Solar energy is a well-established solution to many problems in the energy sector, but what do we know about this important scientific development? This article will walk you through the basics and statistics of solar energy to give you a useful overview of how you can fit into the solar energy future.
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Solar energy, as a buzzword, is a familiar term to us in the 2020s. But what have we actually learned about this potentially game-changing energy source in recent years, and what advances have been made to the technology to help bring this energy source out of the shadows, as it were, and into the limelight? And what do the recent solar statistics mean for us as individual households with a mind to understand how science touches our daily lives?
Using unbiased sources (we get no funding from solar sources or agencies with an agenda) please allow us at Ounce of Science to help you make sense of the statistics and research that is guiding us into a solar energy future.
Solar Energy Basics
As a quick recap of the solar energy basics, let’s review how solar energy is gathered and why it is a valuable, sustainable energy solution.
How Solar Energy is Gathered:
Solar energy is gathered using solar panels. These panels are made from a semiconductor, most often silicon, that is held by a metal frame and covered in a glass casing. When the panel is exposed to sunlight, an electric charge is released as the photons of light interact with the semiconductor. The electric current that is produced is caught by the solar panels and then converted into the type of electricity that can be used in your home through a device called an inverter. …/..direct to alternating
Why Does Solar Energy Matter?
Energy formed by igniting fossil fuels is not sustainable in the long term and releases harmful nitrogen oxides into the air. Although in the short term, it may feel like fossil fuel resources are easy and practical, this is really only because of the lack of investment in renewable resources. Solar energy, along with other sustainable options such as wind and hydroelectric power, could produce sufficient energy to cover humanity’s needs with concentrated effort and allocation of the necessary raw materials.
Solar energy is particularly beneficial because many homes have enough available solar panel installation options to begin to access this power source on their own. This means that individual families can choose to make the switch to solar energy without waiting for the big corporations or the governmental authorities to agree on how to switch the entire grid over to sustainable energy sources.
Filling in the Gaps
Rooftop solar, the term for solar panels that homeowners or organizations install on their own personal or public buildings, can go a long way towards relaxing the amount of power that is used from the fossil fuel-powered grid. However, households or organizations that install solar panels generally remain attached to the electric grid in order to have access to electric power even if their own system is disrupted or does not produce enough energy. For electric power to actually begin to cover the needs of entire electric grids, solar farms are needed.
Solar farms are locations where land is allocated for the specific purpose of harnessing solar energy. Disagreements about what land should be used for this purpose have led to delays in integrating this resource into communities across the United States.
Making Sense of Stats
The available statistics about solar energy can be difficult to decipher. Although the overall amount of energy coming from solar panels may seem small, the trends indicate that solar is becoming a more popular and accessible form of energy to the average American household. Let’s look at a couple of national statistics listed on EcoWatch and see what they mean for you:
National Statistics
Average Price of a Residential Solar System: The average price of a residential solar system in the US is around $10,000-$20,000 depending on the size of your home, the panels installed, whether or not you invest in battery storage, and other factors. Although these prices may seem significant, there are strong reasons to believe that solar prices are only going to continue to fall after reaching a peak in the early 2020s. The US has invested heavily in incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to make it easier for families to commit to initial installation fees associated with going solar.
Another interesting set of statistics centers around the popularity of solar energy. Although accessing solar energy did become more expensive during the scarcities and global economic slowdown during the intense days of the Covid-19 pandemic, the amount of energy generated and used from solar power made up about 3.4% of all the electricity in the US in 2022, and over 15% of all sustainably derived energy.
What this means for you: Anytime in the 2020s you decide to invest in solar energy is going to be a practical choice. Moving forward, you can expect to see both local and national incentives continuing to offer advantages, and prices are holding steady or dropping, which may stand in contrast to unsupportable energy sources, which are unlikely to become less expensive over time.
Tips for a Home Solar System
If you are considering a home solar system, here are a few tips to consider to help you feel confident you are getting the most out of your investment:
1) Thoroughly research available incentives.
Your state or local municipality may offer extra incentives for households making the switch to solar energy, so always check in with your local resources to make sure you are enjoying all the available incentives.
2) Consider the best location on your property.
Based on where you live, you may have a higher energy yield in a particular part of your roof or property. Being creative and flexible may allow you to offset or minimize your pull from the energy grid.
3) Choose the right solar panel installation team/products.
Working with local solar professionals and with accredited products may offer you the best opportunity to see a return on your investment. Leverage local expertise and see the benefits of warranty protection by making informed choices.
4) Schedule regular maintenance.
Modern solar panels do not require intensive maintenance but will perform their best if kept clean and in good repair. Look into the specific recommendations of your preferred product.
5) Keep track of your savings.
Keeping track of your savings by comparing your electric bill after solar panel installation with your previous monthly bills will help you see the benefits of your investment.
6) Be knowledgeable.
When your friends or neighbors know that you have a solar system helping provide your home energy, they may have questions about the specifics of your system or energy yield. Be prepared to answer their questions to help your neighbors make an informed decision and become part of the sustainable energy future too.
Solar energy will continue to be a useful part of the sustainable energy future we need to be working towards. Opportunities to invest in this future should be considered carefully and pursued thoughtfully. Stay up to date and informed by continuing to follow Ounce of Science as we work hard to make science accessible and actionable for you!
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