The use of solar energy is an existing technology that aims to reduce carbon emissions through the conversion of energy from the sun into electrical energy. Solar energy is a renewable resource, which means that it is inexhaustible. Unlike conventional energy resources like natural gas and fossil fuels, it has minimal impact on the environment. The installation of solar panels in homes and office buildings is a way to gather or “harvest” solar energy.
Nations around the world have been promoting energy efficiency in a bid to prevent or lessen harmful effects that comes with global warming. Governments even started offering incentives by granting renewable energy certificates to establishments that meet specific consumption requirements. Solar energy is considered clean or “green” energy because using it produces minimal pollution. Manufacturers of solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) panels, continue to fine-tune solar systems to make them more suitable for widespread use.
Homeowners using solar energy may also be entitled to tax incentives. Certain countries make such incentives available to people who have installed solar panels for home use. There is no need to purchase PV panels to be eligible for such incentives as there are also options for passive solar designs. Passive solar home designs use strategies and materials that distribute solar energy to the home without the use of solar power panels.
Is solar energy ideal for home use?
Solar panels are quite costly so anyone interested in installing their own solar systems must be willing to invest and have the commitment to make a change for the better. Although the prices of solar power panels are quite high, the rates have radically dropped for the past decade or so. Installation may cost anywhere between $10,000 and $70,000, and returns would take about 4 – 7 years to be realized.
The use of solar electricity requires an investment but homeowners may look forward to state and federal incentives offered by the government to reduce the cost of ownership. Australia, one of the sunniest places on earth, is one of the most active promoters of solar energy. The government readily offers solar rebate and renewable energy certificates and feed in tariffs to citizens joining the campaign.
Installing Solar Systems
If you are ready to contribute to global energy efficiency, you may have a solar system installed as soon as possible. Remember, however, that some regions are more suitable places for this kind of technology than others. The amount of sunlight available and the level of incentives provided will affect the payback periods on having solar panels installed.
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