RENEWABLE ENERGY
World
’ s largest floating solar farms being built in Singapore
Unfortunately , problems persist :
• The panels have a life expectancy of 20 years and will need to be replaced
• Wildlife seeking shelter from the elements are attracted to the panels and droppings can present a risk of bacterial infection for humans living close by
• The upfront cost of solar panels is also discouraging . According to Solar Guide : “ Fortunately for homeowners , solar panels have dropped in price by 60 % compared to how much they cost back in 2010 . Typically , they ’ ll cost in the region of £ 6,000 – £ 7,000 , which is still a large expense , but you ’ ll see a return on investment through energy bill savings .” Although a drop in price is a positive development , some customers delay their purchase , hoping that the price of solar panels will eventually lower to accommodate their budget
• For those living in homes without sun-facing walls , there is also the
Solar panels have dropped
in price by
60 % from 2010
issue of the space required to attach solar panels . Although solar panels still work on cloudy days , they work at maximum efficiency in direct sunlight
Generating and storing solar power For a solar panel to work properly , it does not have to be in the direct glare of the sun . The panels create energy in the winter , as well as on cloudy days , but not at nighttime . Thus , during the winter , when days are shorter , less energy is produced .
Yet , for those with a solar battery , excess solar energy can be stored and used later or exchanged . In Australia , Victoria Bitter offers free drinks in exchange for surplus solar energy from residential solar panels .
Most people are familiar with the initial product : chunky rooftop solar panels . But these aren ’ t always aesthetically pleasing and come with some of the aforementioned issues .
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