Sven Van Zanten - The Benefits of Solar Power

What are the benefits of solar power and how does solar energy work?

 

The simple answer is that the energy from the sun and light gets transformed by the solar panel into electrical energy.

 

The way people and businesses use solar energy to their advantages is growing by leaps and bounds.

 

Solar Energy for Businesses:

 

Large solar projects-Businesses have discovered that they have an untapped resource. Their roof tops and the sides of the buildings that they occupy have become a potential income source. Solar energy panels are showing up on business rooftops and the sides of buildings now. The economy of recent years has caused many businesses to rethink their expenses and assets. Solar technology has been able to help businesses reduce their energy costs.

 

Additional source of income- A business that produces more energy than it needs simply sells the energy back to the power company for an extra income stream. Businesses or maybe I should say power plants, are springing up where there were none before. Think about this; if you have a large roof or field and you install some solar panels you now have a small business or an electric company depending on the size of your solar array.

 

Jobs Creation: New companies that maintain the solar panels create new jobs.

 

Taxes credits- Recent year's tax incentives have really helped push renewable energies like solar to the front of business owner's minds. Solar panels efficiency has greatly improved from the '70s panels which were around 7%. Most solar photovoltaic panels are around 20%. The price of the panels has come down in recent years as well. Given these recent developments most roof tops are wasted space and what business can afford waste?

 

Marketing Boost-Companies have increased their market share when they label their products as being made with an alternative energy like wind and solar energy. Many people purchase products that use renewable energy over those that don't.

 

Using solar energy makes sense for companies when it comes to lighting solutions as well. Using green solar energy on things like street lights in the parking lots and to light up their signs makes sense. Signs and parking lots get plenty of sun.

 

The Benefits of Solar Power for Homeowners and Consumers:

 

Renewable power is turning homes everywhere into power sources. I have seen many homes that use solar thermal energy for their hot water, solar electric to reduce or wipe out their electric bill and solar and wind energy combined.

 

Here are some of the opportunities that homeowners and consumers have.

 

Solar Electric-New programs such as solar gardens and other projects that companies are working to put together now make it possible for people who live in a forest or an apartment to take advantage of community solar sharing projects. So if you live on a tree farm you can use solar energy and have your trees. If you cannot afford solar energy panels or live in an apartment, you can use solar energy for your home by joining a community solar garden which creates an opportunity for people of every income level to use solar energy, no matter where they live.

 

Additional source of income: Families of all ages and incomes have the opportunity to lower their electric bills and to gain some income. If you have a roof or a sunny spot on your property you now have a way to have the small business that you have wanted to have. Which bring us to...

 

Solar Tax Credits- There are tax credits available for many areas. Here in the United States it varies from state to state, then sometimes counties and towns have incentives as well. The best place to check is the DSIREusa.org website.

 

Energy independence- If you have energy bills that are eating too much of your paycheck the idea of producing your own green solar energy should appeal to you. The efficiency of the panels is constantly improving and the cost has come down in recent years. If you need energy independence because you or a family member has a medical device such as an oxygen tank, wheel chair or some other piece of medical equipment that requires power, having a solar array to provide power to your home is a reliable answer to an unreliable energy grid.

 

Solar Hot Water- People spend 20 percent or more of their energy bills on hot water. The sun's energy creates hot water naturally most of the time. Using solar thermal energy to heat the water you know you are going to need is common sense.

 

Small Solar Products-

 

Home owners and gardeners use free solar energy to light the gardens, yards and driveways. Alternative energy comes in the small things like Led Torches or Flashlights, lanterns and more. Then there are the cool electronic gadgets like our phones that are powered by solar battery chargers. Solar outdoor lights are everywhere in almost every shape and size. They make it easy for everyone to decorate their yards quickly for parties, weddings and family gatherings, and can be used for safety and convenience by lighting walkways and paths at night.