Advantages of Solar Energy

Renewable

Solar energy is a renewable energy source. This means that we cannot run out of solar energy, as opposed to non-renewable energy sources (e.g. fossil fuels, coal and nuclear).

We will have access to solar energy for as long as the sun is alive another 6.5 billion years according to NASA. We have worse things to worry about; in fact, scientists have estimated that the sun itself will swallow Earth 5 billion years from now.

 

Abundant

The potential of solar energy is beyond imagination. The surface of the earth receives 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation (sunlight), which is 20,000 times more power than what is needed to supply the entire world.

 

Sustainable

An abundant and renewable energy source is also sustainable. Sustainable energy sources meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In other words, solar energy is sustainable because there is no way we can overconsume.

 

Environmentally Friendly

Harnessing solar energy does generally not cause pollution. However, there are emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation and installation of solar power systems which is almost nothing compared to most conventional energy sources. It is clear that solar energy reduces our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. This is an important step in fighting the climate crisis.

 

Good Availability

Solar energy is available all over the world. Especially the countries that are closest to the Equator can put solar energy to use – Suriname, French Guyanna, Guyanna, Venuzeula, the Caribbean, the  Americas for example, have by far the highest potential capacity of solar power in the world.

 

Reduces Electricity Costs

With the introduction of net metering and feed-in tariff (FIT) schemes, homeowners will be able to “sell” excess electricity, or receive bill credits, during times when they produce more electricity than what they actually consume.

This means that homeowners can reduce their overall electricity expenses by going solar. Research have revealed that adding solar panels to your home can bring in monthly savings of well above $100 in many South American countries as well in the Caribbean. In Hawaii USA, residents save on average $64,000 after 20 years!

Nowadays, homeowners arround the world choose leasing or power purchase agreements to finance their solar panels. This drastically reduces, or in some cases completely eliminates, the upfront costs of a solar panel system, and allows homeowners to start saving money from the first day.