15 Interesting Facts About Solar Energy

Solar energy is widely considered to be one of the viable sources of renewing energy in our world that is increasingly turning to alternate sources for energy. With all the speculation around it, however, not many people really have a workable knowledge about solar energy and its important applications. If you’re interested in solar energy and would like to buff up your knowledge about it, here are some facts about solar energy that you will find interesting.

1. Solar energy already powers the world: Although often used interchangeably to mean solar technology, solar energy is in fact the primary source of all energy in the world. The sun powers natural systems that pave way for everything else around us to work and without the sun, humanity would not survive.
2. Solar energy systems can generate electricity without direct sunlight: At first glance, the term `solar panel, seems to imply that they need the sun directly on them to work, however, the science behind solar panels` production of electricity is based on the photons present in sunlight. The implication of this is that your solar panel will still work when the skies are cloudy.
3. Solar technology has been in development for a long while: As far back as the 1860s when coal was still the primary source of supply for the energy that was being used, experiments for the use of solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels was already underway. Charles Fritts, an American inventor credited with making the first working Selenium cell in 1883, installed the world`s first rooftop photovoltaic solar array using his cells in 1884 in no other place but New York City. However, the development and use of solar energy didn’t advance much for almost a century after this, and we’re glad it’s back on track.
4. Unlike your laundry, solar panels do not need to be cleaned very often: While it is necessary to clean your solar panels at least once every six months so they maintain maximum efficiency, solar panels objectively do not need to be cleaned too often. They do need regularly scheduled maintenance, however, to make sure they remain in good working condition.
5. Solar power systems are viable for almost 30 years or more: Solar systems are built to last and will perform at over 90% production capacity for the majority of their viable duration.
6. Solar-powered calculators have been in use for over 40 years: Invented in 1978, solar-powered calculators were likely the first time you used solar energy and they are a simple example of the vast applications of solar power.
7. You won’t hear your solar power system working: No matter the size of your home, your solar panel will function without a single peep of sound. Quality solar systems are designed to be noiseless.
8. Solar systems are getting increasingly cheaper to build: The advancement of technology has seen the cost of setting up solar energy practically plunge over the decades. Whereas it would’ve cost you over $55,000 or much more to set up a solar system in your home about ten years ago, it would cost you less than half that in 2021.
9. Using solar energy will cost you less each month than being supplied from the grid: Even though solar energy is a natural resource, solar panels will cost you money to set up. The cost of this will, however, save you significant money in the long run.
10. Some fossil fuel (oil & gas) companies actually use solar panels on their oil rigs: Companies such as ExxonMobil utilise solar panels on their oil rigs. This is probably your cue that solar energy is only going to become increasingly relevant
11. The United States is currently the number 3 solar energy generator and market in the world: More infrastructure is being put in place to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy-producing systems such as solar or wind energy.
12. California is home to the largest operational solar thermal power station in the United States: Yes, California. With over 17% of its electricity being generated from solar energy, California has remained the leading generator of solar energy in the United States for a long time.
13. Solar energy production is free from environmental pollution: With increasing concerns for the rate of pollution in today’s world, solar energy, and its use to produce clean, renewable energy is a viable alternative to many of our sources of power today.
14. The international space station is powered entirely by solar energy: Recent upgrades have seen the ISS produce even more energy than it needs via harnessing solar energy.
15. Solar energy is the fastest growing and cheapest energy source in America: With about one-third of the current 3 million installations happening in the last two years, according to the U.S. Department of energy, solar energy use in the United States is advancing faster than any other energy source.

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