Solar energy is obtained from solar radiation and can be converted into electricity or heat. It is freely available and thanks to technological advances we can now use even more of the solar energy that is continuously available to us.
Here are 7 benefits related to this renewable source of energy.
Solar energy has the lowest negative impact on the environment of any other energy source. It produces no greenhouse gases and does not pollute the water. It also requires very little water for its maintenance, unlike, for example, nuclear power plants, which require 20 times more water. Solar energy generation does not generate noise, which is a great advantage since many solar systems are located in urban areas, just like private solar panels.
When you generate your own electricity, you consume less from your utility company. This will immediately translate into savings on your energy bill. In addition, you can also make money by selling the unused electricity you have generated back to the grid. The solar panel grants on offer allow you to make your green investment even more beneficial. The more energy you produce, the less you require from the utility, increasing your energy self-sufficiency.
Energy demand tends to be higher between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm and then in the early evening. Of course, this is the time when the price of electricity peaks. During these hours, solar energy reaches its maximum production capacity.
The electricity produced at this time has a higher value than if it were produced at night. With the additional electricity feed-in from solar power, the prices in these time windows could be reduced to a level close to that of the night hours.
As long as there is sunlight, solar energy can be used anywhere. This is particularly useful for remote regions without access to other power sources. There are many people around the world without access to electricity.
Self-contained solar systems could be deployed in these regions and improve the lives of millions of people. In addition, solar energy is also used to power spacecraft and ships.
Some of the energy, around 35%, is lost during transport and distribution. The greater the distance between the production and delivery location, the more energy is lost. These losses may not seem significant, but they can affect the performance of the installation in densely populated regions.
Solar panels on your roof or patio significantly reduce this distance, thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar panels.
The network is less prone to power outages when there are many scattered power plants. A grid with high penetration of solar energy has thousands of widely dispersed power generation centres. This improves network security in case of congestion or natural or man-made disasters.
The are many advantages of solar energy, and another one is job creation. Large part of the cost associated with solar systems comes from the installation of the panels. This contributes to local job creation. Using solar systems boosts the economy and positively affects the local community.