The science is clear: the global climate is changing.
Yet, it is still hard to mitigate and adapt to climate change in this modern world. Particularly in the case of energy consumption, it has emerged as the single most significant factor in the rise in greenhouse gas emissions (read more) and pollution. In fact, it’s been around 150 years or so since humans began relying heavily on coal, oil, and other fossil fuels in everything from incandescent bulbs to automobiles and manufacturing plants. Simply put, we have been using fuels in nearly everything we do: heating, transportation, etc. And they’re contributing to the reasons for climate change on a global scale.
Hence, shifting to renewable sources like solar is now the next step to contribute to the planet. Renewable energy is usually at the top of any discussion about climate change. It is one of the most effective changes the world can make to mitigate the worst effects of temperature fluctuations simply because solar does not contribute to global warming and they do not emit carbon dioxide or other gas emissions.
What Is A Solar Panel?
This device uses the sun as a source of power, which converts energy particles, also known as “photons,” to electricity. This can be used for electrical power loads such as powering remote cabins, improving telecommunications, generating residential and commercial solar electric systems, and more.
According to research, solar panels have only captured and converted about a quarter of all the solar energy that hits them. However, as technology advances, the efficiency of solar electricity in California has been steadily increasing, resulting in a shift away from fossil fuels and toward clean, renewable energy sources. From there, many homeowners are reaping benefits from the environmental advantages of this device and the fact that their energy bills are being reduced.
Is A Solar Panel Worth It?
As the electricity price from traditional sources remains high, with the electricity price rising by 3 percent to 5 percent annually, many homeowners begin to see solar installation as a no-brainer. When it comes to saving money in the long run, these panels are almost always the best option. The longer you stick with photovoltaic (link: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/10/solar-power-home.asp), the more money you will save as your electricity bill shrinks. However, some costs must be taken into consideration.
This panel is a capital-intensive technology, and the majority of the cost of owning a system is incurred upfront when purchasing the equipment. According to the Center for Sustainable Energy, the installation cost and the panel together can range between $15,000 and $25,000 on average.
Also, because sun-generated panels require little maintenance, the savings can more than offset the upfront investment in most cases. They are built to last for years, and they can have a significant impact on your monthly bills. But keep in mind that maintenance is still essential!
However, the efficiency of photovoltaic panels may also vary from your location. For solar panels to generate electricity, they must collect a sufficient amount of sunlight. Hence, you must consider your home’s geographic location to determine how much sunlight it can withstand. Certain states, such as Arizona and California, have more daylight hours per day than others. Hence, it will make you save with photovoltaic devices as more sun will produce more energy.
Before deciding to get panels, you can estimate first the efficiency in your area by using home solar calculators by putting your address and monthly energy bills.
As expensive as solar panels may appear, especially when considering the high up-front costs, it’s important to remember that some areas offer incentives to encourage you and your home’s energy efficiency. The federal government provides tax incentives and rebates for homeowners who install photovoltaic panels for some states.
So these panels are worth the investment if you live in a high-energy rate location and can afford the initial costs. However, space may be a problem. In most cases, the installation area will not be a big issue for homeowners who want to install solar panels, especially since they will be installed on the roof in most cases. But it can take up a significant amount of space and require a solid foundation to be installed properly.
