7 Fun Facts About Solar Energy You Didn’t Know

As the cost of electricity continues to rise across the country, many homeowners are looking for ways to spend less on powering their homes. To date, there’s no better option than solar panels, which you can install right on your own property.

If you’re still not sold on solar power, you’re in the right place. We’ve got some of the top fun facts about solar energy that will make you feel both excited and confident about going solar.

From delivering multiple sources of savings to working expertly in all seasons, solar energy advantages are hard to beat. Read on to learn seven interesting facts about solar energy that you didn’t know.

1. Solar Is Our Most Abundant Energy Source

What are we talking about when we call some energy sources renewable and others non-renewable? The short answer is that non-renewable sources of energy are finite, and we’re going to run out. Crude oil, which is millions of years old and being tapped all over the globe, is a prime example.

On the flip side, renewable energy sources won’t run out no matter how much we use it. Examples include:

• Wind power
• Geothermal power
• Hydropower

Of all renewable energy resources, solar is the most abundant. Though the sun is over 90 million miles away, it only takes eight minutes for sunlight to reach the Earth. Solar panel technology harnesses and stores solar energy to make sure it’s still available for use when the sun isn’t shining.

2. Solar Saves Money in Multiple Ways

Are you less interested in the science behind solar and more interested in cost savings? There are plenty of fun facts about solar energy when it comes to finances, too.

Naturally, the goal of solar panels is to replace your current source of electricity and either reduce or eliminate your power bill. This can yield hundreds or thousands of savings year after year.

What you may not realize is that the federal government (and some state governments) offer additional ways to save. Head to the U.S. Department of Energy to find out how to qualify for solar panel tax credits.

3. Solar Panels Aren’t New

You may feel like you’ve only started hearing about solar power in the last decade or so, but solar panels are far from new. Humans have long understood the power of the sun, and have had tools to harness that power since the 1800s.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the early seeds of solar power were planted in 1839 when a French physicist discovered the photovoltaic effect. This involved light or radiant energy producing a small electrical current.

Throughout the 1800s, more physicists took these observations and applied them to a variety of devices. By 1883, the first solar cell was invented, with a solar conversion rate of 1-2% (compared to the modern solar panel conversion rate of 15-20%).

4. Solar Panels Work Well in All Seasons

While we’re sharing fun facts, it’s important to take a moment to tackle solar power myths debunked. One of the most common misconceptions is that solar panels stop working in certain seasons.

For example, some people in northern regions worry that snow will render solar panels obsolete. The truth is that winter solar performance is quite strong, with cold weather making solar panels more efficient. Yes, you’ll need to keep snow from building up on your panels, but there are plenty of ways to do so.

What if it’s raining or overcast? As we mentioned earlier, solar panels tend to harness more energy than you’ll need to use in any given moment. Optimum installation ensures that you’ll have excess energy to use when the sun isn’t shining.

5. Solar Energy Can Create New Jobs

Solar power holds a lot of promise for our future. Not only can it save individual homeowners (and businesses) money, but it can help us in the fight against climate change. Plus, it can boost our national economy.

The more people who invest in solar power, the more people we’ll need to:

• Engineer solar technology
• Distribute solar panels
• Faciliate sales and installation
• Install solar systems

There’s no reason to worry that transitioning to solar on a large scale will eliminate jobs. Many of the people working in non-renewable energy can use those skills to work in solar and green initiatives.

6. Installing Solar Can Boost Your Home Value

In a volatile housing market, it’s not as easy to plan your future as a homeowner. Maybe you’ll stay in your current home for a decade. Alternatively, maybe the market will tip in your favor and you’ll sell in a few years.

No matter what, installing solar can benefit you. According to This Old House, research has always supported an increase in home value tied to solar power.

Most recently, a Zillow study found that solar panels can boost your home value by 4.1%. For a $300,000 home, that’s a value increase of over $12,000.

7. Solar Power Has a Variety of Uses

We’re already using solar panels to power a wide variety of household items. For example, you’ve probably used a calculator powered by solar energy. You may have lit your yard with lights equipped with small solar panels.

Depending on the size of your solar power system, you can power most or all of your home’s energy needs. You may even be able to use solar to charge your electric vehicle.

How do you know how much solar power you can harness at home? The best way to find out is to work with solar professionals and get a customized estimate.

Go Green With Fun Facts About Solar Energy

Now that you’re equipped with these fun facts about solar energy, it’s time to take the next step. Solar power can save you money, create new jobs, and help the environment. It may seem like a large investment, but for most households, it’s well worth the expense.

Looking to learn more about the way renewable energy can help our environment? We’re your one-stop shop for all things natural, from clean energy to animal conservation. Take a look around and find out how to contribute to a greener world.