Solutions for pollution

Solar generation of electricity is undergoing a colossal growth spurt. But how are solar panels made and how do they aid humanity in the search for clean, renewable energy?  Elemental silicon has had a tremendous impact on the human race. Silicon, found in sand, has the remarkable ability to generate electricity when light strikes it. This "photovoltaic" effect permits sunlight to operate watches, power spacecraft,  and produce electricity for homes and businesses. Clean, renewable energy from the sun is usually the best alternative to "dirty," nonrenewable fossil fuel. However, in some situations, that free energy impacts our environment.

Collecting electricity from the sun

As a solar business owner, you might sell two types of technologies that produce electricity: photovoltaic, which uses silicon or other conductive substances, and solar-thermal. Solar panels including 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 spins a generator that produces electricity. Solar power plants produce electricity for multitudinous customers using this method.

Insignificant solar power impacts

For instance, a solar-powered parking meter needs no fuel, and it releases no toxins into the environment. When companies create photovoltaic wafers that go into solar cells, the production method generates a small amount of hazardous material. Workers must manage it carefully to block 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 wildlife

It is becoming increasingly popular for homes and small businesses to install solar panels on roofs. Because that installation happens on existing developments, photovoltaic systems do not usually use large amounts of land that you could use for something else. However, solar-thermal systems can sometimes use a big amount of land depending on the type of technology you use and the facility's size. If a new solar energy installation requires land use, it could have a negative impact on wildlife habitat in the vicinity. Off-grid PV systems often have disposable batteries that store energy 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 plants generate more than electricity

Solar energy devices may not hurt the environment, but operations and maintenance activities at solar energy facilities might. Excess noise, for instance, could disturb wildlife around a power plant. Equipment at a facility itself could create difficulties. Focused sun rays at a solar thermal plant could harm birds. Workers at solar energy facilities must also use and dispose of cleaning agents carefully 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 substantial 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! Doing your part to curb global warming is within almost everyone's grasp with solar panels and solar farms becoming increasingly popular. By installing your own power you are saying yes to energy independence and peace of mind. But now solar is a great value financially and investment experts highly recommend solar due to the fact that solar pays for itself in a few years and immediately eviscerates your electric bill.

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

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