solar system and beyond

solar system and beyond

There are many advantages to going solar other than the one most people associate with solar, which is reducing their electricity bill. This is obviously a major advantage resulting from having a solar electric system installed, but there are many more, so let's take a look at all the advantages now.

1. Reduced Electricity Bills

As already mentioned, this is the primary reason most people invest in solar energy, and, with the average system payback period being 5-10 years, the possibility of getting free electricity following the payback period only makes solar even more advantageous.

2. System Reliability

PV (photovoltaic) systems are put through rigorous testing and have been proven to continue to operate efficiently even in the most adverse conditions. If a battery backup is included with a system, continuous operation can be virtually guaranteed when needed.

3. Durability

Most solar panels are guaranteed to operate for at least 25 years, but they will continue to operate well past the guaranteed period, providing free electricity for the homeowner for the life of the system beyond the initial 25 years.

4. Virtually Maintenance Free

After a solar electric system has been installed, there's very little maintenance required, since no moving parts are involved usually. The panels will occasionally need to be cleaned if a film of dirt has accumulated on them, or any debris or objects land on them, as this may impede the panels' efficiency.

It's important to prevent shading from affecting the solar panels, as this could drastically reduce the panels' performance, so any overhanging trees should be trimmed back to prevent this from happening.

5. No Pollution

A solar energy system makes virtually no noise, nor does it emit any carbon or greenhouse gases, making it perfect for the present day when global warming is such a major concern.

6. No Fuel Expense

Since a solar electric system operates using the sun's energy, there is no need to purchase, stock or transport fuel of any kind, since the system is standalone and has no moving parts. This also contributes to the reduction in pollution since no fossil fuels are needed to power the system.

7. System Modularity

Since PV systems are designed with expansion in mind, it's possible to start out with a smaller system than needed, and then add more panels as either budget and/or needs dictate. This is a big advantage of solar, which makes it much more affordable for many more families. Most people assume that they need to spend a sizable sum to get the biggest system possible to meet their electricity needs and are unaware that they can start out small and keep their costs down and expand the system later.

8. Energy Independence

It's been determined that the primary motivation for most people when investing in a solar system is the fact that it provides them with a measure of independence from their utility company. If so desired, a system can be designed to provide complete independence, which is a wonderful option to be able to exercise, as it frees the homeowner from the inevitable and ongoing increase in the cost of electricity provided from the grid due to the increasing scarcity and cost of fossil fuels.

9. High Altitude - No Problem

Solar panels actually perform at nearer maximum efficiency at high altitude locations, since the sun's energy is more powerful at higher altitudes, providing a greater amount of insulation.

10. Safety Considerations

Since there are no moving parts, and no fuel is used, there is no danger from combustion or injury from mechanical equipment.

It should be obvious by now that going solar brings with it many more advantages than merely economic, although that is perceived by many as the primary advantage. Solar brings with it advantages in many other areas, and the number of advantages will continue to increase as the technology improves and we become more aware of better ways to take advantage of the incredible gift of free energy supplied to us by the sun.

Grab your FREE report, and much more information about the advantages of going solar by clicking on the only solar power resource you'll need. Ray Boreham suggests you'll find a wealth of information and tips on solar and renewable energy at http://www.all-you-need-is-solar.com/

Beyond the Solar System [part 1/5]