Could Solar Power Replace All Other Forms of Power in the Future?

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For a long time, it seemed like coal-burning power plants kept Americans homes and businesses full of electricity. Indeed, much of the world used and still uses fossil fuels to make things work. However, other ways to get power came along, including nuclear and solar options.

A question recently appeared on the website Quora asking, “Could the world feasibly switch to all-nuclear power generation?” An expert on nuclear materials and the nuclear fuel cycle went into great detail to answer this question and basically said, “No.” Instead, he offered the assertion that solar energy could, stating that utilizing 1.2% of the Sahara desert is sufficient to cover all of the energy needs of the world in solar energy. How about that?

If the world needs 17.3 Terawatts of continuous power annually, an area of 335 kilometers by 335 kilometers covered in solar panels (such as 1.2% of the Sahara desert) could make that a reality. It would cost about five trillion dollars to make it so, but as you can imagine there are many entities, including governments and corporations, who don’t want to do this because it would mess with their profits.

That said, it is conceivable that solar power could replace all other forms of power in the coming years. We shall see.

For now, Solar Solutions is helping people save money on their electric and heating bills through solar panels and more. Solar Solutions installs solar electric systems for residential homes, as well as solar water heater systems and even solar pool heating systems. With locations in sunny El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, Solar Solutions covers a wide area with solar power solutions for people who want to save money while also utilizing a pollution-free resource.

Find out what solar solutions are available to you by calling 915-581-0461 in El Paso or 575-636-2333 in Las Cruces. You should also check out the FAQ online here: https://www.solarsolutions-texas.com/faqs/

How do Solar Systems Produce Energy?

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If you take some time to watch YouTube videos, do a search for living in a van and see what appears. There are quite a few videos that show van dwellers who are able to call a van or RV their permanent home thanks to solar panels on their roofs. It’s a pretty amazing thing to think they can be in a van reading articles on their computer screen while running a blender to make a smoothie.

Take a look around the neighborhood where you live. Be on the lookout for solar panels. You’ll see more and more of them as time goes by.

Solar power from the sun can be converted into energy to power things, and that’s a modern day marvel, isn’t it?

Solar panels receive light from the sun. Not to get too technical, but the sun’s rays are converted into electricity by exciting electrons in specially-designed silicon cells that utilize the photons of light coming from the sun.

Did you know solar panels contain “photovoltaic” cells? This is a big, fancy word that means electricity from light. Underneath glass, these cells have a positive and negative film of silicon. When light hits them, electrons get knocked off the silicon. Negatively-charged free electrons end up on one side of the cell creating electric voltage. Thus, electricity is collected and channeled to run people’s appliances, computers, and more in their vehicles, homes or wherever else they need it. When more and more solar panels are linked together, even more electricity can be generated.

The electricity ends up at an electrical box which contains fuses as well as connections delivering power to an item called the inverter. DC (direct current) gets converted into AC (alternating current) thanks to the inverter. The AC gets connected to a circuit breaker in the electrical panel. Power goes to any electrical loads currently in operation.

GR Solar Solutions can install solar panels on or near your home. Please call 915-581-0461 to discuss your needs.

Source Used:  http://www.nwwindandsolar.com/solar-power-in-seattle-and-the-northwest/how-do-solar-systems-produce-energy/

Myths Surrounding Solar Energy

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MythsThe sun is nature’s way of giving life to the planet. And, in recent years, the sun’s light has been harnessed to provide power for many people the world over. Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular, yet there are plenty of myths associated with it.

For instance, some people think that solar panels require a tracking system to follow the angle of the sun. For residential purposes, moving parts aren’t needed. They’ll work just fine staying stationary. Interestingly, since solar panels have no moving parts, they don’t require maintenance. As for cleaning, the rain will clean them off so you don’t have to!

Then there’s the myth that solar panels are ugly. It turns out that they’re quite sleek and are seen as a way to enhance the look of a place these days.

Is it just “too expensive” to have solar panels? Actually, most customers notice they save money using solar energy compared to the traditional way of powering their home. Thanks to modern financing options, solar panels are being installed on homes with little-to-no money down.

What about foggy or cloudy days? People often wonder if their solar panels still work when it’s cool, cloudy and/or foggy outside. The good news is this: they work fine in ambient light. They’re nearly as efficient on cooler days.

Finally, people often think, “Well, solar power will get more efficient so I should wait before I buy.” This might surprise you– the same solar technology from the 1960s is being used today! Unlike cell phones and computers, solar power doesn’t experience dramatic improvements in short periods of time. As solar panels become more efficient, it’ll just mean you won’t need as many as before.

GR Solar Solutions of Texas provides solar pool heating systems, solar domestic hot water heaters, and photovoltaic solar systems, with locations in El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Please call 915-581-0461 (Texas) with any questions you have about solar energy.