The concept of solar energy is dated, yet to date, a small number of people are able to
separate fact from fiction regarding pricing, positioning, the effect on the economy, and
the future of solar power.
Read the following for a better understanding of the alternative power solution and to
clear confusion related to solar power.
“Solar power saves money over
time to counter upfront costs.
Unlike other power sources,
solar power is an investment
rather than a flat cost.”
Less Expensive
Some scoff at the thought of solar panel installation due to the price.
Actually, solar panels are 500 times cheaper compared to the first panels manufactured
in the 1950s.
Prices continue to drop as related technology advances; less than five years ago, a solar
system could cost as much as a small car, yet today, the same system costs around the
price of a large-screen television.
Moreover, a system saves money over time to counter upfront costs.
Unlike other power sources, solar power is an investment rather than a flat cost.
Quality Installation
Of course, lousy vendors exist in every industry, yet the majority of installers do quality work.
Panels and converters must comply with Australian standards, so it’s not like any person can
decide to become an installer without having needed qualifications.
Every solar installer must be a certified electrician first before undergoing additional training
and accreditation associated to solar panelling.
“Since solar panels help control
and decrease the overall demand
of energy, prices fall.”
Reducing Demand
Some think switching to solar is mostly about vanity, but solar energy actually reduces the
demand for overall energy.
In 2012, the Australian Energy Market Operator changed the estimation of demand; in part,
the change was due to the rising popularity of solar panels.
Since solar panels help control and decrease the overall demand of energy, prices fall.
A lesser demand decreases the amount charged by suppliers.
Significant Contribution
Some think less about solar energy since panels are useless at nighttime.
But 2011 data reflected that the demand for electricity fell for the first time in decades.
Australians are changing the way they use electricity in addition to finding alternative means
such as solar panels.
So, even though panels are not storing new energy at night, it’s a myth to think panels are
ever useless.
A 2012 government white paper projects that by 2035, solar energy will provide 17 per cent
of Australia’s energy.
Also, solar panels will work on cloudy days, and many misconceptions can be corrected
by educated vendors.
“Solar power creates jobs.
About 40 jobs are supported for
every one megawatt installed.”
More Jobs
Some Australians are concerned that since solar panels are made in China, installation is taking
away from the domestic economy.
However, thousands of Aussies are employed within the solar industry.
Actually, about 40 jobs are supported for every one megawatt installed, meaning more than
14,000 Australian jobs were influenced in 2011 alone.
Poor Support
A number of people believe in ‘green schemes,’ and solar panels are helping the rich while driving
energy costs upward for middle income and poor families.
Yet, the highest per cent of installations take place in areas with a high concentration of retirees
as well as within neighbourhoods labelled low to middle-income areas, households most concerned
about climbing energy prices.
About the author:
Luca Curran is a solar panel installer. He enjoys sharing his experience in the field with others. His articles are available mainly on home and environmental websites.
Have you considered installing solar panels in your home or business?
Or do you use solar energy already?
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