Solar Power – The Things You Should Consider
Facts on solar energy help people understand the efficiency of solar power for heating homes, charging batteries and other appliances. It is almost impossible to make a valid choice for home energy systems unless we know about the available options. The applications of solar energy around the house are very numerous, although we are most familiar with electricity generation and water heating. A few examples of applications would include computers, attic fans and various small electric appliances like outdoor lighting systems for instance
Sunlight is efficient for charging batteries, this is one of the best known facts about solar energy. The demand for solar panels is presently higher than the offer, although production has increased over the last years. And there’s no mystery about it: not all geographical areas and climates are compatible with the use of photo-voltaic panels. And even if solar energy is captured in colder areas, the process is more difficult and there may not be enough power for all the applications.
Water heating consumes most power of all, this is among the most practical facts about solar energy you should know of. You should expect a 30% consume of the total energy production to just heat water. The solar system as such consists of one or more panels with photo-voltaic cells, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller, the support structure and the corresponding wiring. The government presently offers tax credits and rebates for anyone who buys and installs specific types of energy efficient home systems.
If you are interested in more statistical data and facts about solar energy, you will find out that for warm climates, a 1 kilowatt home solar system can produce approximately 1,600 kilowatt hours in a year. In cooler climates with about 2 hours of sunshine per day, the number of produced kilowatt hours ranges at about 750 yearly. Even for average systems, the coal consume and the level of CO2 emissions is drastically lowered.
The optimal number of solar panels into an average home solar system is between ten and twelve; the panels should be oriented towards the North for maximum exposure. Solar panels have very extensive warranties, up to 20 years in the majority of cases. Yet, the system as such has a lower warranty span of about 5 years. The energy storage capacity and features vary according to the model of the panels. Cells collect sun energy and store it in batteries, or sunlight can be reflected, absorbed or insulated.
TarraSampson is devoted to helping to save the environment and control pollution by using the renewable sources of energy. Check it out at Solar Power For Homes. Also check out a related blog post at Make Solar Power.