SOLAR POWER FACTS
POWERFACT #01
THE FIRST SOLAR PANEL CELL WAS INVENTED IN 1941
In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect - that is ability to create electric current using Sun's rays. Shortly after, Russel Ohl invented the first Solar Panel Cell in 1941, and the first commercial Panel was put out by Bell Laboratories in 1954. This seemingly small invention have now greatly improved and future iterations will only keep getting better. Rapidly becoming the preferred choice, as the cleanest source of energy.
POWERFACT #02
One hour of sunlight equals one year's worth of energy for the entire earth.
So Solar Energy has enough potential to solve the Global Energy Crysis without any repercussions on our Environment. It almost makes using fossil fuels illogical.
POWERFACT #03
Investing in solar energy can pay for itself
The solar system can recover its cost within 3-5 years and can provide free electricity for its lifetime by the help of panels with 25 years warranty.
POWERFACT #04
Solar Panels can produce power without direct sunlight
Well, it is the daylight and not sunlight. It is true that direct sunlight does provide the best conditions for the panels. Solar panels use daylight energy to generate electricity. It is photons in natural daylight which is converted by solar panel cells to produce electricity. Heat has no effect on the production of electricity. The P-N Junctions in the panels, usually silicon, create an electric current when met with natural daylight and this current is then modified with the help of an inverter and then used as standard electricity within properties. Hence solar panels can also work equally effective in cloudy days provided the minimal light intensity.
POWERFACT #05
Installing solar can be a community effort
As more and more people adopt solar energy in their lives, our dependence on fossil fuel thereby reducing average global carbon footprint.
POWERFACT #06
A solar-powered home can reduce c02 emissions by 100 tons within 30 years
Its no news that solar energy is a clean source of energy with no pollutants or carbon dioxide produced during the process of electricity generation. As everyone joins the initiative to save the environment, we can substantially reduce pollution.
POWERFACT #07
Solar panels produce approximately 400-600 Kilowatt-hour of energy per year
Solar system are also known for their efficient performance in providing heavy electricity loads in industrial environment as well, so why worry about high bills and compromise profit when you can make electricity of your own.
POWERFACT #08
Solar panels costs have dropped around 99% since 1977
The price of solar photovoltaic cells has dropped 99% in the past quarter century. So in an increasing number of markets around the country, solar is at or very close to grid parity. The price has dropped more around 80% since 2008. These are the results of technological advancements and innovation leading to the dropping rates and ever increasing efficiency. If solar power is seeing this kind of growth strictly on a cost basis, imagine how fast it would be growing if carbon dioxide had a price reflecting its actual harm to the environment and human health.
POWERFACT #09
Solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels
Should come as no surprise to you as the source of solar energy (The Sun) is itself free. A solar system requires no continuous supply of fossil fuels, and a lot less maintenance and skilled human resource than a thermal power plant and this results in massive reduction in cost. Resulting in decrease of cost of electricity per unit.
POWERFACT #10
Solar power plants can last 40 years or more
At optimum conditions a solar power plant can give exceedingly long life span. This is one that truly is a 'One time investment' as you sow once and reap the benefits for decades. On the contrary a conventional powerplant is designed to last for 40 years and in case of regular timely and preventive maintenance Solar plants tend to run for more longer years, so as helping reap furthermore benefits from it.
POWERFACT #11
Solar is the fastest energy source to deploy
With a lot fewer components than a conventional power plants like thermal or hydro-electric power plants for electricity generation, setting up a Solar power plant is way quicker. A solar power plant requires no auxillary system and has no moving accessories or parts, which means absence of any need for any precise and intricate alignment of some specific parts like impeller of a pump or shaft in turbines, heating parts as in boilers in conventional power plant etc. No complex arrangements and moving elements make solar powerplant setup time saving and hassle free as well as easy to maintain.
POWERFACT #12
Solar energy produces no pollution, has no environmental effects and is ecologically accepted
The actual process of generating electricity from solar produces no pollutants. The conventional power generation practices generate about 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide yearly, globally. So theoretically it is possible to curb all this emissions to a large extent if we move to solar in best possible ways.
POWERFACT #13
The first PV solar cells were used to power early satellites and consumer electronics.
Solar PV array was first used in Vanguard I space satellite to generate electricity to run its radio. Its was very small in size with a capacity of less than 1 watt. Since then Solar Power Satellite became acceptable and soon a norm which still is till this day with smaller size and far better efficiency. A very small PV array was and is still used in consumer electronics products such as calculators. With the advancements and development of technology, we are able to use these panels today to power our homes and offices and are no longer restricted for low power usage as in small electronic devices.
POWERFACT #14
Solar PV systems don't produce noise or chemical pollution while generating electricity.
Every machine that rely on rotating parts and controlled combustion to work. Machines like generators produces a lot of noise. Solar PV system has no moving parts which means no friction and hence no noise. Also it does not require transport of fuels or disposal of waste products while generating electricity.
