•Solar power is a renewable resource. This means that we are not in danger of depleting its reserves. Though it may disappear behind clouds momentarily and is unavailable at night, it generally returns in full force.
•Solar power is non-polluting. Unlike oil, solar power usage does not emit any greenhouse gases, nor does the acquisition of it harm ecosystems through spills or dredging. This is probably one of the primary advantages of solar power.
•The energy and heat from the sun is free. Once solar panels or solar thermal collectors are set up, there are no electrical expenses necessary to power them.
•Solar cells require very little maintenance, greatly because there are no moving parts that must be maintained.
•Solar cells can last a lifetime.
•Solar power is incredibly versatile. A variety of inventions may be powered by it, including cars, water heaters, fountains, buildings, and satellites.
•In remote locations, solar power may be a more realistic energy option than running large lengths of electrical wires to connect to a grid.
Overall, it seems that solar power is simply a more harmonious energy resource. To obtain other energy sources, there is a requirement of harvesting fossil fuels, animal matter, or plant matter. Meanwhile, sunlight continually hits the earth in large amounts regardless of whether it is being utilized as an energy resource or not. Focusing solely on the application of solar power, instead of its application in addition to seeking out and obtaining the raw resource, omits an unnecessary step.
Solar power is also an attractive investment due to the added value it gives a home. With the housing market slowing down considerably a solar power system definitely helps add to the desirability and resale value of a home. A home with a fixed electric bill from solar is less expensive to live in, and thus is very appealing to potential buyers.
Along with the advantages of solar power, it is worth remarking upon the disadvantages. These include sunlight not being a readily available resource in some areas of the world. Also, solar cells are still not particularly cheap. Of course, technology for this is improving, and it will continue to improve as the cost of other forms of power increase.
Living off the Grid
Environmentalists have long advocated for "living off the grid" -- that is, living in a home powered by the renewable energy of the sun. Environmental benefits aside, a "green" house can make your home more attractive to home buyers and boost your home's resale price. In the end, you just can't put a price on the future of our planet.
The Benefits
Solar-power products bring convenience, simplicity and flexibility to your life. Most solar products are easy to install and requires no power cables or wiring, adding convenience and safety. For example, solar yard lights are set-it-and-forget-it products; you simply take it out of the box, stick it into the ground, and never worry about it again.
Moreover, solar cells require no moving parts, helping solar-powered devices run silent. Like a hybrid car, having fewer moving parts means less overall maintenance and thus a longer-lasting product.
Solar Solutions for the Everyman
While most people lack the means for putting up solar panels on their roofs, smaller-scale solutions exist that also reap the economic and environmental benefits of solar power. Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or not, solar-powered devices offer a variety of simple and inexpensive options. Below we'll take a look at affordable options that virtually anyone can install and use.
