MYTH 1: SOLAR TECHNOLOGY KEEPS ADVANCING, SO I SHOULD WAIT. Fact: Solar panels are not like a computer. Although the media continuously hypes new technologies, it is important to know that we have been using the same solar technology since the 1960's. Due to the fact that solar has become only slightly more efficient over the years, the time to become a solar homeowner is right now. With this consistent solar technology, a 30 percent federal solar tax credit, and many state incentive programs, there is no better time, like the present. Arizona Public Service will be ending their tax incentive program in 2016, so you definitely want to want to take advantage of that before it ends.MYTH 2: SOLAR ONLY WORKS IN A "SUNNY" CLIMATE. Fact: Solar panels work just fine in a cooler, cloudy or even foggy climate. They can actually be more efficient when in cooler temperatures. For a little perspective, consider this; Germany is currently a world leader in residential solar usage having much less sunlight on average than let's say, Arizona. According to the Washington Post, 15 of the 20 largest solar power plants in the world are located in Germany, and the country continues to invest in new solar technology.MYTH 3: YOU CAN STORE ANY EXCESS SOLAR ENERGY GENERATED IN BATTERIES. Fact: Batteries "can" be used for storing excess energy, but they are large and expensive with the life expectancy of only 5 to 10 years, creating an added expense and waste. Most solar panel systems are grid tied, connecting them to a conventional electrical grid. As your system generates power throughout the day, the energy that you don't use for your home is then fed back into the grid system which is called net metering. This in turns spins your meter backwards and your local utility company will credit you for any additional energy that you do not use. This is not only convenient, it is more economical.MYTH 4: SOLAR PANELS REQUIRE EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE. Fact: Solar Panels do not have any moving parts; therefore they require no regular maintenance. Most solar homeowners choose to let the rain do the cleaning for them, which has proven to be effective. If you have any large debris in the solar panels it is best to remove it as soon as possible. There is now solar monitoring software that knows when your system is not operating at its optimal capacity. This makes it very easy and convenient to make sure you are getting the most efficiency from you solar panels without the worry.MYTH 5: SOLAR PANELS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY ROOF. Fact: Solar Panel can actually help preserve the life of your home by protecting the area of your roof they are installed on. The panels are installed on a mounting system, so they are not attached directly to your roof. This is very convenient if the situation may arise that you have a problem with your roof. Panels can then be easily removed for maintenance or repairs. It is best to make any necessary repairs to your roof prior to installing new solar panels. The post 5 Common Myths About Solar Panels appeared first on www.pursolaraz.com.
How much do you with solar energy? Have you been thinking about using solar energy for your business or home? Keep reading to learn how to take advantage of this solar market. Using any type of solar energy unit can help the environment. You will find solar systems in both tankless and standard water heaters. You can put these in a good location or on your roof. Don't assume that solar power means going full scale remodeling and ripping apart the roof. You can start small by installing solar energy. If you decide to lease your solar energy unit instead of buying it, be sure the contract you sign allows you to transfer the lease. You could get hefty credits from the government if you switch to solar energy. You may receive upwards of thirty percent off the initial cost of the system. Check the inverter every so often if you add solar panels.You need to see a perfectly solid green light. Call a professional if it's blinking or notice some lights are off. Most people do not possess the knowledge to solve most problems. These fans have temperature sensors that switch automatically on whenever it gets too hot. This will help reduce energy costs by removing heat. As an additional incentive, they are powered by the sun, it will not add to your power bill. If you're still paying off a mortgage, the panels can mean more financial obligations that may make you lose both if you can't pay for your home. Pathway lighting is a quick and affordable means to take advantage of solar power. These small lights absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and then illuminate throughout the darkness at night. They are easy to install and they give your outdoor area as well. You may want to buy the least amount of solar panels to save money.Hire a service to perform an energy audit. This allows you make necessary changes in regards to your energy waste issues. This means you reduce the number of panels in your plan. Be grounded in your expectations of what you can expect from a solar water heater. Water that is heated using solar water heater should retain its heat for at least 24 hours. Solar power is an excellent option if you are located in the southwest.This sunny part of the most optimal areas in the country for a solar energy system. You should think about solar energy. Before getting a solar energy system, consider the shade around your home. Solar panels are not the best fit for you if your property is constantly shaded. Shade tends to limit how much solar energy you can harness, meaning solar panels might not be the most cost effective green option. Change the angle of your solar panels with the seasons; ideally, or four times per year.The amount and angle of sunlight that reaches your home changes with each season. When you alter the angle, you'll ensure that you're getting the most energy that you can. Sun trackers are really the ideal way to harness as much of the suns energy usage.This device adjusts solar panels so they are always at the maximum amount of sunlight. Although a sun tracker system is more expensive, the energy production will offset the difference. You need to understand that solar panels are able to do more than simply light up your space. They are able to warm water and provide heat. Solar panels can make a significant difference. the cost you pay on your electricity. Remember that not all solar panels on the roof of your home or business. Using adjustable mounts and also tracking systems can help you get more exposure than if they were fixed in one location on the roof. Now you should understand how to implement solar energy. There are so many benefits, and you should now understand them better. Use everything you have just read to help you come up with your plan.
