I’m sure you’ve all heard the recent hype about solar power and how it may be used as possible wide scale power source. Well we’ll discuss whether or not it’s a good investment for the average family. The upfront costs can be in the hundreds of dollars; will the savings ever even match that amount? Lets see.
What is a Solar Panel? :
A solar panel is a series of photovoltaic modules placed together and wired into one field-installable unit. A photovoltaic module is made out of many cells, which convert sunlight into direct current electricity. So from smallest to biggest: cells, modules, panels and arrays. Arrays are a large number of panels placed together to gather sunlight. There are usually 36 cells per each module, each with a voltage of .5 volts.
How efficient are they? :
Depending on the type of module the sunlight conversion efficiency can range from 5% to 12%. Single Crystalline is the best, oldest and most expensive method of conversion (10-12%). Polycrystalline is not as efficient, however it does cost less. (10-11%) String Ribbon costs even less but its rates are only 5-7%. Amorphous is the cheapest, and it is dispersed as a vapour over materials such as glass. (5-7%)
Why use solar power? :
Solar energy is free energy. If you don’t use it, you lose it. We know the sun will always shine in our lifetimes; it’s not going to run out. Almost everyday we get sunlight, unless you’re in Britain, and it’s there for the taking. If you build a house out in the country, which is not connected to any power lines, then to receive power you must contact the nearest power agency and they must build new lines to your house and reconnect wires for it all. This can cost you a lot, into the tens of thousands if you’re really remote. Once you get that power, you still have to pay for every single kilowatt you use. The costs of having power to an un-serviced area are anywhere from 18000$-60000$. With solar power you install the system once and your set. No payments after the installation fee, which will probably be cheaper then the installation fee of the power lines. Now you have a quiet, reliable, safe, cheap, hassle free and especially green source of energy. A 600W system can cost 8000$.
What can I use it for? :
Other then bringing energy to your home, solar power can also be used to heat your water. A system may cost you around 5000$ but you can save on your water bill anywhere form 50-100% a year. For around 3000$ you can get a solar pool heater. Since solar panels have such long lifetimes they will save you money in the long run, no matter what their cost. Solar power can also be used to power anything from a flashlight to an RV, the possibilities are endless.
Is solar power a good investment? :
It depends on what your circumstances are. If you live in an un-serviced area, then yes, solar power is a lot better then being hooked up to the grid. If you’re planning on building a home from scratch, then yes, you can design the home to be the most efficient at collecting solar energy. If you are living in a major city in a pre-built home or apartment, then no, solar energy is not a good investment. So it really depends on your circumstances. Solar energy will pay off in the long run, this means in years time. If you are capable in waiting that long then yes, it’s a good investment.
