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Do home solar panels offer a bright future?

4/22/2015

14 Comments

 
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Rising UK energy bills are driving more homeowners into installing solar panels on their roofs.

'Rent-a-roof’ schemes are fueling the demand. Here's how that works: Companies install the system free in return for pocketing payments for the surplus energy that is fed into the National Grid.


So far, seven out of ten homeowners have invested and only a fifth used the 'rent-a-roof' scheme.

Yesterday, I read about the completion of two floating solar power plants capable of providing electricity for 1,000 homes in Japan. The nation doubled its solar power capacity within two years of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, and is now a world leader in solar power along with China and the US. Physicists continue research on floating nuclear power plant designs using ocean water to cool the reactor in the event of an emergency. Reservoirs are also an ideal location because the panels produce shade, which reduces water evaporation and promotes algae growth.

UK solar power almost doubled in the last year, with 650,000 installations ranging from solar farms to panels on homes. However, a large fire at Hove Town Hall yesterday is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in solar panels on the roof. There's always a chance of something going wrong.

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You might think cold, dull, cloudy Britain wouldn't capture much solar energy. But cloudy days still generate power, although not as much as when there are clear skies. Also, on a partly cloudy day, it’s possible to generate more than usual. Known as the edge of cloud effect, this phenomenon happens when the sun passes over the outer side of a cloud, magnifying the sunlight.

Germany gets only about as much sunshine as the state of Alaska, but Germans have successfully installed about 25 gigawatts of solar power– half of the entire world’s supply.

In the US, Portland, Oregon is known for its rainy, dreary winters, gets as much sunshine as the average U.S. city. Slightly cool weather is an advantage for solar panels because of the electronics inside. In a city with extreme summer heat, solar is a little less efficient, which is part of the reason why solar panels in cloudy San Francisco can actually produce more power over a year than the slightly sunnier, hotter city of Sacramento.

I dread to think what our power bill will be this year here in Hertfordshire, England. My husband has lost so much weight with his illness that he needs a heated environment to stop shivering, and turns the gas fire on every night, despite the Spring temperature rise. Although I'd jump at the chance, we couldn't rent-a-roof because a nationwide Housing Association owns our property. Just imagine the headache they would have keeping track of all their households' comings and goings.

How about you? Do you think solar panels are the future? Would you consider installing them?





14 Comments
Alana link
4/21/2015 08:34:43 pm

I would consider with the right tax breaks. We've wanted them for years. I wish we had a "rent a roof" option. Here in the States, states vary tremendously as far as financial support they will give a homeowner. It would be a perfect time for us, as our 23 year old roof has to be replaced shortly. Great Earth Day post.

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Lisa link
4/21/2015 08:59:59 pm

I didn't realize you could still get some solar energy on cloudy days. One of the reasons I haven't looked into this much is because I'm in an area that doesn't see a lot of sun. Great post!

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Lata Subramanian link
4/22/2015 01:36:29 am

India, too, is planning to increase the use of solar power. I hope my home gets solar energy soon...the energy bills are pretty steep

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K.Lee Banks link
4/22/2015 02:42:12 am

You always find such interesting topics, Francene!

I also didn't realize it was possible to rely on solar energy even during non-sunny weather!

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Anmol Rawat link
4/22/2015 03:55:59 am

I think solar power is the future seeking that we are soon going to extinguish the other commonly used resources. Best we can do is empower it at present so we can save resources for our future generations.

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Tamala link
4/22/2015 05:24:17 am

I personally like the idea of solar panels and using natural energy sources. If it is better for the planet I am all about it. I believe once it becomes more popular it will be less expensive... I hope.. LOL

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Sandy Mangis link
4/22/2015 02:20:49 pm

This was very interesting to read. Yes I think solar panels are becoming more standard. I would consider it.

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Minwoo Kim
4/22/2015 09:47:19 pm

Floating Solar Power Systems are wonderful Ideas. And it’s very important to maintain effectively same direction and position on the water for floating solar plants. Because directional change of solar panels reduces electricity production. So floating solar plants also need the directional control mooring systems for their parked positions. Azimuth and position change of floating solar plants caused by wind, waves and external forces. Restoring Force Strengthened Mooring System for floating solar plants has been created in South Korea. This Mooring System generates Restoring Force immediately when floating solar plants are being rotated or moved on the water. Recently, Restoring Force Strengthened Mooring Systems have been used in South Korea. You can see the Restoring Force Strengthened Mooring System in Ochang Dam, South Korea. I N I WORLD

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Keara Littner link
6/8/2015 04:44:59 am

It's not surprising to me that more people are turning to solar panel installation as energy bills rise. I've actually been considering it for my home as well. Though my energy bills aren't too high at the moment, it still would be nice to have a lower monthly bill after having panels installed. It's just a matter of getting the money to actually put them in.

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McKayla Strauss link
7/6/2015 05:02:51 am

I've actually been thinking of installing solar panels on my home, but I wasn't too sure how well it would do. My area seems to have more overcast days than there are clear skies. It's great to know that even cloudy areas can generate quite a bit of solar energy! I'll have to see if I can get panels installed on my home before the end of the year.

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bristol solar panel installation link
11/9/2015 12:14:33 am

Solar energy has existed more than a century and is developing very fast today.

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hurricane windows florida link
12/15/2015 12:26:33 am

I like this concept. I visited your blog for the first time and just been your fan. Keep posting as I am gonna come to read it everyday..

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Roof Solar Panel Cost link
4/13/2016 12:58:09 am

Solar panels will definitely make our home more powerful and efficient. It will be one of the most effective technique for generating electricity for various needs of our home.

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solar jobs NY link
12/24/2018 01:48:57 am

I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I wanted to thank you for this great article.

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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