Solar energy is gaining momentum

There was a time (in the not-at-all distant past) when using solar power was an exotic practice that had few applications. Solar power uses were few and far between and environmentalists despaired of weaning our society off the dependence it had built up for fossil fuels.

While it seemed as though the uses of solar power were frustratingly sparse here in America, some other nations around the world began to improvise ways to enhance the use of solar power in their industries. They researched how to use solar power in homes, and how to move away from non-renewable sources of energy. Soon their methods of use for solar power began to force worldwide trading partners (and competitors) to take notice.

How did solar revolution begin?

The question that industrial engineers were pondering was no longer “how do we use solar power?” It evolved into “do we face a problem with not using solar power?” What had once been considered a scientific novelty was becoming essential in a world waking up to the fact that non-renewable resources were someday going to run out. Thinking “out of the box” no longer was limited to solar power home use: it was moving into the realm of industry.

Meanwhile, in large nations like China and India solar power use became much more prolific. As the European Union searched for solutions to their energy needs, they also saw solar as one possible answer among many options.

In America solar power uses began to increase and become more varied. Applications that had once relied purely on battery power were now beginning to be retrofitted to take advantage of advances in solar technologies. The emergency call boxes on California freeways began to sport small solar panels that recharged the batteries that powered the phones. A small step at first, but one that presaged the extensive use of solar that we see on the West Coast today.

And as for the world, these days what countries use solar power? What regions use solar power? And who is the largest user of solar power?

Here are your win-a-bet-in-a-bar answers: There are dozens of nations that make extensive use of solar power these days, not the least of them being China, India, Germany, France, Norway, Algeria, and the UK.

While Europe and Asia are regions that use plenty of solar energy, use in Africa continues to grow at an amazing rate. One of the reasons for that is because Kenya is the world leader in per capita solar power systems. These are small systems, producing under 30 watts each, but more and more people in Kenya are enjoying lamp light at night because of these tiny solar systems!

Why is solar energy gaining such a popularity lately?

Solar energy has seen drastic changes in recent years, lower production costs, better solar cell efficiencies and high oil prices have given rise to better solar panels at lower costs.

Scientist are saying global warming is occurring on earth and that something must be done, this have caused people going solar with a clear conscience and saving money at the same time.

Solar energy advantages

1. Saves you money, and can even be a way to EARN money.
   • Free unlimited electricity from the sun.
   • Sell surplus electricity to the utility companies for profit with net metering.
   • After initial investment, the solar panel will start paying for itself.
   • The payback time for the solar panel, can become very short if you have high electricity prices and live in a sunny place.
   • Financial grants from governments cut down on initial investments!
   • No fluctuating high fuel prices.
   • Electricity costs are rising around the world.
   • The savings on the electricity bill are immediate and for over 25 years at least.

2. Renewable energy source, that’s is eco-friendly.
   • A solar system that provides just half the energy needs of an average house, will spare the environment of half a ton of Sulphur oxide, one-third of a ton nitrogen-oxides and offset all the carbon-dioxide released from two cars over its lifetime.
   • No pollution in the air from smog or greenhouse gases that are unhealthy and cause global warming. (opposed to: Oil, gas and coal)
   • The energy required in the manufacturing of the solar panels, is recovered in 1.5-2 years time, this causes it to indirectly prevent carbon emissions.
   • It produces energy where it is needed, without the need for costly transportation, electric-wires, or gas-pipelines.

3. Independent system with low maintenance.
   • Go totally off-grid by storing excess power in batteries or by installing a backup-generator, this is normal for remote locations.
   • Become semi-independent with a grid-tied system. It will trade your electricity back and forth with the utility grid. No batteries or generator required and a good choice for home-owners.
   • No moving parts = No maintenance, the only wear and tear on the solar panels are the sun’s rays themself, causing the solar panels to last for decades.
   • Easy installation and setup for home-based systems.

Solar energy disadvantages

1. Costly first time investment.
   • A complete system cost around 3-4 dollar per rated watt of production capacity. But it will still pay for itself during its lifetime.

2. Reliant on the weather and seasons for optimal production.
   • More energy in summer than winter. Aligning the panel optimally to capture the suns movement across the sky is also important.

3. The crystalline solar cells are fragile.
   • They will shatter if they are exposed to a sudden blunt force. So it is recommended to have them on roofs.

4. In off-grid locations, like cottages in the woods, it is often risky to rely too heavily on solar energy for a constant supply of electricity, therefore many choose to complement their systems with wind power (and/or) a small diesel generator.

As you can see the advantages of solar power are undeniably very important for the health of our planet and sustainable living. At the moment most disadvantages arise from basic flaws any new energy system might encounter, so it’s no wonder, the star of solar energy keeps rising.

Sources of information and recommended reading:

1. Loading up on wind and solar is causing new problems for Germany
   Even as Germany adds lots of wind and solar power to the electric grid, the country's carbon…
   Read on technologyreview.com - https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601514/germany-runs-up-against-the-limits-of-renewables/

2. In Germany, solar panels are transforming home life and offering energy independence
   Sustainable Energy takes a look at the synergy between rooftop panels and battery storage.
   Read on cnbc.com - https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/08/in-germany-solar-panels-are-transforming-home-life-and-offering-energy-independence.html

3. What I Learned Installing Solar Panels
   It was easier than I thought.
   Read on citylab.com - https://www.citylab.com/life/2016/06/what-its-like-to-install-solar-panels/485156/