Solar energy—my favorite kid in the green energy family.
We have the power to gather electricity from our central star. How unbelievable is that?
(Credit: https://www.wallstreetdaily.com/2014/10/02/solar-power-energy/)
I recall solar power being this high-living kind of technology. Or at least it appeared to me that you’d have to be loaded to get them.
Being the small science-loving child in an average family, I was rather put out when my parents said they couldn’t afford them.
Naturally I’ve looked into getting them for my home, and I’m excited to report that it’s really way more than affordable, it’s pretty easy to. (Okay let me clarify what I mean by easy, I personally didn’t have to go through getting permits, or you-tubing tutorials on how to install the panels. However, there is a lot of research and mind power that should go into a decision like this)
No Longer An Affluent-Guy Matter
(Credit: http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2016/03/solar_power_doesn_t_threaten_electric_utilities.html)
So essentially due to solar tax incentives and rebates, you can fully cut down the expenses of installing a home solar power system. And in the event you can’t use them all in one year, the credits roll over into the next few tax years.
I thought this was great!
Moreover, these bonuses and rebates allow it to be possible for solar businesses to contract with you for solar options that are affordable. (Again this is the brain power and research I mentioned before, you need to do your homework)
These guys actually helped me figure out if solar would be beneficial for me and what option would be greatest option for me and my current pay.
What Financing Options Are Out There For Solar Power?
(Credit: http://simplifiedsolar.net/finance-options/residential-financing-options/)
So I recently learned there is the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), the lease, and also the purchase options for solar power contracts. (Yeah, try to keep these programs straight when talking to someone, it’s almost impossible).
The PPA seems awesome if you don’t really have savings, and you don’t want to invest a lot of cash into solar. You join in a contract with the solar company for about 20 years (And I thought a 2 year contract for my phone was long). Now I know that seems like a lot (at least it definitely did to me), but actually, when was the last time you changed your power company, or thought about changing your power company? (I didn’t even know you could change your power company) So basically the solar company comes out and installs the solar panels without charging you for it! For real! It’s a free installation (can you tell I’m excited?). And you don’t need to pay for the solar panels either. It’s basically like you’re letting them set up a small power station on your own roof and then getting a discount on the power you’re helping generate by buying that electricity cheaper than you were before.
The lease option is basically the same thing except each month you are paying slightly on the panels as well. Typically this alternative is great for people with some savings and who wish to spend a little more to own the panels one day.
Then of course, you can buy the panels straight away. This option is best for families who are able to foot the exorbitant up-front prices. If you can then it’s absolutely worth it. You cut your electricity bill down to nothing with this variant. No more electricity invoices for the next 20, 25, 30 years? Yes, please.
How Does Solar Power Work Anyway?
(Credit: http://www.sailwider-smartpower.com/solar_inverter.htm)
Most people are aware of how solar power works due to the popularity of solar panels (Ever have a solar powered watch or calculator?). Especially now that solar panels are now so affordable for families.
Getting solar panels can save you a large number of dollars over the years.
I’ll do my best to explain this correctly based off my research in a common-man manner.
Solar panels collect the sunlight through semiconductor materials called solar cells. The electrons are loosened from their atoms and they go through the cell and create energy.
These cells are about 22-23 percent efficient—or it converts about 22-23 percent of sun hitting the panels into useable electricity.
At first, that doesn’t look like much. But really it’s rather great!
In running cars and even in our bodies, most energy is lost. We don’t even use half the energy we generate in the conversion. However they still work great and we want them.
So essentially the solar panels, or the photovoltaic cells, convert the sun in electricity. This electricity has a DC current, but it needs to be AC because that’s what all our appliances run on. So inverters really convert that current from DC to AC. Afterward the electric panel supplies energy to our appliances.
Typically, there’s additionally a battery of some type that holds the surplus energy until it is desired, for example through the nighttime. A utility meter may also gauge the energy you use and what the power company is gathering from you.
Energy companies can use this to even cut down power bills owing the provider for the extra energy that was pushed back to the power system.
What Else Is Solar Power Good For?
(Credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=solar cars&espv=2&biw=803&bih=714&website=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiS9ero57PSAhVI52MKHaspBK4Q_AUIBigB#imgrc=4oNp_PdAKsFX_M:)
Solar power is versatile, clean, and replaceable. I mean it’s going to last until our sun runs out. And at that point we won’t want power anymore because we’ll be dead. (I know morbid, but still true)
Solar generates power for cottage’s deep in the woods or all the way up to satellites in space. It can be utilized from anything as little as solar footpath lights to even powering cars (I believe they’re fairly close to figuring it out).
To me, that is indeed neat.
So Is A Solar Power System Worth It?
(Credit: http://www.solartechnology.co.uk/support-centre/calculating-your-solar-requirments)
Solar power has many functions, and it’s also an ever-expanding industry.
It’s going to cut down on my energy bills regardless of which kind of contract I get (I’m pretty sure I’m going to “finance” and in a sense purchase them right out). Which literally is going to save me thousands of dollars over the years. And I could use that. And there are really so many options to pick from in order to receive your own solar power arrays—regardless of whatever stage of homeownership you’re at.
And really, most importantly, it reduces your carbon footprint. Solar power is clean and replaceable. We really have to step away from fossil fuels that are quite finite in addition too dependent on foreign politics, and embrace the future with practical, renewable, and home grown energy.