Myth vs. Fact: Questions on Solar Energy Answered

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When it comes to renewable energy, one of the most popular options over the years has been solar energy. Solar energy has become one of the most reliable and efficient power sources in various countries across the world. In fact, some of these countries have seen a good percentage of their power come from solar energy, which has been proven to power up significant segments of cities and towns. Recently, countries have been achieving numerous milestones when it comes to the usage of renewable energy, which has proven its worth.

However, despite the many benefits of using solar energy, some people still have their doubts. With most of the world inclined with using conventional power sources for the longest time, some feel that renewable energy sources would not be able to produce the same amount of power as they did.

Given this along with other renewable and solar energy facts has made pushing the idea challenging. While the opinion on renewable energy has improved, there are still some groups and media outlets that spread numerous myths and misconceptions. To address these myths, here are some answers with regards to the many solar energy myths.

Myth #1: Solar energy cannot be used during the night

Myth #1: Solar energy cannot be used during the night

Perhaps the most common misconception of all, since solar energy harnesses energy from sunlight, many people believed that it would not be able to supply power during night time. This becomes one of the main reasons why people are hesitant with using solar power.

 FACT: Despite what most people believe, solar energy does work during the night. While they may no longer be able to receive sunlight for energy, many solar devices have enough energy in store for them to be able to supply energy during the night.

 Myth #2: Solar panels are expensive

Myth #2: Solar panels are expensive

Another reason why people are hesitant when it comes to investing in solar energy is that of the perceived high costs.

FACT: While this may have been true during the early years of solar energy development, the costs have decreased by a significant margin over the past few years. There a good number of reasons why the prices of solar panels have gone down, and these include the increased demand from various sectors along with the reduced costs of manufacturing it. Additionally, compared to other forms of renewable energy, solar energy is the most convenient and accessible.

Myth #3: Solar energy is not efficient in reducing pollution

Myth #3: Solar energy is not efficient in reducing pollution

The goal of all kinds of renewable energy is to provide the same amount of energy that conventional power sources can give, while also being more environmentally friendly and clean.

FACT: As a response to this, solar energy greatly reduces the amount of pollution for they emit smaller amounts of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.

Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources barely have any emissions and these emissions do not cause the same amount of environmental damage that fossil fuels bring. With the rest of the world aiming to prevent further damage to the environment, using solar energy is one of the best solutions.

Myth #4: Solar panels work better in hotter climates

Myth #4: Solar panels work better in hotter climates

Given that solar panels get their energy from the sun, it is an energy source that can be used by the world’s tropical countries. Due to the fact that they get more sunlight compared to most countries, it is assumed that solar energy will work better in tropical countries.

FACT: While there are a good number of tropical countries that use solar power, higher temperatures actually lower the efficiency of solar panels. Photovoltaic solar panels make use of the sunlight to get energy, not the heat.

Myth #5: Solar panels do not work well in colder climates

Myth #5: Solar panels do not work well in colder climates

Since solar energy is generated from sunlight, it is assumed that solar panels would not work as well in colder countries. While this may seem the case, due to the lesser amount of sunlight exposure that these countries get, this is not the case.

FACT: In fact, countries that have colder climates make solar panels more efficient. This is due to the fact that colder temperatures increase the conductivity of solar panels, which make them perform better. If you have a set of solar panels during a cold and sunny day, then you are ensured that you would be able to get the best out of your solar panels.

Myth #6: Solar panels need constant maintenance

Myth #6: Solar panels need constant maintenance

Since solar panels are a relatively new piece of technology, people assume that they are more fragile and harder to maintain compared to conventional power sources. Despite these assumptions, they are not as fragile as they seem to be.

FACT: Solar panels are actually more durable than they look. Due to the fact that they are installed outdoors, it is expected that they are exposed to the elements. With this in mind, solar panels were made to be weatherproof, which enables them to work even during the most extreme conditions. For maintenance concerns, it is recommended that you have your panels checked annually for any issues and concerns.

