Solar in Gold Coast – How to Get Free Energy from the Sun
Using solar energy is the best way to live a green life, here are some reasons why you should invest in solar energy!
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The sun provides the earth with renewable energy that generates enough power to last us a lifetime. Clever scientists and technicians have invented a clever system that allows us to capture this power, store it, and use it in our homes. But how do these systems truly work? And is it worth the initial high costs?
Instead of paying your expensive power bills that you get from the grid, you can be safe in the long run by investing in a solar panel system. These systems generate free energy from the sun that can be applied into your home to be used to power a variety of electrical appliances. Depending on your individual needs, you can purchase a large paneling system that is stored on an open field, or a smaller system that can be placed on your home’s roof.
In this article, we would like to take a closer look at this free energy source and how scientists have changed the way we use electricity.
How Does Solar Power Work?
You have probably seen the shiny blue, black, or silver panels on people’s roof tops. Those shimmering components are home to a complex network of cells that uses the sun for its energy. Each one of these panels consist of a glass casing that is covered in a specialized film, a metal frame, silicon cells (also known as photovoltaic cells), and a series of wires. The panels are then placed together in groups on surfaces where they get maximum exposure to sunlight. The cells consist of a negative and positive charging port which allows the creation of an electrical field. When sunshine from the sun hits the panel’s cells it creates a reaction that energizes electrons that are stored within the semiconductor wafer. Through this process an electrical current is created. Learn more about how solar panels work in this informative article.
Once sunlight is converted into electricity (known as DC – direct current or AC -electricity by inverter) it is stored inside a battery. These inverters have a lifespan of 5-10 years and must be replaced every 5-10 years. They are responsible for supplying the home with power, making sure you have enough electricity for different appliances inside the property. Batteries on the other hand are charged and act as energy storage throughout the day. Depending on your electricity needs, you will need to get a battery efficient to provide power to all appliances needed, when there is not any sunshine. Companies who have large machines that must run 24/7 will invest in very large batteries to power through the night. Some companies who have a high demand for electricity, will use their solar energy throughout the day and then move to grid energy throughout the night. This still enables them to save money by not using grid energy for almost 12 hours. It’s easy to measure your usage by investing in a net meter that captures the kW/h energy you and your family use.
Why Should I Invest in Solar Energy?
One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about solar energy is that it’s expensive. Sure, the initial costs are not always affordable, but when it comes to sustainability it’s definitely worth the investment. Here are a few reasons why it’s smart to invest in such a system:
Long-term Savings
Most companies who provide the installation of solar in Gold Coast will have low maintenance costs included in installation fees. So, you will have to pay an upfront costly fee that is quite high, but for future, you will not only save on energy use, but also on maintenance fees. Because these panels have a warranty of 20-25 years, you will save a lot of money in the long run. Because you are generating free energy sources from the sun, you do not have to be part of the grid system anymore. As time moves on, electricity providers will also increase their prices per kW. Not knowing what these increases might be in the future, can create a lot of uncertainty. When you have invested in a solar panel system that generates electricity completely for free, you’ll save on electricity bills now and in the future. In the Gold Coast alone, households spend about $1467 per year on electricity on average per household. These costs will add up over the years. Another great money-saving advantage that the initial investment has, is that you can make money off of it. When you generate surplus power, you can provide neighboring homes with electricity. In return, you will be paid a small fee.
Easy Maintainable
At the very least you should only clean the panels once or twice each year. As mentioned earlier, you can hire an installation company to help you with the maintenance and double-checking wiring, batteries, and inverters. Maintenance costs are also very low, especially if you use the same company that installed them in the first place.
Not Area Specific
Whether you live on a farm or a remote village, you can benefit from solar power. Panels can be installed just about anywhere where there is sunlight. It’s perfect for residential properties just as much as it is for commercial properties and farms.
Many Different Applications
Solar energy can be used for many different purposes. Two of the most popular applications are for heat (solar thermal) and electricity (photovoltaics). Depending on your needs you can apply your system accordingly. Check out more advantages when you change to solar energy.It is such an open field of expertise, that designers and physicists are still trying to design more efficient and smarter ways to generate solar power. Sharp, is a company that integrated the cells-system into building materials like windows. This allows buildings to generate energy without having to place large heavy panels on the roof of their homes.
By investing in a solar panel system, you have free access to the sun’s renewable energy source. With a little bit of maintenance and upkeep – you’ll be getting free electricity as long as the sun shines.
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