Solar Energy Systems
We know that Florida is called the Sunshine State, but did you know that solar energy accounts for over one-third of the entire state’s renewable electricity production as of 2018? According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Florida ranks ninth in the nation in solar resource strength. As the United States and Florida continue to look for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint while reducing their electric bill, more people are taking a serious look at installing solar energy systems.
Here the experts at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric discuss everything you need to know about solar energy as well as installation services.
Understanding Solar Energy Systems
While we all understand that solar energy, also known as solar power, is the energy the sun produces, many do not realize the incredible amount of energy the sun creates. In only an hour and a half, the sun produces enough energy to accommodate the entire world’s energy needs for an entire year. Solar energy systems harness that sunlight to produce electrical power through photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).
Photovoltaic Basics
The most well-known form of solar energy is instantly recognizable by its use of panels. As the sun shines on the panels, PV cells absorb the energy and create charges, which then moves to an electrical field and produces an electrical flow.
Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power Basics
Unlike PV solar, CSP uses substantial mirrors to attract and collect the sunlight in a concentrated area. From there, solar energy becomes heat energy that then can transition into electricity. As the process can be incredibly complicated, CSP is usually for power plants or large factories.
Types Of Systems
Depending on your energy needs, the type of system may vary.
The most popular systems include:
This type of system remains the most popular with solar consumers as it produces the highest level of energy per square inch – around 7% more than other available styles. As they are quite large, most homes and properties only require a few monocrystalline silicon panels.
Due to these systems being smaller and having less silicon than other monocrystalline systems, they are less efficient at producing energy. These factors also mean they are cheaper to make and purchase, which makes them another popular choice.
For those who want a more modern and sleeker look, BIPV looks similar to shingles on a house. Installing these shingles can also help offset building costs as they serve double duty.
Benefits Of Going Solar
Since first gaining significant popularity in the 1970s, solar energy systems continue to produce various benefits. Some of the many include:
Instead of relying on a utility company, the transition to solar power can reduce your energy bills by 50%! The only time you will have to use traditional electricity is as a backup. Solar energy systems also save you money as they hardly ever require repairs or maintenance. Conventional utility costs can vary as fossil fuel markets fluctuate. Solar panels protect you from those changing costs. Florida also offers several generous tax credits and exemptions for installing solar energy systems.
Fossil fuels and other energy sources release toxic chemicals such as methane and carbon monoxide into the air as it burns. The natural energy produced by the sun poses no danger to the Earth’s ozone. Fossil fuels are finite and will eventually be depleted. The sun, on the other hand, can provide energy infinitely without worry about depletion.
Solar Energy Electrical System Installations In Coral Springs
No doubt, converting to solar energy systems will continue to grow in the coming years as more people seek to become energy independent. The benefits of installing a system far outweigh complete reliance on utility companies and traditional energy sources. If you have any questions about your solar energy system options or would like to step into the future of being energy efficient, call Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric today at 1-800-475-1504!
