Summary reader response draft #4

 In the article “What are solar light panels and how do they work” (2019), solar panels are introduced and explained in detail. Solar panels work by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, producing electricity. (Harvey,2022). When connected to the main power grid, the panels power lighting systems in the day, and excess power can be supplied to the grid if available. However, if the panels are not connected to the grid, it will require a backup system.  As major advantages, solar light panels are rugged and last a long time. The panels also do not emit toxic greenhouse gases which have adverse effects on the environment, according to the mentioned article above. Individual solar cells consist of semiconductor elements and can produce electricity by itself. The cells can be put in different configurations and can be adapted for various power outputs and sizes. Lastly, the panel system composes of “photovoltaic modules, electrical connections, mounting hardware, power conditioning equipment and batteries for storing the generated electricity”. (“What are solar light panels and how do they work,” 2019). For applications, solar panels can be placed in houses or gadgets such as calculators or watches. More intricate solar panels have applications in larger projects, such as water pumps or communications satellites, and even traffic signs and streetlights. With its photovoltaic technology, solar panels are the energy source of the future as they are reliable, renewable and a clean source of energy.

With modern technology, solar panels are very reliable. They do not have any moving parts, which translates to high reliability with minimal maintenance. According to a recent study done by NREL, out of 54,500 solar panels that were installed around America between 2000 and 2015 and tested, only 5 out of 10,000 panels failed per year. (Hyder,2022). This means that solar panels only have a 0.05% failure rate. In fact, solar panel companies usually offer warranties on their panels for at least 10 years, with some offering up to 25 or 30 years, for example Perry Management Clean Energy which offers warranty on its solar panels for up to 25 years. With such high confidence that the solar panels are unlikely to fail, it is a testament to the reliability and longevity of solar panels. Solar Panels also require minimal or no maintenance to ensure they keep working properly. (Gobler,2021). In general, solar panels should only require cleaning twice a year, and an inspection by a professional once a year. With such a low failure rate and minimal maintenance, solar panels are very reliable. 

 

Solar Panels are also non-exhaustive and comes from a renewable source of energy. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy because it is produced naturally from the sun and is also considered green energy as it does not emit greenhouse gases. (Ritchie,2022). By definition, renewable energy is derived from natural resources that replenishes by itself. However, non-renewable energy is derived from resources that only have a limited supply and can only be used once. With increasing global consumption of energy, it is only a matter of time before non-renewable energy sources run out.

Solar panels produce less waste and pollution. Using the average Arizona house electricity consumption of 13,000 kilowatt hours annually, a modestly sized solar energy system could reduce the energy needed from the energy grid by 80%-100%. (Ritland,2021). Over 20 years, if the solar energy system kept producing 80% of the average home’s energy requirements, it will offset the same amount of harmful CO2 emissions from 150,000 pounds of coal burned, or greenhouse gas emissions from 45 tons of landfill waste. (Ritland,2021). Another benefit is that solar panels reduce water pollution during the manufacturing process compared to other energy sources. The total amount of water needed to generate solar energy is much less compared to older energy sources, including nuclear and hydroelectric energy. Reducing greenhouse gases and water pollution, solar panels are a source of green energy. 

Some might argue that solar panels are too expensive, having a high initial cost. However, the panels pay for themselves through lowering the total electricity bill from the energy it produces and continues to save on the cost of electricity. On average, the period it takes for a solar panel in a residential area to pay for its initial cost is 6-9 years, but it will continue

to produce energy and save on electricity bills for many more years. ("Is Solar Energy Actually Cost Effective?,"2020).

Solar panels are more an investment than an expense. 

According to EnergySage, homeowners in Washington will save $17,173 to $23,234, if they go solar over a 20-year period, based on 2019 costs for a 5 kW system. In California, homeowners will save $44,728 to $60,515, and, in New York, homeowners can save $17,504 to $23,683 over 20 years, based on 2019 costs for a 5 kW system. (Hayes, 2022)

 

In conclusion, solar panels have a promising future with its many benefits. It is very reliable, with a low failure rate and maintenance. It is a renewable source of energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It is also a clean source of energy, creating a positive impact on the environment. Therefore, solar panels are an excellent source of energy. 

 

 

Gobler, E. (2021, November 28). Solar panel maintenance guide: How to clean and repair solar panels. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-maintenance-guide-how-to-clean-and-repair-solar-panels/ 

 

Harvey, A., Dhar, M. (2022, February 11). How do solar panels work. LiveScience. https://www.livescience.com/41995-how-do-solar-panels-work.html 

 

Hayes, A. (2022, March 28). How to Profit From Solar Energy. Investopedia.

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/042315/how-profit-solar-energy.asp

 

Hyder, Z. (2022, September 22). Solar panel reliability: How reliable is solar power? SolarReviews. https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/solar-panel-reliability-how-reliable-is-solar-power#:~:text=The%20reliability%20and%20lifespan%20of,failure%20rate%20of%20only%200.05%25. 

 

Is Solar Energy Actually Cost Effective? (2020, October 20). Santee Cooper https://www.santeecooper.com/news/2020/102020-Is-Solar-Energy-Actually-Cost-Effective.aspx 

 

Ritchie, C. (2022, May 12). Is Solar Energy Renewable or Non-Renewable? Save On Energy. https://www.saveonenergy.com/solar-energy/is-solar-energy-renewable/ 

 

Ritland, K. (2021, June). Top 4 Ways Solar Positively Impacts the Environment. Sun Valley Solar. https://www.sunvalleysolar.com/blog/top-four-ways-solar-positively-impacts-environment  

 

What are solar light panels and how do they work. (2019, May 07). The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/productline/power-generation/what-are-solar-light-panels-and-how-do-they-work/articleshow/69130408.cms?from=mdr