To say that we are at the dawn of a solar revolution would be an understatement. In the past decade, solar has grown from barely making it onto the grid to being the fastest growing source of energy in the United States, with most experts predicting even more growth in years to come. But where does solar power go from here? Is this just another fad or are we truly looking at the future of our energy system? While only time will tell, solar experts agree that there’s no turning back from now on. Here’s what we can expect from our future in solar power.
How many types of sun power exist?
The origins of solar energy date back to the 7th century B.C. when sunlight was concentrated with glass to light fires. The foundation of what we know today as solar energy can be traced back to the 1800s.
In 1876, William Grylls Adams discovered that exposing selenium to sunlight produced electricity. Inventor Charles Fritts developed the first designs for photovoltaic cells to contain said electricity in 1883 but was never quite able to build an operational model.
The first successful photovoltaic cell came in 1954, courtesy of the work of three American researchers from Bell Labs in New Jersey. The cell was largely inefficient; however, it did produce enough usable energy to power smaller electrical devices.
The Arab oil embargo in the 1970s was the impetus that truly paved the way for the U.S. to devote time and resources toward developing sustainable solar energy institutions, products, and use. In 2005, with the U.S. finding so many positives associated with solar energy, it passed the Energy Policy Act, which offered a 30% investment tax credit (ITC) to companies and individuals making use of solar energy systems.
As of right now, there are five types. These are Monocrystalline Solar Panels, Polycrystalline Solar Panels, Thin Film Solar Panels, Concentrated Photo Voltaic (CPV) and Multiple Bracket PV (MBCPV).
What are the Pros and Cons?
Solar power is a popular and increasingly affordable renewable energy source. While solar energy doesn’t have any harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases, it isn’t without its own environmental impact. When considering how to start using solar energy, there are several pros and cons to consider.
Solar energy can be used to create both heat and electricity – it is specifically useful in areas without an easily accessible power grid – as well as being used to power satellites and distil water.
Solar energy is completely renewable. Modern technological advances and the development of solar energy panels make it possible for the power of the sun to be harnessed and utilized all over the world. Cost is still very much an important consideration when it comes to solar energy.
While maintenance costs are typically minimal, initial installation can require quite an investment. You also must keep in mind that a solar energy system takes up a lot of space, depending on how much energy you’re trying to produce. The goal is to collect as much sunlight as is possible, and that usually requires a huge number of panels. Using the sun as a source of energy requires that the sun be accessible. It means that it’s more difficult for individuals and companies in certain regions to depend fully (or even primarily) on solar energy.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Solar Provider
When considering a solar power provider, make sure you evaluate more than just their rates. As many homeowners have found out, cheap isn’t always best in solar power installation—it’s important to do some research to find a company that will provide quality equipment and installation services. You should never enter into a contract with an unfamiliar company or you could get stuck with lower-quality solar panels that won’t last as long as you think.
