Do you know that NASA has been working on a series of solar-powered unmanned aircraft since the 1980’s? Pathfinder, Pathfinder Plus and Helios Prototype, are a result of NASA’s efforts to use solar power for long-duration, high-altitude flights.
A solar-powered home can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 100 tons within 30 years. It can reduce approximately 5 pounds of nitrogen oxide, 8 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and more than 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide each month.
Lithium-ion solar batteries are more commonly used in home energy systems because they're lighter, more compact, and have a longer lifespan. Moreover, the rise in demand has decreased their cost by 85%, making them affordable.
Did you know the potential to harness solar power was first discovered by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel in the year 1839? He discovered the photovoltaic effect, which was the operating principle of the solar cell.
Do you know that the United States is the third largest solar market in the world? With the decreasing prices of solar energy systems, more Americans are getting on board with solar panels in their homes and commercial establishments.
Can you list a few applications where solar energy is used? Well, some of them include Electricity, Biomass, Evaporation, Distilling, Water heating, Pumping, Cooking, Constructing Buildings and even for Transport.
Solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding wind, snow, and hail. Though some of the components of your system may need to be replaced from time to time, it should last for 25 to 35 years.
You may find it interesting to know that when researchers at Bell Labs, New Jersey developed the first photovoltaic cell, they actually wanted to create a power source for telephone systems that would not degrade in humid locations.
Solar systems can last for up to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall if you need to replace your roof. Hence, if your roof needs maintenance, complete it before getting your solar system installed.
“Solar power is a safe form of nuclear energy. We are using fusion reactions that are 93 million miles away to make light that we then convert to electricity with photovoltaic modules.” - Sean White
The Ivanpah solar electric generating system, the largest concentrating solar power facility in the United States, uses about 3,50,000 mirrors that focus the sun's rays on three 459-foot-tall, heat-collecting "power towers." The system can generate up to 377 megawatts of electricity.
South-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to accommodate a solar panel system are ideal for installing a solar system. However, even if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof, there are workarounds in many cases.
“I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy. ... If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago.” - George Porter
How long do solar batteries last? Residential solar battery units can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years. Some of the factors that affect solar battery life are type, usage, temperature, and maintenance.
What is the purpose of solar batteries? Solar batteries allow your solar panels to offer power during night time and shady weather as well. These batteries can use either lead-acid or lithium-ion technologies.
Did you know in the late 1950s, the United States began using photovoltaic cells to power space satellites? Since then, it continues to use solar energy to power things in space, including the Hubble Space Telescope!
Studies have revealed that homes with solar panel systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar energy system.
The Greeks and the Chinese were the first civilizations to take solar energy into account in building their structures and panning their cities. They oriented their buildings in the South to maximize sunlight and warmth.
California, the leader of solar power in the United States, generates so much energy that it can easily overload the power lines. To avoid this, California pays other states, mainly Arizona, to take the excess solar energy off their grid.
Solar water heaters use the energy of the sun to heat water for households or businesses. Solar water heaters lower energy costs, are less of a burden on the environment, and are eligible for tax rebates and incentives.
Do you know that if all the energy of the sun shining on the Earth’s land mass could be harnessed, it would be enough to meet the world’s power needs 6000 times over?
An interesting fact: Though the sun is 90 million miles from the earth, it takes less than 10 minutes for light to travel that distance.
Photovoltaic cells are composed of two layers of silicon-based materials. The top layer is infuse with phosphorous and the bottom layer contains boron. Known as “doping”, this process is performed to improve the conductivity of the silicon and create positive and negative charges.
Do you know that pollution affects as many people as HIV or malaria and has serious effects on older adults, children, and all living plants and animals? Since solar power produces no pollution, it is good for your health.