The time for solar energy is now

There are many reasons to adopt solar power, but the latest climate projections are frightening enough to motivate a new solar revolution. The prospects for curtailing global warming are fading fast as fossil fuel generation continues to soar. Climate researchers warn us about curbing carbon emissions, but is anyone really listening? But how are solar panels made and how do they aid us in the search for clean, renewable energy?

Silicon has had a tremendous impact on the human race. Silicon, found in sand, has the extraordinary ability to generate electricity when light strikes it. This "photovoltaic" effect permits sunlight to operate watches, power spacecraft,  and provide electricity for homes and businesses. Clean, renewable energy from the sun is the best alternative to "dirty," nonrenewable fossil fuel.

Collecting electricity from the sun

Solar panels comprising small solar cells are examples of photovoltaic products. Devices that use solar thermal technology center sunlight on liquid that warms the water to produce steam. Energy from the steam turns a generator that creates electricity. Solar power plants generate electricity for multitudinous customers using this method.

There are minimal solar power impacts

For instance, a solar-powered parking meter requires no fuel, and it releases no toxins into the atmosphere. When companies create photovoltaic wafers that go into solar cells, the production process creates a small amount of hazardous material. Workers must maintain it carefully to prevent environmental and health problems. When some solar cells break, they become hazardous waste and must also be handled with care

Solar energy's impact on the natural world

It is becoming more common for homes and small businesses to install solar panels on roofs. Because that installation happens on existing developments, photovoltaic systems do not usually consume large amounts of land that you could use for something else. However, solar-thermal systems can sometimes use a great amount of land depending on the type of technology you use and the facility's size. If a new solar energy installation needs land use, it could have a negative impact on wildlife habitat in the area. Off-grid PV systems often have disposable batteries that store power when the sun shines so you can use it at night. These batteries can harm the environment unless you dispose of them correctly because some of them can leak toxins such as lead and sulfuric acid.

Solar power is silent

Solar energy devices may not harm the environment, but operations and support activities at solar energy facilities might. Excess noise, for instance, could disturb wildlife around a power plant. However, solar operations are silent, which is a huge advantage. Equipment at a facility itself could cause difficulties. Focused sun rays at a solar thermal plant could conceivably hurt birds. Workers at solar energy facilities must also use and dispose of cleaning agents deliberately to protect the environment as well as the life that lives in it. Finally, concentrating solar power technologies (parabolic trough and power tower) may also generate abundant amounts of heat transfer fluids and industrial solid wastes, such as lubricating oils, compressor oils, and hydraulic fluids.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system! Since the prices for solar panels are still low, more home and business owners are taking the solar plunge. Imagine generating your own power, free from the electrical grid! Imagine the peace of mind of having no electric bill for years and years! You will be doing your part to clean up the environment!  

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

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