Solar power has been around for quite some time. But only now is the technology growing by leaps and bounds. The cost of a solar panel has dramatically been reduced over the past few years as countries with lower labor rates have gotten into the manufacturing of them.
The types of solar panels have also dramatically changed. They have become much more efficient, therefore, needing less of a foot print to install. There are even flexible solar panels available for areas where the footprint is not exactly flat. These solar panels can be placed on a roof, on a hill in the back yard, or just about anywhere.
There are also solar panels available for RVs to recharge and supply their batteries, and for alternative uses where electric power is not immediately available. Can you imagine if Gilligan and the crew had a solar panel arrangement available on that deserted island?
The transmission and battery systems have also expanded. The solar power that is generated is inverted from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) which is used to power everything from lights to televisons. The DC current is stored in the batteries for when the solar panels produce more electricity than what is being used. If the batteries are filled to capacity, then the solar power can be funnelled into the electric grid, and you can actually see your meter run backwards.
Can you imagine that, your electric bill is reduced or even seeing a credit on your bill if you are pumping more electricity into the grid than using? There are alot of critics out there saying that solar power is not an efficient form of alternative energy. They site that solar power is not produced in the night time, and is reduced if its a cloudy day. This is all true, however, with the battery arrangements, you can have power throughout the nighttime (when you are probably sleeping anyways), and there is always the electric grid if your batteries run out.
Solar power has no smog emissions which also helps the environment. Who would ever complain about saving the environment, saving money on your electric bill and being a steward of forward thinking? Yes, solar power systems are expensive in totality, but the government is subsidizing so that you can earn a tax credit back for installation. The cost is not as much as you would think! Its worth a look into.
You can find more information about solar power, solar panels and the available tax credits at Clean Green Earth
Alexander Travis is a devoted advocate of preserving Planet Earth with use of alternative energy such as solar power and wind power. Visit Clean Green Earth for more information.
