Facts About Solar Energy
General Facts About Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the few renewable sources of energy currently available.
Compared to more common forms of energy, solar energy is the cleanest source.
Solar energy is most commonly used to provide electricity, but can also be used for heating as well.
With the increasing oil prices, the demand for solar energy is increasing greatly.
Facts About Solar Energy Usage
Solar energy is measured in kilowatt hours.
One kilowatt hour is equal to 1000 watts.
One kilowatt hour is the same amount of energy required to burn a 100 watt light bulb for about ten hours.
The average home run on solar electricity uses about 866 kilowatt hours per month.
The average cost of running a home on solar power is about $70, which is much less than typical homes run on electricity.
About 30% of the energy used in a home is for heating purposes, and solar energy can heat buildings and water at a much cheaper rate.
The earth receives more energy from the sun in an hour than the entire planet uses in a whole year.
Facts About Solar Energy Systems
A home that is run on solar power will consist of solar panels, a battery, an inverter, a charge controller, as well as wiring and a support structure for all of the materials.
It costs about $10,000 to install a solar powered structure on a home, and takes about two days from start to finish.
Homes that are run on solar power can receive incentives from the government for using a clean source of power that is environmentally friendly.
The average home run on solar power will consist of approximately ten to twelve solar panels, and requires at least 100 square feet for installation.
Homes that use solar power as a main source of electricity can prevent over 300 pounds of C02 from being released into the atmosphere each month.
Solar powered homes can also save 105 gallons of water from being consumed each month, since water can be heated faster when using a solar powered heater.
Solar powered homes can receive electricity twenty four hours a day, even during cloudy
weather or when the sun isnt out. This is due to a battery, which can store excess power from the sun until it is needed.
General Facts About The Sun
Sunlight travels to earth in about 8 seconds, travelling over 186000 miles per second.
The sun is located approximately 93,000,000 miles away from earth
Solar power is not only important for providing electricity, but also is responsible for weather patterns and ocean currents.
Clouds, pollution, and many other factors can prevent the sun from reaching the earth, which can eventually cause problems with solar powered homes and electronics.
