Global warming might be a frightening concept, but there is plenty you can do to take action and make a difference.
Take solar power, for example. Switching to solar energy in your home is one of the best ways you can do your bit to join in the fight against carbon emissions.
Here are 9 interesting facts about solar energy that you need to know before making the switch.
1. You Can Power Your Home 24/7 on Solar
Most homeowners use solar as a partial energy source for their homes. But you don’t have to. In fact, if you have enough panels, you can use solar energy for 100% of your home needs.
2. You Don’t Need Direct Sunlight for Your Solar Panels
The sunny state of California may be top of the list when it comes to solar installation. But did you know that you don’t have to live in a sunshine state to get the full benefits of solar?
In fact, you don’t need direct sunlight for solar panels. The panels can capture the sun’s rays, even on a cloudy day, and so you’ll still get all the benefits of solar, whatever the weather.
3. It’s the World’s Cheapest Energy
If you want to save money on your home energy bills, solar is the best long-term option. It typically takes three years to break even on a solar panel installation, after which you benefit from significantly reduced energy bills.
Of course, solar doesn’t just save you money in your home. You can also use a solar powered generator if you go camping regularly and want access to a cheap energy source.
4. You Can Dramatically Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
One of the most impressive solar facts is that the average home can reduce its carbon emissions by around 1400 every month. It’s an excellent way to contribute to a worldwide effort against global warming.
5. Solar Panel Efficiency Is on the Rise
If you have decided against solar in the past due to efficiency, there is good news on the horizon.
The efficiency of solar panel energy is improving dramatically, from 17% in 2015 to 23% in 2020.
6. Solar Can Be Installed for Whole Communities
You don’t have to make a massive investment to power your home with solar technology.
You can opt to install solar panels across a whole community, reducing upfront costs and giving an entire community the benefit of solar energy. If you’re in Hawaii, you may check Independent Energy Hawaii, a solar company that specializes in solar panel installation.
7. America Is Second In the World for Solar Energy
American solar installations are growing year on year. In fact, solar energy is now so popular that America is second for solar power behind China.
8. Solar Power Can Be Used for Air Travel
Did you know that airplanes can fly on solar power? While the technology is still being developed to make solar flights commercially viable, the first solar flight milestone was achieved in 2016.
9. Typical Homes Need 30 Solar Panels
How many solar panels your home needs will depend on the size of your house and your family’s energy needs. However, if you want to power your home entirely on solar, the average house needs around 30 solar panels.
Have These Facts About Solar Energy Convinced You to Switch?
There are plenty of myths and assumptions about solar power, but the facts about solar energy speak for themselves. It is a cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to power your home.
If you enjoyed this article, click on our technology section now to browse through other interesting innovations you might want to consider for your home.