Solar Systems Guru Vince Aguon lectures on the Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy is an exciting topic, even as nuclear energy is again being promoted as our savior from global warming.

Solar energy can be based on photovoltaics or hot water.

The advantages of solar energy are also often portrayed as a White Knight able to slay the evil Fossil Fuel Dragon.

Ready to go? Right then...

There are quite a few advantages to survey.

Greatly reduced contribution to global warming

One of the greatest advantages of solar energy of course is that there are no carbon dioxide, methane or other emissions that warm the atmosphere. Again, manufacturing and installation of solar appliances are necessarily accompanied by some of those emissions.

Infinite energy resource

Solar energy is not a finite resource as fossil fuels are. While the sun is up there it constantly produces all the energy we can use.

Reduced maintenance costs

While not maintenance-free -- what technology really is? -- once solar panels, wind- or water power facilities are in place, no fuel or lubricants need to be supplied.

Falling production costs

The financial costs of producing appliances such as solar cells and solar hot water panels are falling as technology develops. Comparatively solar energy is competing with fossil fuels as fossil fuel prices have risen steeply globally in the last few years. Solar energy technology is becoming increasingly efficient.

Low running costs

With prices of traditional fuels soaring the cost advantages of solar energy are becoming obvious. After installation of the appliance, solar energy is free.

Local application

Suitable for remote areas that are not connected to energy grids. In some countries solar panels for domestic use in remote areas are becoming sources for local employment in manufacture and installation.

Fossil-fuel poor countries can kick their dependency on this energy and spend their funds on other things through application of solar energy.

Health and safety benefits

In some poorer countries where people have used kerosene and candles for domestic heating and lighting, respiratory diseases and impaired eyesight have resulted. Many people have been burned through accidents involving kerosene heating. Solar energy, especially with excess energy stored for night-time use, overcomes these problems.

Reliability

Among the significant advantages of solar energy is that of reliability. Local application and independence from a centrally controlled power grid and energy transport infrastructure is insurance from upheaval through political and economic turmoil.

It's nice indeed when you can rely on your alternate energy sources to be able to prepare a hot meal for your family, turn on a light to read by, play a game or study, or operate your computer.

Solar energy grants

In some countries you will receive grants of money, rebates and tax reductions through implementing solar energy solutions in your home or business. It is also possible to "sell back" power into the grid and pay less for your electricity bill.

Energy saving is also encouraged, through free home, or business, energy audits,

Remember my suggestion that the advantages of solar energy do not make a White Knight? I have already covered some of that with you but there are some further dis-advantages of solar energy.