subject: Should I Choose A Solar Solution? [print this page] Solar energy has more benefits than conventional energy. Whilst it will cost to retrieve energy from the sun, the energy itself is costless. The supply of solar energy is limitless. It has no emission gases to damage the earth's atmosphere. Many homeowners choose to use solar energy because of the positive impact they will have on the environment.
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy doesn't produce the harmful pollutants to blame for increasing the greenhouse effect which leads to global warming. Solar energy is a clean and sustainable source of energy that you can utilise for solar electricity, solar heating, solar cooling, and solar lighting.
Another major factor for homeowners considering solar energy is the financial aspect.
The financial advantages of solar energy can be seen in lower utility payments as you use solar energy for electricity, heating, cooling, and lighting. It will also increase the value of your home if you trim your homes operating costs.
Your dependency on the energy companies will also decrease, by using a solar solution. As you will be able to create your own solar power electricity you will no longer need to have electricity delivered to your home. All of this means you will finally be free from rising utility rates!
Solar energy also gives you a level of reliableness and protection that other energy sources can't match. As you make your own electricity and heat, you will not be affected by power cuts.
A solar water-heating (also known as solar thermal) system uses panels fitted to your roof to heat up water for use around the home. A typical system is able to meet around a third of a household's hot water needs a saving of 60 to 90 on your annual water-heating bills, based on a three-bedroom semi-detached house.
Most solar water heating systems come with a 5-10 year warranty and demand little maintenance. There are no more costs once you've had the equipment installed, except, in most cases, a modest amount of electricity needed to run the pump as it uses the sun's heat. From October 2012, householders with solar water heating systems will qualify for financial funding under the government's Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.
Planning permission for most solar water installations is no longer needed in England.
Solar panels can be weighty, so your roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is to be installed on top of existing tiles.
Lately we've been able to use the sun for more than drying clothes and food. We can use it to generate power.
Just the tiny fraction of the Sun's energy that hits the Earth (around a hundredth of a millionth of a percent) is enough to meet all our power needs many times over. In fact, every minute, enough energy arrives at the Earth to meet our demands for a whole year - if only we could harness it properly.
Currently in the UK there are grants available to assist you install solar power in your home. So the question you should be asking is - What reason do I have to not install a solar solution?
