Solar Facts

Embracing the Power of the Sun

  • For all those residing in Australia's Southern Hemisphere, a crucial fact to know is that your solar panels should face true north, tilted at 20-50 degrees for optimal efficiency.

  • Solar power has incredible versatility; you can now run water heaters, lighting, air conditioners, and practically anything that relies on electricity with solar energy.

  • Every square meter of Earth receives around 1366 watts of direct solar radiation, an astonishing figure.

  • China leads in solar power usage, producing about 78,100 gigawatts, followed by Japan, Germany, the US, and Italy.

  • NASA, the space research organization, is currently developing a fully solar-powered aircraft.

  • To power the entire Earth with solar energy, you would need to install solar panels over an area of about 191,000 square miles, covering the entire planet.

Tracing the Origins of Solar Power

  • In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, enabling the harnessing of solar energy.

  • Bell Laboratories invented the first photovoltaic cell for commercial use in 1954.

  • Solar cells became commercially available in 1956, but they were expensive and not easily affordable for most people.

  • In 1978, solar-powered calculators were invented, marking a milestone in solar power technology.

Solar Power Affordability

  • Solar power is cost-effective, affordable, and offers a favorable return on investment (ROI).

  • Since 2008, solar system and panel costs have dropped by over 80% and are expected to decrease further.

  • Solar energy is a renewable and free source of energy. Photovoltaic panels (PV) are low maintenance and yield great ROI.

  • Solar panels typically come with long warranties, providing added peace of mind.

  • Check current discounts and rebates offered by your state in Australia for solar panel installations to maximize savings.

  • You'll notice a significant reduction in your monthly electricity bills when using solar power at your home or office.

Solar Power: A Clean, Abundant, and Valuable Resource

  • Solar power is the cleanest form of energy, generating no pollutants or emissions during power generation.

  • As a renewable resource, solar energy is abundant and inexhaustible, making it a reliable option for businesses and residences.

  • Solar power is measured in watts, kilowatt-hours, megawatts, gigawatts, and terawatts.

  • Solar panels usually come with capacities ranging from 200 to 250 watts.

  • The sun is approximately 90 million miles away from the earth, and sunlight takes just over 8 minutes to reach us, instantly powering solar panels.

  • Residences with solar power experience increased market value for their homes.

Your Health and Solar Power

  • Solar power is one of the cleanest and most sustainable forms of energy, making it environmentally friendly.

  • It generates no sound or smoke pollution, improving air quality and benefiting all living beings on Earth.

  • A single solar panel on a rooftop can reduce pollution levels by up to 100 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) during its lifetime.

  • Solar energy is safe, eco-friendly, and supports a healthier environment, preventing over 17,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions when used.