which contributes to global warming.
Even so, solar panels are much less dangerous to the environment than any fossil fuel energy source. And while not every solar panel is recyclable, scientists are working on ways to reuse depleted solar cells to avoid more waste.
How Much Does Switching to Solar Costs?
Depending on the size of your roof and your energy requirements, a complete solar system can end up costing up to $25,000. While that might seem a lot, it’s important to mention that there are a few governmental programs such as the Federal Solar Tax Credit that can reduce the price considerably.
Furthermore, solar systems reduce the overall electricity bill, meaning that in a few years, you can make up the amount invested into the system. And thanks to Net Metering, you can get credit for any amount of electricity you add to your grid.
Should You Switch to Solar Energy?
The pros of solar energy definitely outweigh the cons in terms of both costs and efficiency. And since the world is slowly but surely moving towards renewable energy, going solar will get even more affordable in the coming years. That’s exactly why more and more households are switching to solar energy each and every year.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it’s easy to see why solar energy is one of the most popular renewable energy sources in the world. Not only is it reliable, but it also reduces the energy bill costs allowing you to save money. Additionally, the government constantly promotes going solar with programs such as Net Metering and the Federal Solar Tax Credit. Our advice is to consider switching to solar energy in the near future. And now that you know the answer to what do I need to know about solar, you also understand why solar is the future.
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