Solar energy is the radiant energy emitted by the sun, which is harnessed to provide light and heat for homes and businesses.
Solar power is a renewable source of electricity that is being increasingly adopted worldwide. The solar industry employs many people.
Cost-effectiveness
One of the highest overhead costs faced by businesses is the cost of electricity. With energy prices continually increasing, solar power can help reduce these expenses and provide long-term savings.
In addition to the initial installation and maintenance costs, solar systems also benefit from a number of state incentive programs and federal tax credits that further minimize out-of-pocket spending. In addition, some states offer net metering policies that allow solar customers to sell any excess power their system produces back to the grid for a credit on utility bills.
Adding a solar system to your business is an excellent way to position yourself as a leader in your industry, while providing a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional power sources. It can also help protect you from future energy price increases and decrease your risk of utility outages.
Environmental concerns
Solar energy is a great alternative to burning fossil fuels for energy, but it is not without its environmental concerns. This includes air pollution and waste disposal.
Photovoltaic (PV) production factories emit hazardous byproducts, including silicon tetrachloride, hydrofluoric acid and large quantities of acidic and alkaline wastewater needing treatment. These chemicals also pose a danger to workers in the process, requiring strict regulations on safety and health.
Another concern is that solar facilities occupy vast areas of land for their construction and operation. This can lead to soil compaction, changes in drainage channels and alteration of habitat for native vegetation and wildlife.
Solar power facilities also use water for cleaning solar collectors and concentrators or for cooling turbine generators, which can strain water resources in arid environments. Additionally, concentrated sunlight from a central tower can kill birds and insects that fly into the beam.
Energy independence
The solar industry provides energy independence to people all over the world. It reduces utility costs, improves energy security and contributes to a greener environment.
Energy independence can be achieved at a household level through a home solar system and a battery storage system, such as an Enphase, Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRCell. These systems can be used during outages to supply power until a local electrical grid is back up.
As a result, energy independence can protect families from fluctuations in utility rates and grid outages. In addition, it can also help reduce environmental damage caused by burning fossil fuels.
Energy independence is a global issue because most countries around the world depend on foreign oil and gas sources for electricity. As a result, energy independence necessitates public opinion and governmental policies that support alternative sources of clean, renewable energy.
Technological advancements
The solar industry has made a lot of technological advancements in the past decade, and as costs continue to fall, more and more people are turning to renewable energy. However, despite these technological advances, some obstacles still remain.
One of these is the fact that most solar panels only generate power during the day. Until recently, this stymied innovation and limited the potential of solar to become a sustainable, affordable and reliable energy source.
Fortunately, Stanford researchers have found a way to make nighttime solar viable. Using technology that’s been used for cooling paint and energy-efficient air conditioning, they were able to create a solar cell that converts energy at night.
This could help solar systems become more effective and efficient, as well as allow for a wider range of applications. Moreover, it could also help solar cells survive the ravages of climate change and the harsh environment on Earth. Hopefully, this technology will find its way into the mainstream soon.