The assertion that as time passes, the world’s population demands more and more energy to meet their daily requirements is without argument. The increasing energy demands mean more electricity production (from mostly coal), and that results in greater carbon emissions, which ultimately poses a threat to our very existence in the long run.
To be more specific renewable energy is the answer and the most attainable option that we can implement at the moment. There are many sources of renewable energy, among which we are going to focus on solar energy for today’s topic.
Solar panels are the future of energy, let’s explain below.
Why Solar?
The sun, the center of our solar system, is a 4.6 billion year old star filled with helium and hydrogen gas that burns and emits light while generating energy. So much energy that, if captured correctly, an hour’s worth of sunlight can power the entire earth for a whole year! This source of energy is free, does not pollute the environment and is not going to run out anytime soon. All we need to harness the power of the sun are solar panels.
Solar Panels- the Future of Energy
The first commercial solar panel was constructed in 1881 by American inventor Charles Fritts, who described it as “continuous, consistent, and of enormous force not only through exposure to sunshine but also to faint, dispersed daylight.” However, when compared to coal-fired power facilities, these solar panels were inefficient.
At the present date, we have commercial solar panels, which are efficient to the point they are able to yield 23% of the received sunlight into usable energy at maximum. Twenty three percent might not seem like a lot, but trust me, it is, as I have already mentioned how just an hour worth of sunlight can power the world for a year!
Here are some more reasons why solar panels are the future of energy
Solar Panels are Usable Everywhere
Solar panels are thin, comparatively lightweight, and easy to install, they can be used anywhere by anyone in any situation. No matter where you live, an electric grid connection may not reach you, but solar will. Solar panels are versatile, and in an off the grid household, people choose solar to power their household because that gives the user the power to self-sustain.
Not only it’s beneficial for those who choose to go off the grid, but also for those who live in an area away from any grid connection that makes financial sense.
Don’t forget that the installation of a source of clean energy is also a point that should be noted. PV systems can be easily installed on the rooftop, whereas that’s not the case for hydropower or wind power. Granted that hydropower is a massive source of energy, but these shortcomings make solar panels a lot more desirable.
One of our recently installed off grid solar projects.
Solar Panel Prices are Dropping
Installing solar on your rooftop is an investment that takes years to pay for itself. However, the prices for solar panels, ultimately the solar system, are falling because of the invention of newer technologies and a better grasp of the process.
Scientists from the University of New South Wales have predicted that by the year 2023, the cents-per-watt price of solar modules will be down by fifty percent of what it is at the moment. To put it into perspective, in 2021-22, the average wholesale price of energy in NSW was $72/MWh, with solar PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) it will be averaging around $40-$50/MWh. For more information – Click here.
On top of the actual price drop, there are many government initiatives that make solar energy a whole lot more desirable. Such as government rebates and interest-free loans.
Carbon Emission Free Energy Production
Around 90% of the world’s carbon emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels, and energy production accounts for most of Australia’s emissions, followed by transportation, agriculture, and industrial operations. Australia released 499 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the December 2020 report. The main culprit behind such immense pollution is coal energy, and to aid the situation; solar energy comes to the rescue.
Solar panels convert the sunlight into DC (direct current) current, which gets used by the household in another form. The entire process does not emit any greenhouse gasses. This doesn’t require any additional maintenance if installed correctly. If you are interested, here’s a detailed article on how solar panels work- click here.
By adapting to the greener alternatives for power generation, Australia managed to lower the total carbon emission by 5.3% in 2021. (Source)
To conclude, there is no doubt that solar energy is a blessing for the human race, that has the potential to help us self-sustain in the long run, without producing any greenhouse gasses. The future of solar energy is bright, but we still have a long way to go.
If you would like to explore your options and take early advantage of the rooftop solar, fill out the form below, and one of our solar experts will reach out to you shortly.
