In just one hour, the sun provides enough energy to fulfill the earth’s energy requirements for an entire year.  Unfortunately, we’re only using a small fraction of that energy and still depend on fossil fuel burning power plants.  On the bright side, because of increased demand and new developments, solar energy systems cost less than ever before.

If we were to build solar power plants on just 1% of the Sahara desert, we could satisfy all of the earth’s energy requirements.

Solar power plants perform the same function as conventional power plants, but with one major difference. Most of the conventional power plants get their power by burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil.  In doing so  greenhouse gases are produced which contribute to global warming.  On the other hand, solar power plants use the sun’s energy to generate electricity.

How do solar power plants work?

The way a solar thermal power plant works is fairly simple.  In layman’s terms, solar panels collect the suns heat which is used to boil water.  This produces steam which turns the turbines and produces electricity.

More recently, large photovoltaic solar plants are being built.  In this case, solar panels collect sunlight and convert them directly into electricity.  These are the type of solar panels you typically see installed on homes.

Neither one of these processes burns any fossil fuels which means they are both environmentally friendly.  Today, households using alternative energy systems are on the rise.  As demand for solar and wind power increases, demand for oil will be reduced as well as its cost.

Did you know that electric meters can run backwards?

In areas with “net-metering”, which is very common, excess electricity produced by solar energy systems goes back into the power grid.  This results in your utility company giving you credit for excess electricity you generated.

Although the up-front cost for installing home solar energy systems is high, it will pay for itself over time.  Solar energy systems not only save you money but you will also be doing your part in reducing harmful carbon emissions.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar energy systems are very reliable and will last a long, long time.  Photovoltaic cells can last 25 years or more.  Many solar panel manufacturers provide a 25 year product warranty.  This alone should be enough to convince you about the dependability of solar panels.  As an added bonus solar panels require very little, if any, maintenance.

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