Are you a homeowner and considering getting solar panels? You're on the right track! Solar energy is clean, efficient, and is becoming more affordable by the day. But did you know that there's more to solar than just its environmental and financial benefits? Keep reading for some fun facts about solar that you might not have known before.
Solar is the Most Abundant Energy Source on Earth
Solar energy is the most abundant energy resource on earth, with more than 10,000 times the world's total energy use. If we could capture just one hour’s worth of solar energy each year, we could leave all the oil, coal, and natural gas in the ground. That's the scale of the opportunity! In fact, there's enough solar energy hitting the Earth every hour to meet all of humanity's power needs for an entire year.
Demand for Solar is Soaring
The demand for solar energy in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years, and it's currently at an all-time high. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), total solar installations in the US are on track to reach 3,300 megawatts in 2023. This is due to several factors, including declining solar costs, supportive government policies, and growing public awareness of the benefits of solar energy.
The Largest Solar Plant in the World
The world's largest solar plant is located in the Mojave Desert in California, covering over 5 square miles with 3.5 million solar panels. The plant generates enough electricity to power over 230,000 homes. However, if we covered the Mojave Desert with solar arrays, it would generate more than twice as much electricity as the U.S. uses annually.
Solar is the Most Sustainable Energy Source
Solar energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment. By using solar power, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This is because solar energy generates electricity without producing any emissions, unlike fossil fuels which release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when they are burned.
Solar is Getting Cheaper Every Year
Perhaps one of the most exciting things about solar power is that it's becoming more affordable every year. In fact, the cost of solar has fallen by over 80% since 2010, making it one of the most cost-effective forms of energy available today. As the cost continues to come down, it's likely that more and more people will switch to solar as their primary source of power.
Solar Has Been Around for a Long Time
While solar power may seem like a relatively new technology, it has actually been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used passive solar design techniques to heat their homes and buildings, and in the 19th century, scientists discovered the photovoltaic effect, which is the process by which solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
Solar Has Gone to Space
The space industry was an early adopter of solar technology due to the unique challenges of powering spacecraft. Solar cells were already being used in the 1960s to power satellites, which required a lightweight and reliable source of energy that could withstand the harsh conditions of space. Solar power in space has several advantages over other forms of energy, including being lightweight, reliable, and sustainable.
Solar Panels Work On Cloudy Days
Solar panels work even on cloudy days: While solar panels work best on sunny days, they can still generate electricity even when it's cloudy outside. This is because they rely on daylight, not direct sunlight, to produce energy.
Solar energy is a fascinating and exciting technology that offers many benefits to homeowners. Whether you're looking to save money on your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or simply harness the power of the sun, solar energy is a great choice. So why not consider installing solar panels on your home today?
