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 isn’t 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.