There are many solar energy facts that we are not fully aware of. It is a universally known fact that use of solar energy is better for our environment than other conventionally used energy forms. Solar energy can be used to produce electricity, power photovoltaic cells to heat water and the most common use – dry clothes. What is more interesting to know is, solar energy can also heat swimming pools and power cars apart from being used to run attic fans or calculators and other similar appliances. If properly utilized, it can even satisfy our indoor and outdoor lighting needs. Solar energy also helps you to cook food. However solar energy cannot be used in its direct form but needs to be collected and stored in photovoltaic batteries which can then be insulated, reflected, absorbed or transmitted as the need be. Solar energy can be measured in kilowatt-hour. A home solar system of one kilowatt can generate about 1,600 kilowatt hours annually receiving about 5.5 hours of sunshine daily in summer and 750 kilowatt hours receiving 2.5 hours of sunshine daily on cloudy days.
Home solar systems are typically made of solar panels, a charge controller, a battery, an inverter, wiring and support structure. Costing around ten thousand dollars, the system can be installed in one or two days. The U.S. Government offers many incentives to homes powered by solar energy to encourage the use. A home solar system equipped to produce one-kilowatt energy is made of about 10-12 solar panels and needs at least 100 square feet are for installation. Each of the solar panel has 40 solar cells. The panels are normally kept facing north to receive optimum sunlight. While the solar panel is warranted for 20 years, the home solar system has a 5-year warranty. The home solar system relies on the battery back up system to provide power all round the day during cloudy season and night times. The solar panels are available in different colors. Using a one-kilowatt solar system, you can help save the burning of 170 lbs of coal or 300 pounds of carbon dioxide emission or 105 gallons of water used for hydroelectricity. More solar energy facts can be found on found on GreenSupplyEnergy.com.
