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Solar Power System vs Diesel Generator, Why Choose Solar Power System
Introduction
Climate change is a major topic of discussion across the globe at the moment. This is especially due to the current rising fuel prices across the globe. Burning of fossil fuels usually produces greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket around the Earth's atmosphere, this traps the sun’s heat and leads to raising temperatures. Nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter are all byproducts of dirty energy sources, such as the use of diesel generators. Diesel generators have been a top producer of greenhouse gases, and consequently a polluter of our environment. With the rapidly increasing threat of climate change due to the excessive release of greenhouse gases, many nations are turning to clean energy alternatives to do away with traditional fossil fuels.
Figure 1 Solar Panels Installed on a Rooftop
Solar energy is a reliable renewable energy source that doesn’t produce CO2 emissions or other greenhouse gases, and therefore an effective alternative to fossil fuels sources. This makes solar energy an appealing and one of the most interesting systems for producing energy for homeowners, business owners, and industries. Solar energy systems are now more affordable, efficient, affordable, and resilient than ever before. Solar energy makes it possible to replace dirty energy sources with clean resources.
Solar Energy System
Solar energy technologies usually convert sunlight into electrical energy either by utilizing photovoltaic (PV) panels or via mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. The energy can then be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. Here are the different constituents of a solar energy system and how it works.
Figure 2 Solar Energy System
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the most critical components of a solar energy system. Their work is to produce clean energy for your home or business. Solar panels are usually made up of solar cells made of silicon, which are then wired together to make solar modules. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common solar panels installed today, but some people do choose polycrystalline panels for their homes.
Solar Inverter
Solar inverters are devices used to convert the power produced by solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Home devices usually use alternating current, and this makes it important to convert power from DC to AC. Also, there are power optimizers installed in each panel in order to optimize the DC output of each PV module. After optimization, the power is directed to the string inverter for conversion to AC power.
Storage
Batteries are used to store energy generated by solar panels for use in a home or a business building. Batteries are usually used in case the solar energy system is not connected to the grid. Battery technology is rapidly developing into a more feasible option for those who intend to produce their energy free from the grid. The choice and value of including batteries in your solar energy system depend on a range of factors, such as your power usage needs as well as feed-in tariff rate.
Diesel Generator
A diesel generator usually works by converting chemical energy present in diesel fuel to mechanical energy by utilizing a diesel engine. As the engine runs, the chemical energy from the diesel fuel is converted to mechanical energy, in the form of a rotating shaft. As the generator engine rotates, its alternator's main rotor spins as the power is transmitted via a mechanical coupling. This creates electrical energy in form of voltage at the alternator terminals. The energy is usually produced via a magnetic field from the main motor.
A major drawback of diesel generators is their production of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and other toxic exhausts released into the environment. This makes diesel generators unsuitable as far as environmental sustainability is concerned. To combat climate change, homeowners and businesses need to move away from the use of diesel generators and embrace clean energy resources, such as solar energy. Also, diesel generators can be very noisy, and they are therefore often placed away from work areas.
Comparison Between Solar Power and Diesel Power
|
Solar Power |
Diesel Power |
|
Produces clean energy |
Produces greenhouse gas emissions |
|
Saves money in the long-term |
Expensive due to recurrent purchase of diesel |
|
Environmentally friendly |
Pollutes the environment |
|
Noise-free |
Produces a lot of noise |
|
Low maintenance costs |
Expensive maintenance due to many parts being worn out with time |
|
Solar panels have a life span of 20 to 25 years |
Diesel generators have moving parts that are susceptible to wear and tear |
|
Solar power can be stored |
Diesel power cannot be stored |
Why Choose Solar Power System
There are many benefits that come with installing solar power systems in your home or business. Here are reasons why you should choose solar power system:
Sustainability
Renewable energy resources like solar energy are more sustainable when compared to fossil fuels, such as diesel and petrol. Fossil fuels usually have an expiry date because there's a limited amount of fuel available underground. After a specific number of years, most oil reserves are depleted. For solar energy, the sunlight is not at risk of immediate exhaustion and the sun will probably run for some billion years according to scientific research.
Environmental Protection
Solar energy has less impact on the environment when compared to diesel generators. Diesel generators usually use diesel fuel which releases greenhouse gases into our environment. On the other hand, solar energy is directly opposite of diesel generators because it doesn’t release any emissions. Also, solar power doesn’t create noise pollution like diesel generators. This makes solar panels ideal for power generation in residential areas.
Noise-Free
While most of the diesel generators usually produce a lot of noise when in operation, solar panels do not produce noise. Solar panels operate quietly and have no moving parts inside them. They can be installed in residential as well as business areas without causing any noise disturbance, unlike diesel generators.
Saves Money
When you have a solar power system, it generates electricity to meet your energy needs. This will eventually reduce your energy bills. Even though there is an upfront cost of the system, the system will pay itself off with time because you’re not paying any electrical bills. Also, besides reducing your energy bills, there is a possibility to earn from your solar power system in case you’re connected to the grid and exporting surplus power there. If you generate more electricity than your home or business requires, you can export the extra power and earn from it.
Low Maintenance Costs
Generally, solar energy systems don’t demand a lot of maintenance. They only need to be kept clean so that they can produce power at an optimum level. You can comfortably clean them yourself or rely on professional cleaning services at a small fee. Since there are no moving parts in solar panels like in diesel generators, solar panels are not at risk of wear and tear. The inverter and batteries are the only components of the solar energy system that requires to be changed after 5 to 10 years of use. Basically, after covering the initial cost of your solar power system, you should expect very little spending as far as maintenance is concerned.
Can Be Stored Directly in the Portable Power Station
Solar energy can be stored in portable power stations and batteries unlike the power generated by diesel generators. This makes it possible to install solar panels on top of cars and other movable objects. You can easily go for vacations in remote areas and even reserves without access to grid electricity and still access 24-hour solar energy through portable power stations.
Versatile Installation
The simplicity of solar panels installation implies that they can be installed almost everywhere, and this helps you take advantage of both horizontal and vertical spaces that have no specific use. Additionally, the modularity and flexibility of solar energy systems make it possible to install small-scale solar projects with the possibility of expanding the system later if need be. Solar energy system also provides the possibility to generate and supply the electricity in remote locations. In remote regions, the cost of installing electrical distribution lines is usually very high but solar power systems make it possible to have affordable electricity for the residents.
Increased Home Value
Solar panels are usually taken to be home upgrades, just like a renovated kitchen or a well-furnished basement. Installing a solar energy system improves your home’s value. Research shows that homes with PV panels can sell for more than homes without PV. Homeowners usually pay a premium for solar homes.
Select BougeRV Solar Panel Kits
BougeRV has quality solar panels to meet your energy needs. BougeRV’s solar panel kits usually feature the latest technology, and they are flexible, durable, and light. The solar panel kits can easily be installed with adhesive and are form-fitting, which makes them suitable for multiple surfaces. Alternatively, since the panels are so light and bendable, they can easily be rolled up and stored for portable use. Portable solar panel kits usually provide power at any given time, and at any location. This means you can carry the solar panel kits wherever you go and don't have to worry about anything to do with the power connection.
The BougeRV solar panel kits will reduce your electricity bill and allow you to become energy-independent. You will be in a position to manage your electricity bills with a solar energy system installed at your home or business. This means you don't have to depend on the government anymore for electricity connection.
