Solar Energy in PA
The technology in solar power and our ability to draw the energy we need from renewable sources as grown substantially. Residential use of solar panels started catching on in the mid 90’s. This led to the creation of the solar industry’s expansion into the homeowner’s market as we know it today . The advances in technology and in the efficiency of solar cells over the years, has made its desirability in the residential market, more and more popular. Better yet, due to the solar market becoming so competitive, costs continue to come down on those traditional silicon based panels.
The concept of drawing energy from light, called the photovoltaic effect, was first discovered in 1839 by the French scientist Edmond Becquerel. This effect explains how electricity can be generated from light. Becquerel claimed that “shining light on an electrode submerged in a conductive solution would create an electric current.”
Over the course of the next 150 years, many discoveries and inventions were created to capture and store this type of energy. Albert Einstein received a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his work & theories on the photovoltaic effect. By the 30’s different materials were being discovered such as, Audobert and Stora who discovered the photovoltaic effect in cadmium selenide (CdSe), This 1932 discovery of a photovoltaic material is still used today. In 1948 – Gordon Teal and John Little created a method of crystal growth to produce single-crystalline germanium and then later, silicon. Gerald Pearson started his research into lithium silicon photovoltaic cells in 1953. Almost immediately, Bell Labs began production of solar cells that were being used for advancements in space travel technology. Bell Labs announced in 1954, the invention of the first practical silicon based solar energy capturing cells.
Science was making the dream of capturing the the sun’s energy a reality. From that moment on advancements in solar energy have grown by leaps and bounds.
Today, solar has become one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. This growth, over the decades, in the solar market has led to the creation of a now well established industry. The demand for home use solar panels over the years and increase in supply, has led to dramatically falling cost and prices. The cost to install solar systems has dropped by over 70% since 2010 making it more affordable than ever before. It’s not all about saving on the electric bill and having clearer skies but that certainly doesn’t hurt, especially with the excessive cost of ‘grid generated’ energy.
The biggest benefit for most homeowners is in the energy cost savings. Solar panels typically will pay for themselves in 10 years or so, when you factor in all the utility bill savings, incentives and tax rebates.
In fact, in many regions across the country, homeowners get payments from utility companies for the extra power they put back into the grid. Imagine that, them paying you for once. Nice thought and not so far fetched – visit the PA Department of Environmental Protection for information Financial Incentives for going solar.
Did you know that it also adds to the value of your home? Buyers will happily pay more for a home with pre-installed solar panels. The benefits and advantages in savings and value are many.
Caring for the Environment
Fossil fuels, such as gasoline, coal and oil add a lot of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere.. Many households have upgraded their home heating to solar. They have changed out the old outdated home heating systems like oil burning, coal, wood and natural gas and made the change to solar heating systems. Homeowners have done this in part to minimize their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. The biggest benefit however is the ability to heat your house all winter long for next to nothing in cost.
According to energy authorities, solar power benefits the environment by reducing your carbon footprint by approximately 100,000 pounds over the life of the solar panels. You can see what a positive environmental impact solar power is making as a clean renewable energy source.
True Energy Security
Your home has real & true energy security once you go solar. If the electric grid goes down, you don’t need to be concerned as your panels will still operate. With a solar plus storage system that time increases substantially, giving you even more energy security. This peace of mind is priceless to solar homeowners.
There has never been a better time to make the change in your home and finally go solar. From the overall savings in equipment and installation to the tax breaks and incentives that are available, the financial and environmental benefits are huge. Solar power for your home has never been more affordable than it is right now.
We highly recommend you make the change today – call us on (717) 337-9898
Gettysburg Solar – the leading provider of Solar Energy installations in PA