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Home Solar Energy Myths – Part 3

By Solar energy | December 17, 2008

A photovoltaic array is a linked assembly of P...
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Home Solar Energy Myths – Part 3

Today we will talk about the third myth of home solar energy use.

3. Solar energy is inefficient. How efficient is solar energy? Energy efficiency is a delicate balance between economic costs, benefit for the environment, and available supplies. It must be financially affordable, good for our planet and its inhabitants, and in abundant supply.

Seen from a strictly financial point of view, coal is the least expensive electrical energy source. On an energy-per-Btu basis, coal is also the least expensive fossil fuel. But adding the environment to the equation, coal is a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Then consider that at current rates of production only 155 years of coal supplies remain.

Efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) power increases dramatically with gains in PV technology. Still, commonly available solar PV panels produce electric energy at a 15% efficiency rate. That sounds low, right?

But consider there are no harmful air pollutants released into the air. Neither can we run out of solar energy. Technological advances as well as incentive tax credits continue to reduce the price of solar energy systems.

Now that three major barriers to a home solar energy system are demystified, you can pursue a clean, abundant, and efficient energy source for your home. You know it is possible to reduce the expense of solar energy, that solar panels do work on cloudy days, and that the most efficient energy source is one that will never run out.

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