Technology, Measures, & Innovation
4 Facts & Myths about Solar
4 Fun Facts about Solar:
- Fact: Solar is the most abundant energy source on Earth
- It is one of the most reliable forms of energy and the fastest to deploy. Powered by the sun, there is enough solar energy hitting the Earth every hour to power all of civilization’s needs for an entire year. In Puerto Rico, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, companies were able to build small solar power plants with energy storage capability on the island in a matter of weeks.
- Fact: Solar power dates to over 2700 years ago
- In 700 BC glass lenses were used to make fire by magnifying the sun’s rays. Greeks and Romans use to create buildings with south facing windows to allow the sun to heat and light indoor spaces. The first silicon solar cell was built by Bell Labs in 1954.
- Fact: Solar energy is used to power space crafts
- Since the 1950s, various countries have used solar energy to power their space shuttles. The first artificial earth satellite, the Vanguard 1, launched in 1958. It remains the oldest manmade satellite in orbit, logging more than 6 billion miles.
- Fact: Many gadgets can be powered by solar
- With photovoltaic solar being the least expensive form of electricity, solar is used widely for small consumer electronics like calculators and watches. Dryers, radios, refrigerators, and even road signs can also be powered by photovoltaic solar.
Four Myths about Solar Disproven:
- Myth: Solar only works when the sun is shining
- Although solar energy is powered through the sun, that does not mean it only works in the daytime. The power grid serves as a virtual battery. You produce the power through the solar panels. When the sun is shining during the day, the solar panels absorb energy that radiates from the sun and the system converts it into usable electricity you can use to power anything in your home. If the panels don’t produce enough energy then your home will pull the extra amount from the grid. Source: https://www.trvst.world/inspiration/7-solar-energy-myths-discussed-and-debunked/
- Myth: Solar energy costs too much
- With increased demands and developments, the costs of solar have decreased. There are many options for customers who are interested in installing solar. Through Solar for All, a DOEE program, the DCSEU works with local solar contractors to design and install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at no cost to income-qualified District homeowners. If you don't qualify for Solar for All, there are still other ways to go solar. Check out the District Department of Energy & Environment's District Solar Consumer Financing Guide for more on how you can go solar in DC.
- Myth: Solar requires more maintenance
- Once systems are installed there is little to no maintenance required. There is no everyday maintenance required for solar PV systems. The DCSEU does recommended that customers continue to monitor the display on the system’s inverter at least quarterly to ensure the system is functioning properly.
- Myth: Solar panels will damage my roof
- Solar panels can actually help protect and preserve the portion of the roof that they cover. Panels can also be easily removed if there is a portion of the roof that needs to be repaired. Source: https://offgridworld.com/10-solar-power-myths-debunked/
