Surprising Facts About Solar Power and Panels

Even if you haven't made the switch to solar power, and especially if you have or are thinking of doing so in the near future, most of us at least know the basics of how solar panels and solar power technology works. Panels receive energy from the sun's UV rays as it shines, then convert that energy into usable power that can replace other more common sources - but this is just base-level information, and there are actually some additional facts about solar power that may surprise you if you're new to this world.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, educating clients on our varying solar products is a major priority for our team. From our residential solar power options that include the Tesla Powerwall battery backup to various commercial solutions, we're happy to detail the important facts about our solar products, how they work, and how they'll benefit you. Here are some of the most unique facts about solar power than many new clients have never even heard about, and which often help incentivize some people to make the jump to cleaner, sustainable energy.

Solar is the Single Fastest Growing Form of Energy

One of the simplest and most important facts about solar is that it's the single fastest-growing form of energy in the world. In 2019, more than 30 countries installed over 100 gigawatts of new rooftop and utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, transforming solar into one of the most attractive and cost-effective sources of clean energy today. With an estimated $130 billion to be invested in new solar energy projects by 2040, the trend of solar’s growth doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

This is important to note because solar energy has the potential to bring significant cost savings and environmental benefits to your home or business. By making the switch, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also helping create jobs and supporting the local economy - all while saving money on electricity bills for years to come!

Solar Panels Can Last up to 40 Years

The average lifespan of solar panels is usually assumed to be 25 years, but this estimate could actually be much longer. The truth is that well-maintained solar energy systems can last up to 40 or even 50 years. This means that with proper care and regular maintenance, your system could easily outlast the warranty period and still produce clean energy for decades to come.

With such long lifespans, solar power can be a great investment that will keep paying off in the form of utility and maintenance savings over time. Plus, with advances in technology, you may even be able to upgrade your system after its initial installation, making it easier to take advantage of new features and benefits as they become available.

Solar Panels Actually Protect Your Roof

Some people worry about damage to their roof from installing solar panels, but today's reality is actually the polar opposite. Solar panels are actually designed to protect your roof from the elements, helping extend its life and protecting it from inclement weather. The panels keep water away, create a buffer zone between direct sunlight and the roof itself, and can even help reduce temperature fluctuations in your attic - all of which add up to additional savings on energy bills in the long run.

The one key area of protection here that some home or building owners don't focus enough on is UV protection. Normal roofs take a serious beating from the sun's UV rays, but solar panels provide an extra layer of protection that can help your roof last longer.

The Sun Can Power the Entire World for a Year - in an Hour

There are some out there who might be unaware of the true power of the sun and what it can do. In truth, the total energy of the sun that hits Earth in just one hour is enough to power our entire planet for an entire year - and this is happening every single day!

This statistic should help put into perspective how much potential solar energy out there has to be harnessed in order for us to truly make the most of it. We'd need to capture and utilize just a fraction of this energy to be able to power our homes and businesses, while also reducing our collective carbon footprint in the process.

Solar Power Can Be Used Anywhere in the World

One of the biggest misconceptions about solar is that it can only be used in sunny climates. But the truth is, solar technology can be used in virtually any location - even if it doesn't always seem the most ideal place to harvest energy from the sun.

Solar panels convert UV light into electricity no matter where they are located, meaning that even on cloudy days, you're still able to get some sort of usable power out of them. And with advances in technology, even shadier climates can still benefit from the power of solar energy, making it easier than ever to make the switch and start saving money on your energy bills.

The amount of potential that solar power has is truly remarkable - and with each new discovery made in this field, we’re closer to being able to make the switch and start utilizing this clean source of energy in our homes and businesses. So if you haven't taken the plunge yet, consider all the facts above and see if solar power is right for you!

For more here, or to learn about any of our solar panels or solar power solutions, speak to our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar today.