Basic things you should know about solar panels
Is your current electricity bill giving you a headache? Perhaps it's time you consider using solar energy.
PHILERGY Solar panels installed in a roof / @solarjoe.ph (IG)
During the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that was implemented in Luzon from March 17 to May 31, 2020, people were ordered to stay home in order to stay safe from COVID-19.
And this has led to the “new normal” of working and studying at home, which also resulted in high electricity consumption.
Needless to say, a lot of people were shocked by the unbelievable surge in their electricity charges during the ECQ, and this was the turning point for many to consider using solar power.
GMANetwork.com has reached out to Jochen Staudter, managing director of PHILERGY German Solar, to get his insights on the benefits of having solar panels installed in homes and offices.
Jochen Staudter, a.k.a. Solar Joe / @solarjoe.ph (IG)
How solar panels work
A solar power system is comprised of solar panels, solar inverters, and a rack system that will hold the solar panels in place.
The solar panels or photo-voltaic (PV) modules use sunlight as an energy source. They work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity with the help of a solar inverter.
Having a solar power system in your home or office will help you save on energy costs, as you will be consuming less electricity from the grid.
Solar Joe posing in front of solar inverters / @solarjoe.ph (IG)
Benefits of using solar power
Saving on your power bills is one of the obvious advantages of using solar power. But according to Staudter, it has several other benefits for you and the environment.
1. Solar energy is ideal for tropical countries.
Since the Philippines is located slightly above the equator, the country enjoys 12 daylight hours per day. And this, of course, is perfect for using solar panels.
Staudter further explained, “Most Filipinos would of course lament the sun's heat almost every day, but this also means a longer chance for the solar energy system to produce clean energy.”
2. It is renewable and cheaper than fossil fuel.
According to Mr. Staudter, solar energy not only helps cut electric bill costs, but it also lessens the dependence on depleting fossil fuel resources.
“Our country depends heavily on imported dirty energy from coal and fossil fuels, which are predicted to run out in a mere few decades.”
“Getting a solar energy system is one way to decrease dependence on the increasing and volatile prices of coal and fossil fuels.”
Solar Joe in one of their completed projects / @solarjoe.ph (IG)
3. It makes good use of your roof space.
The primary function of the roof in your home is to provide shelter from the heat of the sun, the rain, and the debris that fall on your house during a storm. But, you can maximize its purpose further by installing solar panels in it.
Mr. Staudter said, “Just one square meter of roof space can harvest up to 5 kWh per day, which results in a 60 PHP savings - that's 1,800 PHP a month!”
4. It is eco-friendly.
Solar energy does not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide, unlike fossil fuels. And Mr. Staudter highlighted the important role of solar energy in saving the environment.
He said, “The Philippine ecosystem is very biodiverse and is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”
“You can create a positive impact through your solar energy system - one solar panel can neutralize carbon dioxide emissions of up to 42 cars that drive five kilometers every day.”
“And the carbon dioxide neutralized by five solar panels is equivalent to planting 100,000 trees every year.”
Solar Joe amid a massive solar power system / @solarjoe.ph (IG)
Should you go solar?
Now that the benefits of using solar power have been laid down, it is very unlikely that anyone would think it is not the right way to go.
How can you go wrong by choosing to use clean and sustainable energy, which also helps you save a lot on your power bills in the long run?
Sure, some may find it pricey. But it is an investment that will have long-term benefits for you, your loved ones, and the environment.
Perhaps, the main consideration in choosing an energy source should be not how much it will cost you, but rather how much will it cost the environment.
As Staudter puts it, “Every little step towards saving our planet counts and being a green energy advocate is something to be proud of and should slowly become the new normal.”
So, if you're all set to go solar, go green, and save on your electricity bills, go consult a solar power system provider, to learn more about the considerations, cost, and process of installation.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
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