Important solar energy facts

The solar power revolution is upon us and many people are becoming educated on the efficacy of solar energy. Solar is not a new technology but advances in materials are making an enormous difference in affordability for the average consumer. In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect— the ability to create an electric current from the sun’s rays. Soon after, Russell Ohl invented the first solar panel cell in 1941 and the first commercial solar panel was put out by Bell Laboratories in 1954.

One hour of sunlight equals one year’s worth of energy for the entire earth

Solar power begins with solar energy, which is energy produced by the sun. The sun focuses sunbeams, and its energy can be stored in solar panels. These solar panels transform energy into power in two different ways – photovoltaic, which is the power used for electricity, and solar thermal, which is the power used for heating. The energy from the sun is the most plentiful energy source available on earth. With just one hour of direct sunlight, you could collect enough power to generate a year’s worth of energy for the entire earth.

All you need are solar panels that will transform the energy from point A (the sun) to point B (electricity that can be used by your home) to provide power for all your home energy needs.  

California is the biggest proponent of solar energy in the United States

As of 2017, California’s solar power usage topped all other states, clocking in 20,163 megawatts of solar power generation. The state has enough solar energy systems installed to power 3.7 million homes. Other states that follow just behind California in solar energy generation and usage include North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada and New Jersey. But, as the popularity of solar power increases with progressively more affordable access, you can expect to see more states get on the solar bandwagon, expanding the overall market.   

Solar panels can produce power without direct sunlight

The sun is the most abundant source of energy for solar panels to collect and convert into power, but it doesn’t need to be direct sunlight. Solar panels can absorb different parts of the sun’s light spectrum. So, if the sun is not directly shining on the panels – or it happens to be a cloudy day – it doesn’t mean the light reflected from the sky isn't being captured and utilized by the solar panel cells to produce power. A solar-powered home can reduce CO2 emissions by 100 tons within 30 years. Solar power means clean energy production and you can reduce your carbon footprint in a major way by installing a home solar power system.

In other words, solar does not emit pollution other energy sources typically do. The typical U.S. household using a solar power system would reduce emissions by approximately eight pounds of sulfur dioxide, five pounds of nitrogen oxide and more than 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide each month.

Investing in solar energy can pay for itself When you switch to a solar energy system, try not to take the initial price of installation at face value because the total amount you save in investing in solar power is actually where the value is. After solar installation, you will no longer have to pay a heating or electric bill and, after time, the amount you save on the power bill (which averages $1,300 per household annually), will pay off your initial investment of installing a solar energy system. In addition, those who purchase solar panels could be eligible for a 30% tax break and some states even allow solar power owners to sell their excess solar energy back to the power grid, putting more money back into your pocket.

Now that you understand solar better, contact us for installation tips!

" HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area"