Does It Make Sense To Use Solar Energy?
If I was a betting man, I’d say you are already using solar energy. It is in your fuel, your food, and in some form or another almost everything you do. In more practical terms, though, we are talking about heat and electricity. Why should we use solar energy systems to power our homes?
The answer is that solar energy is reliable and free. From the early morning dawn to the late evening set, the Sun will shine each and every day. Solar energy may be the single most consistent thing there is on our planet.
Equally important we must consider the cost of fuel. Solar energy passes this test, also, because it will cost you zero. Once the equipment is in place, the Sun will keep it going each and every day! Pure and simple.
Yes, it is true that solar energy systems are not the most efficient. But you will be using the lowest costing and most reliable fuel source on the planet. No monthly charges, and no swings in the markets. And most important for some us, we are covered when there are power outages, emergencies, and large storms.
Selecting the right solar energy system for your home can be challenging at the start. What are the best choices for your location? What should we consider when sizing the equipment? Is solar energy really right for me? Here are a few answers to guide the way.
If you have a sunny climate with lots of solar energy, then put it to use. You will save money in the long run, and living in an environmentally friendly way. We would estimate that at least 50% of the United States could be using solar energy in some way.
The more rainy and foggy your climate tends to be, and the more north you go, then the more difficult the prospects for using solar energy. A little more calculation and investigation may be needed.
The most simple and cost effective solar energy systems are designed for acquiring heat. They can be used for making hot water, storing thermal energy, among many other things. If your have cool Winters and lots of sun then you are a particularly good candidate for using passive solar heat.
When it comes to making electricity from solar energy, the answer will depend on many things. Truth be told, the combustion engines and furnaces at the local Utility are sometimes hard to beat.
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.
If you are developing a new property that has no electrical transmission cables, then solar energy systems may be right for you too. The money saved in routing transmission cable may pay for your solar energy system in itself.
Emergency reserve energy systems are another potential benefit with solar energy. A person could charge a large bank of batteries and keep them on standby. When it comes to emergency reserve energy, for some of us the cost is no element. We just want to be covered in times of natural disaster.
We should and could be making great strides in cutting greenhouse emissions and capturing energy from the Sun. If it’s there then let’s use it. Whether for heating your house, your hot water, or making electricity, solar energy solutions can be both a money saving and environmentally friendly path toward energy independence.