SOLAR ENERGY: THE FUTURE OF POWER

Solar energy could be regarded as the best form of energy yet known. In its 2017 report, International Energy Agency submits that solar has become the world’s thriving source of power. Why is that? First, it is renewable and affordable. Secondly, it is eco-friendly as Solar energy does not produce any gaseous substance which can be harmful to the environment. Finally, it is available for everyone at a magnitude that is larger than the world’s current and anticipated requirement.

A basic component of Solar power is the sun. Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity either directly using photovoltaic, or indirectly through concentrated solar or a combination. The photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electric currents using the photovoltaic effect while the concentrated solar power system uses lenses and mirrors. Simplifying the conversion process, as rays of sunlight hits the solar panel, the panel, which can be installed across large acres of land called Solar Farms and most interestingly, on your roofs as well, converts the energy to direct current. In turn, the current flows into an inverter converting the electricity to alternative current which then powers your appliances. The electricity generated through photovoltaic can power a wide range of appliances and gadgets. Solar energy can be centralized and decentralized making it very flexible.

IMPORT OF SOLAR ENERGY

According to NASA, the sun still has 6.5 billion years of life. Therefore, it is safe to state that solar energy is not likely to run out any time soon unlike other conventional forms of energy such as coal and natural gas which are very limited in availability and likely to be exhausted in the near future. As stated earlier, regarding environmental issues, solar energy has been noted as the most preferred ecofriendly form of energy considering the fact that no greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere when solar panels are used to generate electricity. Solar energy is a great way to reduce carbon and that is what WiSolar intends to achieve. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), greenhouse gas emissions, being the reason for rise in global temperature and climate change, were 13% below the 2005 level. As a matter of fact, emissions basically reduced by 0.5% from 2016 to 2017 thanks to the increase in the use of solar energy. Also, unlike some other forms of renewable energy, like the biomass which releases a certain amount of Methane into the atmosphere, solar energy, releases zero emission into the atmosphere.

Comparing the cost of running on solar energy to other forms of energy, it is evident that, In the long run, solar energy is the most economical. An advantage of solar power is that once it is installed, its cost of maintenance is relatively less which would in turn reduce power related expenditures. You can choose to invest in the most common one which is the 4KW system and comes with no utility charges. Solar energy ensures reliability and independence. It allows for a country’s independence in energy sector whereby such country does not depend on another country for fossil fuel. Thus, enabling economic independence. With WiSolar, you enjoy Solar energy at its cheapest rate. One unique thing about solar energy is that it is viable for commercial and private use. The decentralized nature of power puts electricity at arms reach particularly in remote areas. Differing from the traditional long distance transmission, which can lead to poor service delivery, WiSolar provides you with such reliability and independence.

SOLAR POWER; NEXT STEP?

In 2011, International Energy Agency reported that “the development of affordable inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge long term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through reliance on an indigenous inexhaustible and mostly imported-independent resource, enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, lower the cost of mitigating global warming and keep fossil fuel prices lower than otherwise”.

That being said, the need for a sustainable environment cannot be overemphasized. With the threat of global warming resulting to change in weather conditions, it is beyond imperative that renewable energy becomes the major form of energy of which solar stands as the most preferred form. Without a doubt, the burning of fossil fuel has been a major contributor to global warming causing melting of ice caps, heat waves, flooding and depletion of the ozone layer. Therefore, it is necessary that we apply all necessary measures to sustain our environment. Although there has been some reduction of carbon dioxide in the air, a lot still has to be done owing to the fact that 92.79% of South Africa’s power generation is from coal and natural gas. WiSolar provides great solar energy service and rest assured with solar energy, our environmental sustainability is guaranteed.