Innovate Thinking

In 2006 - according to the Energy Information Administration’s report - around 86% of the earth’s primary energy was produced using non-renewable energy hydrocarbons. The rest were produced with the help of other forms of energy such as water and nuclear power plants, with less than one percent energy were contributed by green energy like solar, geothermal and wind.

What makes people reluctantly switch to the green energy, especially the solar energy? To answer this question first we have to compare the pros vs. cons of the solar application itself.

It is a fact that solar energy is free, we won’t need to worry about its availability because it can be found in most of places around the globe. Let us start with this pro.

Solar panels also produce electricity quietly because there are no moving parts involved in the energy conversion process. When there is no fossil fuels burned there will be zero pollution emitted as well. Think of how much we can save money and at the same time keep our earth green.

Have you ever heard about net metering policy? In some states you can receive credits for unused solar electricity. If the solar generator produces electricity more than what you need the remainder electricity will be collected by the grid where the system is tied to. When you send electricity back to the grid it will drive the meter backwards. Should the solar produces less electricity the grid can back it up so your household will always have enough supply of electricity.

Now that we have seen the pros let us talk about the cons. Amongst the cons one biggest issue you will find is the initial cost needed. Yes the solar energy is free but you will have to purchase the solar kits namely photovoltaic panels, solar inverter, solar regulator and batteries should you prefer an off-grid option. There are also some other accessories needed. All of these parts cost you a lot of money. The electricity will pay back the initial cost after years of installation.

There are some other factors that affect the solar panels performance. You can expect the panels to produce maximum electricity during full sunny days only. Clouds and winter season will obviously reduce the electricity generated. Pollutants and dirt deposited on top of the panels’glass cover will also reduce the panels output. Don’t forget that you have to spare some space for the solar panels. The more electricity you need the bigger area they will occupy your yard. Whenever possible you should get them roof mounted.

When you decide to store the solar panels electricity in batteries there is another issue you need to consider. Solar batteries - just like other batteries - are highly toxic. Therefore you have to strictly follow the local regulation to dispose them of.

We all want to replace the fossil fuels based power generators but unless a better and highly efficient solar panel technology is found we can’t really expect solar generators to fully phase them out now. However we know that many improvements have been made so far and better technology plus mass production will lower the production cost so more people can have the system installed. While today it looks that solar panels electricity is not a perfect solution for everybody, it still makes a huge difference in remote places where no power lines are available. In the future it will undoubtedly replace the fossil fueled power plants due to the limitation of the hydrocarbons.