Myth #7: Solar panels can damage my roof

 

Myth #7: Solar panels can damage my roof

Since solar panels are required to cover up a good portion of your roof, people are concerned that the installation of solar panels may cause damage and fatigue to the roofs of houses. This damage to any structure can cause numerous inconveniences to the people residing in it.

FACT: Contrary to these beliefs, solar panels can actually help in preserving and protecting your roof. This can help protect your roof from the elements and make it last longer. People who install these solar panels are also trained professionals, who know how to properly place and angle these solar panels to become more efficient. Of course, it is important to make sure that the roof in which the panels would be installed are damage-free to prevent further concerns.

Myth #8: Solar panels require tracking systems so that they follow the angle of the sun

Myth #8: Solar panels require tracking systems so that they follow the angle of the sun

Solar panels work best when they are angled in a way that they receive the highest amount of sunlight. Since the sun moves constantly during the day, tracking devices are required to help them readjust.

FACT: While it is true that the angles of a solar panel need to be adjusted accordingly, it is not required that you constantly readjust your solar panels. Solar panels are already adjusted to receive the most amount of sunlight that they can in the position that they are in, so constant shifting may lead to times of the day where you would not receive enough energy.

 

Key Takeaway

Solar energy is the most popular form of renewable energy available, which leads to so many questions about its durability and reliability. Luckily, today’s set of solar panels is durable, reliable, and efficient enough to address your power needs. If you are looking to install some solar panels in your home, you are making a good investment that would benefit you and the environment.

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Solar Flares: What Are They?

There is no shortage of solar energy in the Philippines since the sun is out all the time. However, just because the sun is out and shining, doesn’t mean we can actually look at it the way we admire the moon at night; and just because we can’t actually see what’s going on on the sun’s surface with our naked eye the way we can see the craters on the moon, it doesn’t mean nothing is happening there. A lot is actually happening there.

One of the things that happen on the surface of the sun is a solar flare. In other stars, these flares are called stellar flares

Solar flares

Solar flares happen when magnetic energy is built up and suddenly released into the solar atmosphere which results in a flash of brightness, like a whip cracking, on the surface of the sun. These solar flares are made up of atoms, electrons, and ions, which are released into the corona, the outermost layer of the atmosphere of the sun which can be seen by the naked eye during solar eclipses. Solar flares are caused by the interaction of charged particles with plasma. These charged particles of magnetic energy move in loops, turns into kinetic energy, and is released when the energy is built up. These flares usually occur on the most active parts of the sun where magnetic fields are much stronger. They also happen in all layers of the atmosphere of the sun. Plasma is heated to millions of Kelvin, and the charge of ions can go as fast as the speed of light.

Effects of Solar flares on earth

When solar flares are released by the sun, the flares release clouds of particles which reach Earth in about two days. Because the Earth is protected by the atmosphere and magnetic fields, these harmful clouds full of radiation can’t reach her children. These clouds from the sun are full of charged particles and radiation, primarily x-rays. Other types of radiation that flares produce are gamma rays, and radiation from across the electromagnetic spectrum.

The atmosphere stops these clouds and radiation from reaching the surface of the Earth, but they do disturb the ionosphere which also disturbs the communication. These clouds also carry with them ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which makes it more difficult for satellites to stay on orbit, meaning their life is reduced.

These flares can also cause geomagnetic storms. Geomagnetic storms happen when flares from the sun disturb the Earth’s magnetosphere. These storms can cause errors in the information provided by global positioning systems and cause disturbances and can change the pathways of radio signals, and other navigational systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and can harm power grids that rely on geomagnetically induced currents. Even though these storms sound quite frightening, they do cause some beautiful auroras.

Don’t underestimate the star closest to us! Sure the sun is beautiful and helps life thrive on earth, but it can also be terrifying for he can take that life, too. Remember to wear sunblock every day!

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