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The Many Advantages of Solar Energy: Why You Should Switch
GES Energy • July 6, 2022
Making the switch to solar energy is easier with GES Energy on your side. From design to installation and maintenance, we handle it all for your convenience. Get in touch to get started.
When it comes to renewable energy sources, solar power is one of the most popular options. There are many advantages to solar energy that make it a great choice for businesses. Keep on reading to know the reasons why you should switch to solar.
What is solar energy and how is it produced?
Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that is produced by converting sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are used to capture the sun's energy and convert it into usable electricity. This process is called the photovoltaic effect. Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy resource that can be used to power your business.
How does solar energy work?
The solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells that capture light from the sun. This energy is then converted into electricity and excess energy is stored in batteries for future use. It is also possible to connect solar panels with the main electricity grid to help reduce your electricity bills.
Solar panels are most efficient during the day when there is plenty of sunlight. However, they can still generate electricity at night. The amount of power generated depends on the size of the solar panel and how much sunlight it gets.
Different Types of Solar Energy
There are three main types of the solar system: photovoltaic (PV) cells, concentrated solar power (CSP), and solar water heating.
Photovoltaic Solar Energy
PV cells are the most common type of solar energy system and can be used for a variety of applications, including powering businesses, charging batteries, and running small electronics.
Solar photovoltaic energy is made by turning sunlight directly into electricity by using an electronic process that happens naturally in some types of materials.
Photovoltaic solar panels do not produce heat, so they can't be used for solar energy storage.
Concentrated Solar Power
CSP uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area to generate heat, which is then used to power a turbine that produces electricity.
CSP systems can be used to store solar energy in the form of heat, which can be released when needed to generate electricity or for other purposes such as space heating and cooling.
Solar Water Heating
Solar water heaters use sunlight to heat water in a tank, which is then used for domestic hot water or space heating. Solar water heaters are typically less expensive than PV cells and CSP systems, and they have the added benefit of providing hot water even when the sun isn't shining.
Advantages of Solar Energy
1. Solar energy is clean
Solar power is a clean energy source that does not emit any harmful gases or particulates into the environment. It does not pollute the air and water, unlike burning fossil fuels. With solar, you can help the environment stay clean and healthy for future generations.
2. Solar energy is renewable
Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that can last for hundreds of years if well maintained and managed properly. It doesn’t run out like other non-renewable sources of energy such as coal, oil, fossil fuels and gas, which are expected to run out in a few decades. There are no known limits to solar energy supply, which means it will be available for thousands of years to come!
3. Solar energy is economical and cost-effective
Unlike many other renewable energy sources such as wind and hydroelectric that require massive amounts of capital investment to set up, solar panels can be purchased at affordable prices on your own without any financial assistance from the government or banks. You don’t have to pay any interest on loans or wait years before you start saving money from solar panels. You will start saving money from day one!
4. Solar energy is easy to install and maintain
Solar panels are pre-wired, which means all the wiring work is done for you by the panel manufacturer. All you need to do is mount the panels on your roof and connect them to your existing energy supply.
Once installed, solar panels require very little maintenance. There are no moving parts, so there’s nothing that can break or wear out over time. The only thing you have to check is whether the panels are still clean of dust and debris after a storm or a heavy rainfall. If so, just give them a good wipe with a damp cloth and they’re as good as new!
5. Solar energy is safe and reliable
Solar energy systems can be installed by anyone with basic knowledge of electrical wiring work. You may need an electrician or any other professional help to install solar panels on your rooftop or in your business premises. With little maintenance required after installation, solar power systems are very reliable and will provide free energy for many years to come!
6. Solar energy is environment-friendly
Solar energy is one of the most environment-friendly sources of power. When you use solar energy, you don’t have to worry about creating any kind of pollution or greenhouse gases. Solar energy is also free from harmful emissions and toxic chemicals that can harm the environment. This makes it a great option for those who want to leave a smaller footprint on the planet.
7. Solar energy is affordable
Solar energy has become very affordable in comparison to other sources of power like coal and oil. The cost of solar panels has dropped significantly over the last decade and this has made it far more affordable for anyone who wants to install them in theirs or businesses. In fact, solar panels are now cheaper than fossil fuels which makes them an attractive investment option for many people as well as businesses that are looking to save on their utility bills in the long run.
8. Solar energy produces low emission
Solar energy produces low emission of carbon footprint which helps reduce the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It’s also more sustainable and reliable than traditional forms of energy which are likely to run out sooner than later. It’s also easier to produce and you don’t have to rely on natural resources like oil, fossil fuels or gas for its production.

While there are a lot of advantages to solar energy, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making the switch.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
1. Solar energy is dependent on the sun
The efficacy of solar energy is largely dependent on where you live. Solar energy can only be generated when there’s sunlight, which means it’s not available at night or on cloudy days. This can make it unreliable as a sole source of power for some people, particularly those who live in areas that don't get that much sunlight. Solar energy is also intermittent because in some regions the sun doesn’t always shine brightly, especially during the winter months. This means that solar panels may not generate enough electricity to meet your needs during these times.
2. Solar energy is expensive to set up initially
It's a widely known fact that the cost of installing solar panels is expensive - at least at first. A solar system requires a large upfront investment due to the many components involved, plus the installation costs. However, thankfully, the cost of solar panels and an entire solar system has dropped significantly in recent years. Other than that, the Australian Government actively looks for ways to make solar more accessible to everyone, such as by offering rebates.
3. Solar system takes up a lot of space
Solar panels are often installed on rooftops or in open spaces like fields and parking lots. This means that they can take up a lot of space, which may not be available in densely populated areas. Solar farms can also be an eyesore for some people and can adversely impact the environment if not properly managed.
Despite these disadvantages, solar energy still remains one of the most promising sources of renewable energy that is widely available. With its many benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more people are making the switch to solar.
Join the Green Revolution
Solar energy is a great alternative energy source that has many advantages over traditional forms of energy. It’s renewable energy, which means it's environmentally friendly, and can save you money in the long run. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making the switch to solar power. It is a great way to save money and help the environment, but it may not be a viable option for you. Do your research to see if solar power is right for you.
At GES Energy, we provide solar engineering solutions to help you make the switch to solar energy. We offer a variety of services, including solar panel installation with batteries, design, and the maintenance of solar technologies. Contact us today so we can help you determine if solar energy is feasible for you.
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