Pollution and sustainable energy

Scientists have been reporting on the dangers of climate change for many years. Today, we see global climate change that has advanced more rapidly than even the darkest predictions. Solar thermal energy is here and is here and now there are studies that confirm the benefits to the environment. All of these studies have come to the conclusion that the technology, over time, has a positive effect on the environment and the fiscal health of individuals and companies.

Environmental impacts of solar

In this article, we explain the basic ideas behind what impact solar thermal technology has on us and the environment. Because there are many different products, manufacturers, and resulting climatic differences, the figures below are examples of what you can expect from an average solar hot water system. Your installer will have the ability to more accurately predict the expected energy output and a financial payback period of your solar energy system. In northern parts of America, the planet receives less of the sun’s radiation than southern and western states. Consequently, evacuated tube collectors are recommended for use in this situation over their flat plate counterparts, as their increased efficiency gives them the ability to turn more of the sun’s radiation into usable energy. In southern states and warmer climates, the flat plate collectors are recommended as, not only are they cheaper to manufacture and buy, but they are less prone to overheating and offer the same performance as the evacuated tube models under these conditions.

Solar thermal system product lifecycle

A typical solar thermal system undergoes 5 distinct phases in its product lifecycle:
Material extraction
Material possessing
Final product manufacture
Transport and installation
Recycling and disposal

The average process of manufacturing a solar thermal system consisting of a heat storage tank, solar collector, component box and aperture will produce roughly 1000 Kg of CO2 amongst other gases such as CH4,  N2O, Perfluoromethane, Perfluoroethane and waste liquids and solids in the form of scrap materials. These emissions and by-products are offset against the environmental, energy and economic savings the overall system produces during its lifecycle. The time in which the system reaches its energy break-even point varies dramatically depending upon many factors such as, install climate, components used, and a backup heat source (gas, electricity, biomass etc.) for example. The energy payback period on the average flat plate system is usually approximately two years but this will vary depending upon the factors detailed previously.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.