Multiple Myths Of Solar Power

By: Barry Dean

Red Hot Solar and Green Energy is a very popular subject in today’s world. However, many folks know little about the most promising form of Renewable Energy: Solar. For example, it’s a common assumption one must live in a sunshine state to receive any benefit. While in fact, there is little difference in average daily sunlight across the American countryside. The sun shines an average of 5.6 hours a day in Miami and Los Angeles, while the city of St. Cloud in Minnesota manages to offer 4.5 hours. Less than a 20% difference from one of the best, to one of the worst. Did you know Germany, (hardly known as the land-of-sun), produces more solar energy than any country in the world?

It’s still perceived that Solar Power is too expensive, and cannot compete with fossil fuel. The cost of Solar is falling all the time. Plus, it doesn’t take a rocket-scientist to figure out, when you have to pay for a fuel to burn for the next 20 to 40 years - versus NO fuel costs - solar power just might be a better way. You may still think you can’t afford a solar installation. A system can be sized from one panel to any quantity - you can expand a system, a panel at a time. There’s many other practical uses as well for smaller solar applications.

I believe Solar PV Panels are a cost effective form of energy today. We need to put more emphasis on how Solar Energy and other Renewable Energy can contribute in solving these problems. More power, less pollution! There is great contrast from a blackout in Hong Kong due to unrealistic energy demands, and trying to read by the light of a kerosene lamp in Kisii Town, Kenya. Electrical power requirements ripple across Europe as well, and the day-to-day efforts to meet electrical goals in China remain overwhelming. Solar Power is our best hope as a gradual supplement and replacement for growing energy demands globally. Solar is a flexible medium that can be installed without an infrastructure, something that may not be present everywhere.

A single small solar panel could run all your exterior lighting of your home - collecting light during the day and storing it, running lights into the morning. A single panel could also keep an SLA battery charged, providing emergency lighting for your home during power outages. Beats that noisy generator in the garage, don’t you think? Solar is expensive to install. Not really, many solutions are easy do-it-yourself - or qualified crews are available for major projects.

Regardless of your personal views, we all know we cannot simply continue to “consume” natural resources, to solve our energy needs. A remarkable effect would take place just reducing our personal electrical consumption a little bit - you know, reducing that footprint. Even if it’s simply charging your cell phone, laptop, and other electronics with portable solar devices. Solar is great for RVs and Camping as well. It’s very abundant and a completely clean form of energy. Take some time, learn a little about Solar Power and how it can benefit you and your family. Solar Power is the future, last time I checked - there was no shortage.