There may be nothing new under the sun. But the sun in and of itself is new.
Solar energy is becoming very popular. It’s environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and safe. Yet few people know about it.
What is so special about it? Here are seven interesting facts about solar energy.
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Solar Energy Has a History
Solar energy is all the rage right now. But it’s been popular for decades.
The first silicon solar cell was built in 1954. It received a front-page story in The New York Times, which proclaimed it as “the beginning of a new era.”
Solar energy caught the eye of the space industry. Starting in the 1950s, NASA incorporated solar technology into satellites. Even when they are many miles from Earth, satellites can travel using solar energy as power.
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Solar Energy Provides 24/7 Power
Solar panels can supply power every day. Even when the clouds are thick and dark, panels work at 25 percent efficiency.
All solar systems have battery technology. These batteries store electricity created from solar energy, letting you have power at night or during outages.
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Solar Energy Works Short-Term
Solar energy is used in many industries to meet temporary needs. Calculators use solar panels because you only need your calculator for a short period.
Each Olympics since 1996 has installed solar panels to power swimming complexes and the Olympic Village. Developers can install them and take them down in less than a day.
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You Can Install Systems Yourself
Solar panels are easy to install on appliances. Sites like https://PoweredPortableSolar.com offer kits and instructions so you can build small-scale systems by yourself.
Even the smallest systems provide power for air conditioners and RVs. You can customize your kits to meet your needs, and you can assemble most systems within an hour.
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You Can Make Money Off of Solar Energy
The cost of installing solar panels on your house is as low as $11,500. That is much less than the cost to install a wind turbine. The system provides power as soon as it starts operating.
You buy less energy from the grid, driving your energy bill down. Most people break-even after eight years. Over twenty years, they save up to $20,000.
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Solar Technologies Are Growing Fast
Demand for solar is skyrocketing. Developers installed 85 percent more panels in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter of 2011.
The job market for solar energy is also growing rapidly. The solar technology industry creates jobs at a pace six times faster than the general technology market. As demand increases, the pace of job creation will also increase.
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Solar Development Can Take Place Anywhere
173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the Earth every moment. That is 10,000 times bigger than the world’s energy use at any given moment.
There are thousands of acres of undeveloped land throughout the country. Developers can install solar panels in every state, reducing carbon emissions and ending dependency on fossil fuels.
Get More Facts About Solar Energy
Catch the sun by learning some facts about solar energy.
Solar energy is a dependable and affordable form of energy that has a long history. The industry is taking off, with developments appearing all over the United States. You can save money and the planet by installing solar panels.
These are just the basics of solar energy. Follow our coverage for more information.