We know that the sun plays a big part in many of the Earth's processes. For one, the water cycle wouldn't be possible without solar insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further to this, we have also been using the sun's energy since around the 7th century BC<\/strong> for cooking and heating, as well as to provide light at night by lighting torches using mirrors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As time has passed, we have learnt to gather and convert the sun\u2019s rays into solar energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we'll tell you some fun facts about solar panel systems<\/strong> that might interest you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are 13 of the most interesting facts about solar panels you should know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar radiation is comprised of heat and light radiation<\/em> from the sun's rays. These can be collected and converted to generate electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What's interesting about this is that the amount of solar energy hitting the Earth in one hour is enough to power the world for a year.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Earth receives around 174 petawatts of solar power in the upper atmosphere of which 30% bounces back to space, while the clouds, landmasses, and water forms absorb everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means that if we can work out how to absorb this solar energy,<\/em> even for just one hour in a day, we'll have enough renewable energy to last the rest of the year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we can learn how to collect and store this energy efficiently, we won't ever again need to rely on natural gas, fossil fuels, or any other non-renewable energy source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar and wind energy are two big sources of renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On a larger scale<\/em>, wind farms will beat any other renewable energy facility (even a solar power plant) in terms of efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That's because wind turbines have an efficiency rate of up to 60%<\/strong>, while solar energy has a maximum of 25%. Furthermore, turbines can generate electricity even in the evenings or on cloudy days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, turbines are noisy and aren't practical for densely-populated areas. Wind energy is also quite unpredictable compared to solar energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why wind farms are typically found only in the windiest areas, such as by the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of that, solar energy is the more utilised renewable energy source <\/strong>by some distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although solar and wind energy are both free, solar panels require less space and maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They're quiet and do not break down as often as wind turbines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Would you believe that you would have needed to pay \u00a364 per watt for a simple solar cell<\/strong> in 1977?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, a solar cell now costs around \u00a30.17 per watt. This translates to roughly \u00a30.32 per watt for an entire assembled module.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes utilising solar energy even cheaper than fossil fuels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It's also predicted that as the solar energy industry expands, solar energy-related costs will continue to fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar panels can last several decades<\/a>, giving you lots of time to make up for the cost of installing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it's possible to break even in ten years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That's because you can look for financial plans that can help you offset some of the huge costs of going solar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, the UK offers smart export guarantees (SEG)<\/strong> which allow homeowners to earn from the excess solar energy they generate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The UK also offers 0% VAT<\/strong> until 2027 on solar installations, as well as other energy-saving materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n China has the world's largest solar power plant, generating around 24.4 GW in just the first half of a year.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the UK, the renewable electricity production capacity installed increased to 43%<\/em> in 2020 and solar energy made up 28% of that. This translates to around 13,158 GW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The technology used for solar panels is very versatile.<\/em> After all, PV cells can be used on any surface,<\/strong> such as buildings, roads, bridges, and even satellites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Innovations are further pushing the solar industry forward. For instance, lighter and more portable panels are already being used for solar blinds<\/a> and phone chargers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies are also looking to create solar-powered cars and boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The largest solar power plants are built on large, empty spaces for better and newer electricity production capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The very first solar panel was invented in 1883 by Charles Fritts. These solar panels were coated with a thin layer of selenium and another extremely thin layer of gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, they only had 1% efficiency.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite that, this invention started the movement to improve solar technology for improving the harvesting of solar energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re producing solar energy on your own, you might be tempted to go off the grid, meaning you're not connected<\/em> to any power system or utility company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, having grid-tied solar power systems results in better grid reliability.<\/strong> It can help improve several factors, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These can help reduce peak loads. <\/strong>For instance, hot summer days require more energy for air conditioning, which may overload the grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By retaining grid-tied status, you'll be able to generate enough solar energy for yourself while possibly giving the excess to the grid.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n New solar power systems have five main parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you may have noticed, these systems don't have moving parts<\/em>, which also means they don't contribute to noise pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar panel efficiency<\/a> depends on the manufacturer and the kind of solar panels you have. But, in general, an average system will have an efficiency rate of 20%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that the solar panels will convert 20% of the sunlight that hits them<\/strong> into electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain higher-efficiency panels can reach up to a 24% efficiency rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Power purchase agreement customers are typically involved when building a solar power plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The agreement lasts about 20 to 25 years. However, the power plant itself can be upgraded to last up to 40 years or more.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, solar panels can be replaced with more efficient modules for better electricity generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Admittedly, fossil fuel power plants can last just as long. However, the Earth's reserves for fossil fuels will eventually run out, <\/em>meaning solar plants will function for far longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new power plant mix has already added solar energy to fossil fuels and other energy sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, that means you're not always entirely sure<\/em> that the electricity you're using is generated by a solar plant rather than by a natural gas or fossil fuel power plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure you're being eco-friendly, it's best to just have your rooftop system.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, not everyone has the space to accommodate this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As such, there are community solar projects<\/strong> where interested consumers can have a power purchase agreement to be able to use the electricity the solar energy produces from those projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At first glance, solar panels might seem quite fragile \u2014 after all, they're only a few millimetres <\/em>thick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, they can generally last 25 to 30 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To achieve this, they're rigorously tested<\/em> to withstand extreme weather, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The silicone in the panels is encased in tempered glass that's up to six times stronger<\/em> than normal glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This durability allows the panels to have a long service life.<\/strong> The worst degradation rate a panel can have is 1% per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the average yearly degradation rate is 0.8%. Manufacturers should issue a warranty that covers your solar panel's life expectancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Solar energy is the fastest-rising renewable energy in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It has been used since ancient times; however, it wasn't until recent years that the industry introduced innovations that helped us capture, store, and utilise solar energy better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite coming this far, there's still so much we can learn<\/strong> about solar energy and panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of how convenient this renewable energy is, having your solar panel system<\/a> at home (or being part of a community solar project) is highly recommended!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from saving money on your energy bills, you might even be able to earn money if you generate any excess energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, this also means becoming more eco-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n13 Facts About Solar Panels You Should Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) Solar Power Is the Earth's Most Abundant Energy Source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2) Wind Turbines Beat Solar Panels in Efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3) Solar Panels Are 99% Cheaper Than in 1977<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4) You Can Break even on Your Solar Panel System Within 10 Years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5) China Is the Leading Solar Energy Provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6) Solar Panels Are Very Versatile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7) The First Solar Panel Was Made in 1883<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8) Solar Panels Can Improve Grid Reliability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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9) Solar Panel Systems Have Multiple Components<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10) An Average Solar Panel System Has an Efficiency Rate of 20%<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11) Solar Power Plants Can Last Several Decades<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12) You Can Utilise Solar Energy Even Without Solar Panels on Your Property<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
13) Solar Panels Are Impressively Durable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Final Words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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