Interesting Solar Energy Facts

Getting solar panels for your home in Rocklin is a great way to cut energy costs. Plus, it is a sustainable energy source that won’t ever go away. These panels are placed on your roof, on the side that receives the most sun. Because they can last for up to 45 years, it’s a one-time purchase that could end up saving you thousands a year. However, solar energy isn’t a new concept. It’s been used for centuries. Check out this and a few other interesting facts about solar energy.

1. While the sun is over 90 million miles away from the earth, it takes less than 10 minutes for that light to hit the earth. This makes solar energy a completely free and abundant resource to be used for energy.
2. Each year the earth’s atmosphere, land masses, and ocean absorb around 3,850,000 EJ (exajoules) of energy. This could be equated to 40,000 times the amount of energy consumed by the United States on a yearly basis or 8,000 times of the energy consumption of the world.
3. NASA is currently attempting to build an aircraft that is powered by solar energy. The Helios Prototype was launched in 2001 and was able to reach almost 97,000 feet in altitude.
4. The earth is hit with 170 billion watts of solar energy from the sun every second.
5. Humans aren’t the only ones who can harvest energy from the sun. Plants use the sun's energy to perform a process called photosynthesis. In this chemical reaction, plants are able to convert air, water, and nutrients into food. This allows the plant to grow and flower. So, it’s safe to say that when we consume fruits, veggies, and other plant based foods, we are, in fact, sustaining ourselves on energy from the sun.
6. Our bodies also depend on energy from the sun to function correctly. Vitamin D is created by the sun hitting a specific form of cholesterol. It’s used by the liver and can help to boost your mood and feel happier.
7. By using water and the sun, steam energy can be created. Frank Shuman first harnessed the sun’s energy in this way in 1912. He created a solar powered station in Egypt. While it gave off a relatively small amount of power, it started a new way of channeling power.
8. You could save anywhere from $200 to $500 a month by switching to solar energy. This could amount to $6,000 in savings a year.
9. Leonardo da Vinci attempted to use solar energy as early as the 15^th century and speculated on the use of solar energy to prevent destruction of natural resources.
10. There is a solar power plant located in the Mojave Desert in California that produces over 90% of the world’s solar energy.
11. By choosing solar panels, you are choosing an energy solution in which no air or water pollution or greenhouse gases are emitted.
12. The country of Germany currently has the most solar panels installed on residential homes.
13. 1 kilowatt of solar energy is able to replace over 170 pounds of coal used for energy and 300 pounds of carbon dioxide. This makes it a much more sustainable and clean option when it comes to energy.
14. Solar panel prices have dropped over 40% in recent years. Plus, with the rebates and tax incentives offered, they are now more affordable than ever!

If you are looking for a way to protect the environment while at the same time cutting costs, consider getting solar panels for your home in Rocklin. Investing in solar energy is an excellent way to establish a sustainable energy source for your family. Plus, overtime, it could end up saving you money.

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