Understanding Solar Energy

In 1978, the first calculators powered by solar energy were introduced. Today, we have entire homes and even some businesses harnessing the power of solar energy in an effort to help reduce carbon emissions and preserve resources. As we learn more about the dangerous environmental affects of past practices, it is becoming increasingly more important for solar energy to be applied as a practical and limitless resource.

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is radiant heat and energy from the Sun that is collected in batteries and harnessed as a limitless source of electricity using innovative techniques and equipment.

How is Solar Energy Collected and Stored?

Solar energy is collected through panels comprised of multiple photovoltaic cells. The cells are used to collect the Sun's light. As the electrons in the cells become excited, the energy they generate is stored in batteries in the form of direct current (DC) voltage.

How is Solar Energy Converted for Household Use?

An integral part of every solar energy system is a piece of equipment called an inverter. The DC voltage enters the inverter and is converted into alternating current (AC) voltage which is then compatible with our devices.

How Much Solar Energy is Needed Per Household?

Solar energy is measured in kilowatt-hours. The average American household uses approximately 866 kilowatt-hours monthly. A 1-kilowatt-hour home solar energy system that is installed in a sunny climate is capable of producing approximately 1,600 kilowatt-hours per year while one installed in a cloudier climate can still effectively produce 750 kilowatt-hours per year.

Solar Energy Facts

• A 1-kilowatt-hour solar energy system will save on a monthly basis:
• 170 pounds of coal from being burned
• 105 gallons of water
• 300 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere
• In 1990, an aircraft powered exclusively by solar energy traveled 2,522 miles across the United States
• In sunny climates, a home solar energy system can feed unused electricity back to the utility company, allowing the homeowner to reverse-charge the electric company.
• Solar energy systems typically come with five-year warranties, but the panels are usually covered for 20 years.