What is a solar cell?
The solar cells are situated in panels which produce electrical power when hit by the beams of the sun. Different panel sizes transform the sun light into varying amounts of electricity also referred to as solar power. The larger the solar panel, the greater the amount of solar energy.
How does solar energy function?
The solar panels depend on sun light in order to produce energy. For that reason the panels are situated where the basis of sun light is greatest. For instance, if it is a house, this place would be the roof. The roof often has the best angle and is shadeless. The amount of electricity produced during the day is then stored continuously into batteries where it is being transformed into power that can be used for different electrical devices in the house. Another option is to sell the power directly to the grid as is the case with wind mills.
What can you use solar power for?
Solar power can be used for all electrical devices and in all places where electrical power is utilized. Solar power can also replace a complete power station, such as a coal-fired or nuclear power station.
How much does it cost?
Today solar power costs between 18 and 54 cents per kWh depending on your geographical location. In Denmark it takes 15-20 years for a solar energy system to pay itself back whereas in Greece it takes less than 10 years. After the 10 years it is clear-cut free energy.
How much power do I get?
In Denmark you typically get 1.000 kWh a year with 10 m² of solar cells. In Greece the same amount of solar cells will provide you with a yearly 2.000 kWh. A typical Danish resident uses between 500 and 2.000 kWh electric energy per year. This means that with 10 m² you can be self-sufficient in electricity for life (apart from the first 10 years).
Why use solar energy?
There are several good reasons to change over to solar energy. First of all, solar cells have a very long life, in principle up to 100 years. Furthermore, there are no costs of maintenance connected with solar energy. Once you have invested in a solar cell system, it is for life. At the same time you eliminate all regular outlays for electricity, and in this way you end up saving a lot a lot of money in your everyday life.
Another good reason to use solar energy is out of consideration for the environment. Fossil fuels such as coal and gas are destroying our planet because of the large portions of CO2 outlet connected with this type of energy. This was recently established by UN's climate panel. The daily outlet of CO2 is now so extensive that it will result in global warming, which will have fatal consequences for nature, wildlife and in the end ourselves. By switching to solar energy you help eliminate this threat that hang over all of us like a black cloud.
