The Challenge Of Going Solar – Are You Ready?

Have you heard that the U.S. is full of possible, and as yet undeveloped, sources for renewable energy? Especially solar energy, but other renewable sources also. For example, we have such things as wave energy (from ocean waves), and wind energy. All these renewable sources have lots of un-tapped potential.

Fossil fuels like coal and oil have powered the western world for over a hundred years. Well, that was then, and this is now. Coal and oil have been used because they were cheap and abundant. Also, these energy sources were simple and convenient to use.

It is now evident that the Earth’s stored fossil energy reserves are running low. Getting at them becomes harder and harder. Then there is the spectre of the Global Warming.

I don’t know about you, but I have come to the conclusion that this issue must be taken very seriously. It doesn’t take a genious to realize that as we burn coal and oil, enormous amounts of carbon dioxide end up in the atmosphere. The origin of this is carbon which has been fossilized and tucked away in the Earth since long before the age of the dinosaurs. Now we humans are opening a Pandora’s box by releasing tremendous quantities into the air.

During the 1900s, there has been an enormous increase of the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Why is this a problem? It’s because of a property of CO2; the “greenhouse effect”. This gas is invisible to us but reflects infrared radiation back to the surface of the Earth. Which means that as the CO2 level goes up, so will the Earth’s temperature go up also.

You will be affected in different ways depending on where you happen to live. In some parts of the world, it can lead to disastrous consequences – drought, desertification, famine. Plus the polar ice caps are now melting away at a really alarming rate. If this trend continues, the ocean levels could rise several feet. If so, you can expect a watery future for such cities as New York. And large parts of countries like The Netherlands would also end up under water.

What can we do about these problems? The remedy is to make every effort to phase out the use of fossil energy. The time has come for solar panels and other kinds of renewable energy – time to develop their potential. I guess you belive solar panels are way too costly? Not anymore. You can set up home solar panels yourself and save money.

In case you happen to be a rugged and self-reliant person, I am sure you have an interest in DIY solar panels. Get them set up on your rooftop, and thumb your nose at these pesky bills from the utility company. People in the U.S. have a great reputation for being self-reliant action-takers. So, I think they will be able to handle this challenge also.

You Can Make Your Own Solar Panels

During each year the sun transmits 170 Petawatts to the earth’s atmosphere of which only 80 Petawatts actually penetrate to ground level. To better understand what this relates to, 40 Petawatts (80,000 trillion watts) or half a year’s worth of the energy we receive from the sun is equal to all of the fossil fuels that we can ever extract from the earth. It is relatively cost free, doesn’t pollute the environment, and adds absolutely no CO2 or other “greenhouse gases. So if you are lucky enough to live where the sun is always shining you are in an ideal position to make your own solar panels and take a huge bite out of your power bill while at the same time doing something good for the environment.

While we are consuming fossil fuel faster than additional reserves can be discovered it only makes sense to start turning to one of the most abundant energy sources available for free—solar energy. Solar is an alternative energy source that has not been fully utilized by many other countries which gives it almost unlimited potential for the future. You can produce this energy when you build a solar cell array that you put on your roof so that it will absorb the most solar rays possible and then transform them into electricity. A good rule of thumb is that you will need 10 to 12 solar panels to produce each kilowatt of power.

The biggest drawback to using solar power is that it can only generate energy during daylight hours. The best way around this limitation is to install an auxiliary system that will collect this power while the sun is shining and then you can draw on it during the night. The normal auxiliary system is usually a bank of deep cycle batteries that can release energy back during darkness or when a power outage occurs.

There are quite a few individuals who hesitate to implement a solar alternative energy solution for their home fearing that they cost way too much and are too difficult to put up. They are fairly expensive if you have a professional install them but it might surprise you at how easily and reasonably you can install but you might be surprised at how cheap and easy it is to install a solar cell solution to your hefty monthly power bill. If you live in an area that enjoys abundant sunshine and there aren’t high buildings or trees to obstruct the light, then you need to look into making your own solar panels and kissing that monstrous power bill goodbye.

It is generally acknowledged in California that converting your home to solar is the same as removing two cars from the freeways. Solar cell panels have more advantages than just being eco-friendly. They require very little in the way of upkeep which saves you time and additional expenses. In addition, solar cell systems offer a fairly rapid return of your investment after which it is free. Solar energy makes so much sense as an option for alternative energy and you can enjoy saving money while getting the satisfaction of building your own solar cells.