Facts on solar energy help people understand the efficiency of solar power for heating homes, charging batteries and other appliances. It is almost impossible to make a valid choice for home energy systems unless we know about the available options. The applications of solar energy are multiple around the house, although we are most familiar with electricity generation and water heating. But did you know that you can heat your swimming pool, power attic fans, computers and small appliances with photo-voltaic cells?
One of the rather common facts about solar energy is that it charges batteries and can be used for indoor and outdoor lighting systems. Although the popularity of sun-generated electricity is on the rise worldwide, the demand remains higher than the supply. The explanation is simple: not all geographical areas and climates are suitable for the use of photo-voltaic panels. It is more difficult to get enough solar energy for all the electric appliances when you live in a cold or temperate climate.
In terms of statistics, some interesting facts about solar energy indicate that water heating consumes most energy of all. It takes around 30% of the total energy to heat water. As for the different parts of the solar system, it includes panels with photovoltaic cells, a support structure, a battery, an inverter and a charge controller. Since the costs of a fully operational solar system can range around $10,000, the incentives provided by the government may be really convincing.
If you are interested in more facts and statistical data about solar energy, you will see that for sunny regions, a 1 kilowatt home solar system can produce around 1,600 kilowatt hours in a year. You’ll only get 750 kilowatt hours per year in cooler climates with just two hours of sun exposure per day. You can further learn how much that will save in terms of coal consume and CO2 release in the atmosphere.
The average home solar system should include between ten and twelve solar panels, facing north so that they receive maximum sunlight exposure. Solar panels have very extensive warranties, up to 20 years in the majority of cases. Yet, the system as such has a lower warranty span of about 5 years. The energy storage capacity and features vary according to the model of the panels. Sunlight can be absorbed, reflected or insulated by the collecting photovoltaic cells and then transferred and stored by the batteries.
TarraSampson is devoted to helping to save the environment and control pollution by using the renewable sources of energy. Check it out at Solar Power For Homes. Also check out a related blog post at Make Solar Power.