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It's Official: Solar Is the Cheapest Electricity in History Tough break for fossil fuels.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is energy generated from sunlight. A process known as photovoltaic effect is used to convert the energy from the sun into electricity that can power appliances and lighting in a house. A typical solar energy system consists of an array of solar panels, inverter, and the racking. Solar panels are used to capture the energy from the sun, the inverter is used to convert the energy into a format that can be used, and the racking is the foundation to mount the system. Additional parts would be batteries to store excess energy.

Solar energy is an up and coming renewable energy source in many countries though it is not widely used in Canada. BC is a progressive province and many citizens try to live a life that leaves a smaller environmental footprint. 90% of BC’s power comes from hydro energy, despite the fact that it is a clean energy, there remains adverse influence to our ecosystem, as it alters the natural landscape in an irreversible way. Solar energy should therefore be a viable alternative in the conversation of renewable energy.

There are different types of solar energy systems and it is important to know which one is best for different situations.

Grid Tie System
The first one is known as a grid tie system. This is specifically for people who have access to power lines/grid. This is the system that can function without batteries. It doesn’t store power and if the solar panels don’t generate enough power, the power lines can provide extra power. On the other hand, if excessive power is being generated, it can be fed and sell back to BC Hydro.

Off Grid System
The second system is an off grid system. This delivers power to those in remote locations, this system would cost more because batteries would need to be purchased to store excess energy. An off grid solar power system would be a valid option for those who live in an area not accessible by power lines. It is also a viable option for those who want to live completely self sustainable.

Hybrid System
The last system is a hybrid of the two. The hybrid system is able to store backup power in case of outages. It is connected to a power grid but also has batteries. This system would benefit people who live in extreme weather conditions, experience frequent power outages, or use an unreliable power grid.

What to think about?
A big deterrent from solar energy could be the cost. Although it is easily accessible, it may not be the most cost effective initially. The leading reason to why it is so expensive is the installation of the system. There are alternatively great DIY options out there. It may seem difficult at first, but even just buying the products prior to asking a local contractor can help cut some costs. Installing it yourself is the most cost-effective. The potential problems to doing it yourself is that you are the sole reason if the system succeeds or fails. It’s important to research all options and find the best fit for your particular housing situation.

Although solar panels have a life span of around 16-20 years, the ecological footprint of solar energy remains at the production and their disposition. Many different minerals and materials go into the production of solar panels which can make the recycling process lengthy and strenuous. Once solar energy gains more popularity and more recycling plants are added, it will create greener jobs and greatly benefit our economy. As more people use solar energy systems the cheaper it will become and as it gains more mainstream attention the more normalized it will be. But for anyone looking for a greener, more sustainable energy source, solar is a great option, as long as the solar panels are recycled properly.

Should you make the change?
What’s great about solar energy is that it does not rely on a company. When compared to other types of energy, solar is the most accessible. Some individuals may want to take things into their own hands and solar energy gives them that option. Solar energy gives many great options in switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The diversity of solar energy systems provide solutions for every situation; a house completely off the grid that has no access to a power, or a house in the middle of the city. Solar energy can accommodate even the most extreme of situations.