Alexander Djerassi- Shedding Light on Why Solar Panels Make Sense for Everyone
Across the developed world, sustainable long-term development powers social and political think-tanks and agendas. Large international development projects powered by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to local development supported by funds from local banks. As businesses strive for a zero carbon footprint, what does that mean for homeowners?
Is it possible and, importantly, affordable for property owners to reduce their carbon footprint? What advantage does investing in solar energy powered by solar panels provide property owners and investors for the short and long term?
Going Solar
Solar panels convert sunlight into energy, powering electrical appliances by capturing the sun’s energy. When sunlight hits a photovoltaic panel, the silicon present in the cells passes through to heat the panel’s plates, providing light and energy to the home. This method of using the sun is called photoelectric energy.
Photovoltaic cells create electricity by passing an electric current through them. The current generated by these panels is usually direct current, also known as DC. This current is usually a good enough supply for most household needs.
According to entrepreneur Alexander Djerassi, drastically reduced utility bills paired with reduced environmental impact makes this clean, renewable energy source an attractive solution to rising fuel costs.
Solar Construction. The Works
Panel-shaped, photovoltaic or PV cells are constructed in a semiconductor wafer consisting of an organic material comprising silicon or gallium arsenide. Layered one upon the other, these wafers lay upon each other to form the panel.
Following solar energy collection, electrons knocked loose when sunlight strikes the wafer travel from the PV cells through the crystalline structure on the surface of the silicon wafer.
Transformed into direct current electricity, this energy, in turn, powers the home or business. Requiring zero fuel or electricity to operate, solar panels are highly sustainable.
The presence of a tracking system ensures the solar panels receive an even distribution of sunlight throughout the day. This highly efficient and directional system ensures the maximum amount of sun exposure possible. A south-facing wall, for example, provides an ideal way to capture solar power.
Affordability
To Alexander Djerassi, technological advances mean solar panels and solar energy are now more affordable for the average property owner.
While solar power efficiency rates have soared drastically over the past decade, solar power systems prices have plummeted by nearly 60%. That means today, solar panels cost less money than ever before and still work better than ever too!
Government tax credits and other solar energy incentives can help offset the cost of installation. When paired with considerable utility bill savings over time, it makes a compelling reason to install solar panels for many property owners.
Self-Powered
Solar energy is not new. However, the idea of developing sufficient power to run our homes and business in a more sustainable, self-reliant way remains a relatively new concept to many home and business owners.
However, as the cost of traditional fuel resources continues to increase, it may be time to re-think how we energize our homes and places of business.