the universe, the core that holds the solar system together, the bringer of light;
it nourishes all living things on earth.
Although ancient man has already learned about using the
power of the sun through sunlit fires, it was not until 1839 when Edmund Becquerel, a young French physicist, who laid the foundation for harnessing its power.
Over the years, different scientists, engineers and other
analytical minds experimented with Becquerel's discovery. This paved the way for the creation of the Photovoltaic (PV) or solar cell which, according to the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory (NREL) has the capacity to convert sunlight into
electricity.
With the increasing rise of electric bills coupled with an
ongoing interest in lessening their carbon footprints, many homeowners are now considering the use of solar energy.
Well, why not? Unlike coal and fossil fuels, solar energy is
renewable. It can be used over and over without any risk of depleting its power. If that's the case, then why do majority of homeowners still use energy from power plants that spew harmful gases into the air, leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and creating huge dents into their pockets?
It's because years ago, although solar energy has been found
to produce more than enough energy to provide for man's use, it was considered unattainable by the average homeowner. During those times, PV (photovoltaic)
installations cost more than an arm and a leg. At 286 USD/watt with efficiencies of 4.5-6%, solar cells, the whole concept of solar energy was impractical and utterly expensive. Thus, only a small demographic was able to afford solar energy.
Factors that Led to
the Affordability of Solar Energy
Thanks to this generation's leaders and visionaries, solar
energy is now becoming more and more affordable for the average household and business. In fact, trends and predictions show that in ten years time, solar energy will be available at just a low.06 per watt.
So what created these changes? Are there people or
organizations that made this exciting turn possible? Is solar energy really becoming affordable?
Yes, there are people and organizations that have made all
these changes possible.
There's Steven Chu, the Nobel-prize winning physicist and
erstwhile Energy secretary who focused his efforts and channeled government funds for more intensive research of renewable energy. His brainchild, The SunShot Initiative, supports and encourages private and government entities, universities and laboratories in their quest for making solar electricity more affordable for everybody.
There's Goldman Sachs, yes, The Goldman Sachs, the
money-making machine that surprised everybody with their support for solar power. In fact, their recent report said that "Solar power is a good investment;
it's also poised to make fossil fuels obsolete". And mind you, they just announced that they have 40 billion in clean energy investments.
But what really mitigated the cost of PV panels was China's
dizzying speed for manufacturing these sources of energy. And with countries like Germany that have escalating demands for solar installation and solar equipment sales, these panels are sort of being sort of mass-produced. It's the age-old Law of Demand and Supply in action.
What It Means To You
All of this means that you will have a more affordable
source of energy sooner than you think. With the concerted efforts of the organizations mentioned above and an ever-growing demand for solar energy, solar installation and system energy installation, the price of PV panels will soon reach rock-bottom prices, allowing you to enjoy electricity without worrying about the environment.
As if that's not enough, the US government is actually
rewarding solar energy users by offering tax credits, rebates and savings. You can check Energy.gov for more
information. Imagine getting such incentives for something that will provide you with cheaper and a healthier source of energy for both you and the planet?
Should You DIY?
Yes you can, but doing so might disqualify you from getting your
tax credits, rebates and savings. It's because many states require you to get a licensed electrician who is highly skilled and well-experienced in this type of electrical services.
Besides, system energy installation involves a meticulous
process. You need to wire it correctly and place them accurately in order to maximize their functionality. Not to mention that improperly connected wires might cause short circuits that can seriously threaten your life and property.
To be on the safe side, consult with a local electrical contractor. He can answer your electrical FAQ's about solar installation.
This information is provided
to you by Go Solar. Please visit us online at http://www.gosolar.net or call us at 323-222-1639.
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