More Homeowners Invest In Renewable Energy

Basic information on renewable energy

Renewable energy is an increasingly popular and environmentally friendly method of generating electricity by using energy from natural resources. Renewable energy sources include: tidal power, wind turbines and solar power. Renewable energy, as opposed to fossil fuels, naturally replenish so there is a constant supply available.

We do not however, have a continuous supply of fossil fuels as these can take millions of years to develop. Combined with recent warnings broadcasting the fact that non-renewable energy sources are diminishing rapidly, renewable energy usage has significantly increased in a bid to try and preserve fossil fuels.

Renewable energy: Solar Photo Voltaic

Sunlight is an increasingly popular renewable energy source, along with wind power. Since 2002, Solar PV production has increased by an anual average of 20% and in 2010 it was recorded more than 100 countries used solar panels to generate electricity.

The cost of installing solar photovoltaic systems has steadily decreased annually since first being created due to improvements in manufacturing. Solar PV has become increasingly popular amongst homeowners due to the environmental and financial benefits solar panels offer.

Environmental benefits of solar power for the home

By installing a Solar PV System to the roof of a house the homeowner can use the electricity that the solar cells produce as opposed to electricity generated by the burning of fossil fuels. Solar powered electricity doesn't produce any air pollutant gases as nothing is being burnt, reducing the homeowner's carbon footprint.

Although one person can't put a complete stop to global warming, the increase in solar panel installation amongst homeowner is definitely an advantage for the environment. More people will become aware of solar PV for the home causing them to consider installing it on their roof, and the more homes using solar energy as opposed to fossil fuels means less wastage and pollution.

Financial benefits of solar power for the home

There are many financial benefits a homeowner can reap from having solar panels installed, the obvious one being reduced electricity bills. Although solar power can't be used at night, solar panels can be used during hours of daylight as an alternative to electricity from a provider. It is said that a medium user of electricity can save around a third on electricity bills when installing solar panels.

Another financial incentive is the "feed in tariff" which currently pays 43.3 pence per unit of electricity generated using solar PV whether it is used or not. This mitigating factor is definitly a reason why Solar PV is being installed on more roofs of houses. In effect, homeowners are getting paid to produce clean, renewable energy whilst cutting their electricity bills.

It's no wonder that renewable energy sources are becoming a popular alternative to fossil fuels. With homeowners realising the cost effective and energy efficient aspects of solar panels it's no wonder more people are seeing the light.


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Written by Jamie Lyons on behalf of Solarlec Solar PV and Solar Power Blog