Interesting Facts About Solar Energy

Perhaps the most shocking facts about solar energy is how little we all use it. Do you know that the sun produces enough energy to handle all of the needs of every person on this earth yet less than 1 tenth of 1 percent of our energy consumption comes from the sun, Here are some other interesting facts about solar energy.

- Did you know that solar energy is dependent upon nuclear power? Solar Energy's nuclear power plant, though, is 93 million miles away.

- The earth receives more energy from the sun in just one hour than the world uses in a whole year. That is a disturbing fact as the world has become dependent on oil for much of it's heating and transportation needs.

- Two billion people in the world have no access to electricity. Unfortunately they can not afford to access it.

- Operating costs for a solar system will vary depending on where you are in the world.

- Solar energy is a renewable energy source. It goes away at night and returns the next day.

- One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals the amount of electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.

- A 1 kilowatt home solar system installed costs about $9000 before any rebate programs in the U.S.

- A solar panel accounts for between 40-50% of the total cost of an installed solar energy system.

- Active solar systems can heat both your home and your water.

- Passive solar system do not require any panels to take advantage of the energy the sun provides if you have good southern exposure.

- Once it is installed operating a solar system is very inexpensive. Energy from the sun is free!

- Solar energy can be used to heat water, dry clothes, heat swimming pools, power cars, and many more uses.

- With solar energy if there is a power outage you still have electricity.

- When you use solar energy you are making your home independent. You do not need to depend on foreign or other sources of energy which can raise their costs quickly. Solar energy is getting cheaper to install. Cost of materials such as a solar panel have actually decreased in recent years. Tax incentives and rebates from the government have encouraged more people to look into installing solar for their homes. This is true in the new construction market as well, as home builders look for ways to help make homes more energy efficient for their buyers.

I hope that these few facts about Solar Energy have sparked your interest in what Solar Energy can provide.