SOLAR EDUCATION 101
Sunscape Solar wants to educate the world on the value and importance of PV Electric Systems and the power of the sun. And we want everyone to want to harness that power to not only save money but to save our planet and the limited natural resources that are so valuable to us all!
Renewable energy is the term used to describe energy that comes from sources whose supplies are regenerative and virtually inexhaustible. Among these sources are sunshine, wind, water, vegetation, and the heat of the earth.
Throughout history, these sources have been successfully harnessed and used to provide energy. Almost 2,500 years ago, the Greeks designed their homes to use winter sunlight for heating. Large, south-facing windows were used to collect solar heat, which was stored in massive walls and floors for gradual release throughout the night. According to Socrates, the ideal home should be cool in summer and warm in winter. But Socrates' ideal was not easy to accomplish 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece. The Greeks had no artificial means of cooling their homes during the scorching summers; nor were their heating systems, mostly portable charcoal-burning braziers, adequate to keep them warm in winter.
Modern excavations of many Classical Greek cities show that solar architecture flourished throughout the area. Individual homes were oriented toward the southern horizon, and entire cities were planned to allow their citizens equal access to the winter sun. A solar-oriented home allowed its inhabitants to depend less on charcoal - conserving fuel and saving money.
The wind has also been used as an energy source for centuries. Some of its early uses include propelling ships and pumping water.
Today's technological advancements have developed more efficient means of harnessing and using renewable energy sources, and these sources are gaining increasing popularity. They offer us alternatives to nonrenewable energy sources such as oil, coal and natural gas which, when burned can cause acid rain and contribute to the overall warming of the Earth known as the "Greenhouse Effect." Existing renewable energy installations are making significant contributions to the US energy supply, and research activities are demonstrating the far-reaching impact that a greater reliance on renewable energy sources could have on our country's energy security. In addition, on-going and planned research offers still more possibilities.
Basic Solar Information
A 1 kW PV system generates approximately 150 kWh per month
A 1 kW PV system is approximately 6 solar panels
A 1 kW PV system takes approximately 100 sq. ft. of flat space
A 3 kW PV system takes approximately 25 hours to install
A 3 to 4 kW PV system is enough to power the average US home
Solar Water Pumping is an easy way to save money in rural areas
The Power Grid acts like a high-performance battery by providing needed power when required
Solar Panels have a 25 year warranty
Inverters have a 10 year warranty
Solar Panels are much more efficient compared to 4.5% efficiency in 1954
A tracking device on pole-mounted PV Solar systems can increase efficiency by 20 to 40%
Local Governments can't stop you from installing a Sunscape Solar PV Solar system on your home or business
Net Metering allows a PV Solar system to spin our electric meters backwards during high production hours