How Do Solar Panels Generate Energy?

How Do Solar Panels Generate Energy?

Solar panels are one of the primary renewable sources for energy generation, wind turbines, and hydropower. 

The United States has more than 1 million square miles of unused rooftops or open areas perfect for installing solar panels. There's enough space to generate 50 percent more electricity than the entire country needs! 

We're working with communities all over the country to install solar panels on homes and businesses, making clean energy accessible for everyone.

 

How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Generate?

According to Worldwatch and the International Energy Agency, solar panels can generate between 80 and 180 W/m or about 10 to 70 percent of the energy needs of a typical US home. 

A standard photovoltaic system generates around 30kWh of electricity annually. This system can have an annual savings of more than $150.

 

The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Using Solar Panels

Advantages: 

- Can be installed on almost any surface. 

- Less expensive to install than wind, hydro, and biomass. 

- Energy source is always available. 

- Lightweight, sturdy (no heavy machinery or infrastructure needed). 

Disadvantages: 

- It takes a long time to build up the amount of solar energy necessary to power a house. Most houses rely on outside power sources in their first year of operation, and this is typical with a diesel generator or stored electricity from the grid. Wind and hydro also require significant investments in infrastructure not yet reached by solar farms and solar democratization efforts.

 

Allow us to guide you if you think about switching to renewable energy by going solar. For expert advice, don't hesitate to get in touch with PowerGenUSA.

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