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Department of EnergySolar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate clean, cost-effective power anywhere the sun shines. This video shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses.
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Solar Power Basics
So exactly what is Solar Energy? We are encompassed by the sun's extensive power and influence everyday to such an extent many of us don't even realize how reliant we are on it's force. Basically everyone and everything on this earth are completely dependant on the two types of energy that the sun emits. The first type of energy is thermal energy. It manifests itself in the warmth we feel on sunny days and this form of energy is typically used for heating substances (air or water), for operations such as pool heating, space heating and water heating for both residental and commercial facilities. The second type of energy received from the sun is energy in the form of light. Harnessing sun light is the most well known form of solar energy and it is accomplished by using Photovoltiac ( photo = light and voltiac = energy) modules or 'Solar Panels'.
How would I benefit from Solar Energy?
Monetary Savings.
-Photovoltaic technology and passive solar strategies have begun to be designed into factory-built modular homes. One such case is a factory-built solar home in Massachusetts that was built for $35,000 less than it costs to build a conventional custom home and the homeowners pay a total of $100 for heating, cooling and electricity per year.
-Solar hot air and water heaters offer the largest potential savings, with owners saving as much as 50% to 85% annually on their utility bills over the cost of electric water heating.
Cost Independance
-Solar energy is free, relatively unlimited and is accessible world-wide allowing you the ability to reduce your dependence on limited energy resources and sky-rocketing prices.
Investment Payback
-You can expect a simple payback of 4 to 8 years on a well-designed and properly installed solar hot air/water heater. (Simple payback is the length of time required to recover your investment through reduced or avoided energy costs.)
-Solar pool heating payback can be as low as two years and it can extend the swimming season by several weeks without additional cost.
Remote Electricity Generation
-If you are far away from existing grid lines, generating your own electricity will help you avoid the high costs of having utility power lines brought in.
Eco-friendly
-When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity displaced over 20 years represents more than 50 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions alone.
How would I benefit from Solar Energy?
Monetary Savings.
-Photovoltaic technology and passive solar strategies have begun to be designed into factory-built modular homes. One such case is a factory-built solar home in Massachusetts that was built for $35,000 less than it costs to build a conventional custom home and the homeowners pay a total of $100 for heating, cooling and electricity per year.
-Solar hot air and water heaters offer the largest potential savings, with owners saving as much as 50% to 85% annually on their utility bills over the cost of electric water heating.
Cost Independance
-Solar energy is free, relatively unlimited and is accessible world-wide allowing you the ability to reduce your dependence on limited energy resources and sky-rocketing prices.
Investment Payback
-You can expect a simple payback of 4 to 8 years on a well-designed and properly installed solar hot air/water heater. (Simple payback is the length of time required to recover your investment through reduced or avoided energy costs.)
-Solar pool heating payback can be as low as two years and it can extend the swimming season by several weeks without additional cost.
Remote Electricity Generation
-If you are far away from existing grid lines, generating your own electricity will help you avoid the high costs of having utility power lines brought in.
Eco-friendly
-When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity displaced over 20 years represents more than 50 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions alone.
