Energy: Maximize The Sun, Choose Solar, Go Green

By Temidayo Joshua

The sun does more for our planet than just provide light during the daytime. The sun contains particles and each particle is called a proton. Protons, which reach the Earth, contain energy that fuels our planet.

That energy from the sun that reaches the earth is called Solar Energy.

Plants and other organisms convert Solar Energy to chemical energy that are later released to fuel their activities through a process called PHOTOSYNTHESIS.

Human beings also convert Solar Energy to electricity to fuel their activities too. However, while plants and other organisms naturally utilize Solar Energy for their benefits, human beings will require deliberate policy actions to maximize the full benefits of Solar Energy for the planet and the entire mankind.

For example, one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the Affordable and Clean Energy which emphasises access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

However, there are many ways to convert Solar Energy to generate electricity. We would be discussing Photovoltaics (PV) and Solar Thermal Collector (STC).

Photovoltaics are much more common for small-scale electricity projects like residential solar panel installations. Solar thermal collector is typically used for electricity generation on massive scales in utility solar installations.

In addition to producing electricity, lower temperature variations of solar thermal projects can be used for heating and cooling. Solar thermal energy has a broader range of uses than a photovoltaic system, but using solar thermal energy for electricity generation at small scales is not as practicable as photovoltaics.

With a solar PV system, solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity that can be used immediately, stored in a solar battery, or sent to the electric grid for credits on your electric bill. Solar Energy can be captured on many scales using photovoltaics.

Installing solar panels is a smart way to save money on your electricity bill while reducing your dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.

Large companies and electric utilities can also benefit from photovoltaic solar energy generation by installing large solar arrays that can power company operations or supply energy to the electric grid.

The following are few of the benefits of Solar Energy utilization:

• Environmentally Friendly

Solar Energy is clean and renewable. Its cells, made from silicon, are extremely environmentally friendly. They do not burn fuel, produce sound or generate harmful emissions. Energy is created without any negative impact on the environment. By going solar, you can reduce demand for fossil fuels, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and shrink your carbon footprint.

• Solar Energy Promotes Healthy Living

Solar Energy promotes healthy living by reducing respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. It decreases harmful emissions into the atmosphere. An analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that widespread solar adoption would significantly reduce nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions, all of which can cause health challenges.

• Low Maintenance Cost

Solar Energy utilization requires little maintenance. Once the solar panels have been installed and are working at maximum efficiency, there is only a small amount of maintenance required each year to ensure they are in working condition.

• Solar Energy Is Cheap

Experts have proved that Solar Energy is cheap in the long run when compared to cost of grid energy. The cost of Solar Energy components has decreased by more than 70 percent in the past decade, while the cost of grid electricity has risen by about five percent. The trend in rising electricity cost is expected to continue, according experts. Going solar puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to energy generation.

• Solar Energy Improves Your Home Value

You could significantly boost the value of your home by making it eco-friendly. Multiple studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes. Appraisers are increasingly taking solar installations into consideration as they value homes at the time of a sale. And as homebuyers become more educated about solar, demand for properties equipped with solar panel systems will continue to grow.

• Solar Power Improves Grid Security

When many people switch to Solar Energy, households with solar cells installed function as small power plants. This, in turn, provides us with a greater electricity grid security, especially in terms of natural or man-made disaster.

• Diverse Applications

Solar Energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity (PV) or heat (STC). Solar Energy can be used to generate electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space. Solar Energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not long ago, Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.

• Technology Development

There is continuous advancement in solar panel technology which is increasing its efficiency and lowering the cost of production, thus making it even more cost effective. Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will intensify in the future, according to experts.

NOTE

The economics of Solar Energy vary, depending on where you live, your family size and other factors. You can contact Temidayo (a solar queen) at: joshuatemidayo48@gmail.com to get the right quotations and perfect

installation of your solar system.