What is Solar Energy?

Solar Energy is defined as the Energy from the Sun. There are two types of solar energy: Thermal Energy & Electric Energy

• Thermal Energy
  Thermal Energy is everywhere. It lights up our days. It heats the earth, our bodies and our homes. It dries our clothes and gives us produce like sun-dried tomatoes. It’s also used to heat water for domestic use or even pools. All for free!
• Electric Energy
  Electric Energy uses the power of the sun to produce electricity through solar cells, otherwise known as photovoltaics (PV).

Solar Energy Advantages

• Renewable Energy
• Safe, Secure and environmental friendly
• Saves you money
• Low/ no maintenance

Solar Energy Disadvantages

• The initial cost is the main disadvantage. New technology and volume will reduce initial cost
• Solar panels require a large area for installation.
• Production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
• No solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system will solve this problem

No solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system will solve this problem

• Solar Energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts
• A 1 kilowatt home solar system will generate approximately 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate (receiving 5.5 hours of sunshine per day) and approximately 750 kilowatt hours per year in a cloudy climate (receiving 2.5 hours of sunshine per day).
• A 1-kilowatt home solar system will prevent approximately 170 lbs. of coal from being burned, 300 lbs of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere and 105 gallons of water from being consumed each month!
• About 30% of our total energy consumption is used to heat water.