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Can solar panels be recycled?
In recent years, the solar industry has not been a major contributor to landfills because of the long life expectancy of solar panels. However, as solar continues to grow rapidly and systems reach the end of their useful life, recycling will become increasingly important in the coming decades. In the future as much as 96%
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Resilient power systems and the cost of solar energy
Sometimes advanced solar plus energy storage systems do not appear to be cost-efficient under traditional cost-benefit calculations. However, if costs incurred from future power outages are considered, this balance can change very quickly. These costs could include the loss of essential services such as air conditioning and water pumps, medical equipment failure, liability incurred because
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The Importance of Solar Panel Maintenance
One of the beauties of solar power is that, once installed, solar panels require little maintenance throughout their rated lifetime. The initial startup cost of installation can be a deterrent for many homeowners, but in reality, the monthly energy savings pay back the installation costs relatively quickly. With limited maintenance costs, solar panels really are
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With limited funds, should you buy residential solar panels or an electric car?
Considering the cost of car ownership and depreciation and the ideal solar climate of Colorado, solar panels are likely to provide greater financial benefits. A small EV can lose about $7,500 a year in value, whereas the solar unit should last for 25 years or more, only losing a small amount of power each year.
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Solar panel long-term reliability
A recent study shows that photovoltaic systems are reliable and operating as expected, with 80% to 90% of all systems performing within 10% of the predicted production or better. This peer-reviewed study was based on the largest to date assessment of 100,000 solar systems. Newer solar panels have even lower rates of degradation, so are
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Solar could be leading nation’s energy installations
The June 2014 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) report, which assess the impact of the Federal Power Act, indicates that natural gas is still leading the nation in installation capacity for the year overall. However, those numbers only record utility installations and do not account for residential rooftop and commercial installations of solar electric panels. Many industry professionals
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A Beginner’s Guide to Solar Power in Your Home
Everyone knows what it feels like to dread your power bill each month. In fact, most people have considered switching over to solar power in their homes. Perhaps you have too. It is a tempting idea but frequently it seems too daunting and confusing, so you decide to go without. Well today we’re going to explain
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Solar Is Only Part of the Solution, the Other Parts Might Surprise You
Some people look at solar energy from a purely environmental perspective. Others might acknowledge the benefits it has to our planet but focuses primarily on the long-term cost savings. Most people, however, tend to fall somewhere between the two sides of the spectrum, embracing solar energy for both the environmental and financial aspects of the
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4 Important Benefits of Going Solar
With an increase in pollution as well as a limited amount of resources, it’s imperative to find alternative sources of energy. Because of advancements in technology, it’s now easier than ever to harness power from the sun. Solar energy is increasingly becoming an attractive option for both homeowners and businesses. There are several great
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Policy and Solar: A Pivotal Relationship
The future of solar energy in the United States isn’t solely dependent on technological innovation. While advancements in photocell capacities will certainly play a significant part in solar reaching its tremendous potential, many other factors play critical roles in the future adoption levels of solar energy technologies. Although not as often discussed as the innovations
