On April 4, 1931, the New York Times referred to solar energy as a near solution to the energy crisis. Over eight decades later, solar energy is being used to provide energy to millions of homes and businesses around the globe. Solar energy is poised to expand its impact over the next few years in Improving Energy Efficiency.
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What Are the Benefits of Solar Energy and Solar Panels?
Solar energy offers several benefits, making it one of the most popular forms of alternative energy. Its biggest benefits are that it is non-polluting and renewable. It is available around the globe. Solar energy and solar panels are helping to create sustainable jobs in many parts of the world. Get more information from Simply Switch.
Solar energy is simple to install. Therefore, it can be beneficial in isolated areas. It can create electricity on a large scale. This electricity can be injected into a grid distributed to many homes and businesses.
Solar panels are easy to install and easy to maintain. Photovoltaic cells are a lot less expensive than they were just a few years ago. All of this makes the future of solar technology look bright.
Many governments also understand the powerful benefits solar energy offers. Therefore, the US government offers a federal solar tax credit to certain homes and businesses that use this renewable form of energy.
Other Forms of Renewable Energy
Exploring Wind Energy
Wind energy is plentiful and clean. Wind farms are being seen with greater frequency in the United States and around the world. Turbines are used to drive generators that feed electricity to the national grid. There are some systems that can provide energy off the grid
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy harnesses the heat that is below the Earth’s surface. This heat can be used to directly heat a person’s home or business or generate electricity. Countries like Iceland, which has abundant geothermal heat, can take advantage of this resource more freely.
Hydro Energy
Hydro power is being aggressively developed on a commercial level. Hydroelectricity can be more reliable than wind or solar energy. It allows electricity to be stored for when there is an increase in demand.
The Benefits of Using Solar Panels and Other Energy Efficient Strategies
Taking measures to make your home more green offers several long-term and short-term benefits. One benefit is the financial incentives, such as cutting your electricity bill and saving money or receiving financial benefits from the government.
Another benefit is the good feeling that comes from reducing your carbon footprint. Green sources of energy don’t release carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This gives you the good feeling that comes from knowing that you are being a good steward of the environment.
Because of these benefits, the global demand for renewable energy is on the rise. In 2020, solar panel energy accounts for five percent of renewable energy. It’s estimated that this will rise to nine percent by 2030.
This increased demand means that the price of renewable energy, such as solar panels, has declined drastically. In fact, over the last 40 years we have seen a 99 percent decline in solar panel cost.
Renewable energy is producing jobs. Statistics show that investments in renewable energy are now greater than investments in fossil fuels. Currently, the global renewable energy market is worth over $250 billion and is expected to continue to grow.
Solar panel technology is improving energy efficiency. It is reducing energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels. It is expected to have an even greater impact in the years to come.