Solar Power Costs - What Everyone Need To Know
There are two main factors that govern solar power cost and these are quite simply, the assembly cost of the solar panels and the installation cost of the solar system in the home.
Solar power panels may be efficient, eco-friendly and help to save the planet but until they can compete in the energy market place they will never be extensively used. A new coal-burning plant can easily deliver electrical power at $2 per watt and so this is the benchmark figure that the solar scientists want to match.
For the last 20 years scientists have been developing ingenious and cheaper designs of solar power panels. It is the Silicone based solar photovoltaic panels which have dominated the industry and sell for about $3 a watt, but this is before installation.
For some time there was a real scarcity of silicone and although the interest in solar panels was growing, the solar panel suppliers were not able to fulfill that demand. Today even though there is a plentiful supply of silicone, nevertheless the process of refining it to make the semiconductors is a costly process and there are not many companies that do this. The handful of factories that can produce this refined silicone have a monopoly on the supply which means that even though the demand is high they can keep the price inflated.
The price of refined silicone is one of the key elements in the cost of solar panels. The key thrust of research going on today is in developing ways to reduce the amount of silicone that is needed to produce a solar panel. There is also research taking place in using alternative less expensive materials which are equally effective. There are specific organic materials which have semiconductor properties which may be used instead of silicone.
The expense of installation will vary quite significantly depending on whether you do it by yourself or if you call in an experienced installer. To install a solar power system in your own home using a professional installer will cost you between $10 - $12 per watt. If you install the system by yourself then it will probably cost you about $4 per watt.
Whilst the initial expense of installation of a home solar energy system would still be relatively expensive there is no doubt that in the near future, given the amazing advancements that are taking place, the cost should come down. In the mean time, government authorities all over the world are encouraging and subsidizing the use of this particular technology by offering tax rebates and incentives for home owners who install solar power systems.
So if you set up your solar energy system by yourself at the cost of approximately $4 per watt and claim all the tax rebates and credits that are available in your area, then your solar power cost may not be so far from the $2 per watt standard of the electricity delivered by the coal-burning plant.
Significant Solar Power Development Fun Facts
Here is a collection of fascinating solar power fun facts. People have used the sun as a heat source for thousands of years. It is only with the advancements in technology that have taken place in recent years that have enabled us to fully harness this power.
What Exactly Is PV Solar Power?
You have heard the term, but you are unsure as to its meaning. You are vaguely aware that solar power has something to do with making energy from sunlight. But what is PV solar power? Is it different from other kinds of solar power?
Choosing The Precise Solar Energy Panels For The Place
Looking to find the best solar panels for your home? There are some ways to do this. Here, you will discover some great tips to finding the best solar panels for your home!
Solar Power Electricity Is Recommended By Governments Around The World
Solar power electricity is just one of several methods that are used to generate electrical power. Scientists state that solar energy can potentially supply many, many times the total world energy requirements.
Solar String Lights - A Good Way To Grace Your House
Solar LED lights are increasingly becoming popular day by day due to its wide applications. Solar LED lights are best option for you to light up your house; they not only help in saving power but also help you to maintain a cleaner environment.
Renewable Power On The Ocean: Warm Ocean Water Found On The Surface
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) was conceived by the French engineer Jacques D'Arsonval in 1881. However, at the time of this writing the Natural Energy Laboratory from Hawaii was the home to the only operating experimental OTEC plant on the face of the earth.
Alternative Energy In Ireland - Constructing An Environmentally Friendly Future
The Irish are currently pursuing energy independence and the further development of their robust economy through the implementation of research and development into alternative energy sources.
Upgrade Your Landscape By Using Solar Outdoor LED Light Bulbs
You can find solar LED lights which have been made especially for the outside. These lights can exist through extreme weather conditions. There are also solar lights that feature vandal-proof panels. The actual fact that most of these are automatic also adds to their effectiveness.