by Tabitha Naylor
At a recent Tea Party event in El Dorado Hill, Ca. the keynote speaker Paul Smith, a delegate to the California Republican Party, spoke about the virtues of nuclear power plants - for sustainable energy. He said, "Wind and solar are intermittent energy supplies," Smith said. "If the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine, we don't get energy." While it is true that nuclear is a sustainable and reliable energy sources, so is solar - but at a much lower cost financially and environmentally.
Nuclear Power Plant
There are misconceptions about solar power generation that ought to be obsolete but still persist to this day. One of these is the myth that says solar energy is feasible only in areas that enjoy plenty of sunshine. Another states that a home powered by solar panels will experience intermittent power interruptions depending on the weather.
Both are categorically false.
While it is true that location affects the cost-efficiency of solar power generation, it is also a widely known fact that solar technology works incredibly well almost anywhere around the world. As a rule of thumb, a larger solar power plant in less sunnier locations like Connecticut should generate the same output as that of a smaller plant in a location like New Mexico that enjoys a lot more sunlight. Places that are cloudy and rainy may somehow limit the stored energy harnessed by solar panels, but not significantly enough to make solar power plant installations prohibitive or downright unprofitable.
A good example is Germany. Located in Northern Europe, a substantial portion of the country experiences a continental climate wherein winters can be harsh and days rather cloudy. In spite of not having plenty of sunshine, however, Germany still ranks as the largest solar power ecosystem in the world and is now remarkably profiting from its energy policies that gave the country an early head start on the now lucrative market for renewable energy. Now "that" should altogether crush the misconception that you need tons of sunlight for solar power generation to be feasible.
Solar Power Plant
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On the contrary, consistent findings in different experimental studies indicate that solar panels constructed in sunnier locations may actually experience periods of low efficiency as temperatures rise above 107 degrees. Even at the 95 to 100 degree range, slight drops in power output were experienced. Optimum efficiency was regained only after cooling the solar panels with water sprays. This phenomenon clearly indicates that a little rain even helps optimize solar power plants.
Another good example is Japan. Like Germany, Japan is at the forefront of solar technologies, controlling a solar power market that is around three times the size of its American counterpart. It is also way up in terms of latitude compared to the US as a whole.
The fact is, solar panels should work anywhere where the sun shines, and that's practically on just about the whole surface of the Earth. Any place where inhabitants can easily distinguish night and day should be able to accommodate a feasible solar power generation plant.
Solar Power Myths - Rain Increase Energy Output
Another myth that should have been busted years ago is the one that says homes with solar panels will inevitably experience intermittent power interruptions depending on the weather. Properly planned solar panel installations squarely make this claim non-existent. Commonly, homes with solar panels are also connected to the main power grid and the power just switches to the grid if solar storage cells are running on empty. This is how most homes in the US with professionally designed solar power systems allow their owners to even earn extra income from either the government or the utility provider. One such owner has not spent a cent for power consumption, earning instead an annual income of US 700.00 from PG&E.
"Running on empty" should not even be the case if the installation has been planned well. If the target is to use 100% solar, then the appropriate number and capacity of panels and storage cells should be deployed. In addition, the energy generated during periods of sunshine should be readily available during moments of heavy clouds or no sunlight.
The old adage that "wind and solar are intermittent energy supplies" is no longer true. And when Paul Smith stated that "if the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine, we don't get energy," is selling himself short. In contemporary solar power systems, stored energy is even available after one whole month of sunless period. This is how sophisticated lighthouses in very cold climes such as Washington and Alaska harness and use solar power.
By all indications, this is also how self-sustained, environmentally sound communities of the future will be empowered.
