ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY
HOW DOES SOLAR ENERGY WORK?
The energy in sunlight can be converted into electricity in either of two ways: by using solar photovoltaic cells or by concentrating solar energy to produce heat for electricity generation. Solar energy can also be used to heat water for direct use, but this report focuses only on electricity generation applications.
HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY COMES FROM SOLAR ENERGY?
Electricity generation from solar energy has grown in recent years. Solar energy overall (PV and CSP combined) accounted for 0.7% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2014 and 2.2% of the total in 2018, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).12 Most generation (96% in 2018) from solar energy comes from PV systems. Large-scale systems, defined by EIA as those greater than 1 MW, accounted for 61% of overall generation from solar energy in 2014, the first year for which EIA reported generation data for different size categories. By 2018, the share from large-scale systems had increased to 68%.
WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?
Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available, and the U.S. has some of the richest solar resources in the world.
WHAT ARE ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY?
Renewable Energy Source. Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source.
Reduces Electricity Bills.
Diverse Applications.
Low Maintenance Costs.
Technology Development.
WHAT ARE DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY?
Cost. The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is fairly high.
Weather-Dependent. Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops.
Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive.
Uses a Lot of Space.
Associated with Pollution.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF THE SOLAR PANEL?
Solar panels cost, on average, about Rs. 40,000, or between 36,000 to 44,000 depending on the type and model. While solar panels can help save you money on energy costs, it's important to know the overall startup solar panel costs so you can plan a budget.
Average Cost: Rs. 40,000
Lowest Cost: Rs. 32,000
Highest Cost: Rs. 44,000