It’s become habitual in today’s society to “Go Green” by recycling, turning off water that’s not in use, and essentially cutting back in wasting products in an effort to keep our environment clean.
Although every little effort is another step towards achieving this, an even bigger step that many can take is to use solar energy. And more people today are using solar energy than you may think. But, why? What are the advantages to using solar energy? Here are some facts and benefits when it comes to using solar energy:
Solar energy is:
• A form of energy radiated by the sun’s rays.
• Measured in kilowatt-hours; 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts, equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for ten hours.
• Used for producing light for indoor and outdoor areas, drying clothes, heating and cooling, and powering attic fans, powering calculators, and other small appliances.
• Also used for technology and machines such as aircrafts and electric cars.
• Environmentally friendly, as it does not produce harmful pollutants.
• Cost effective.
Interesting facts about solar energy:
• The earth receives more energy from the sun in one hour than it uses in an entire year.
• In 1990, the U.S. set a world record by flying a solar-energy powered aircraft across the country without using any fuel.
• Currently, two billion people in the world are without electricity; however, solar energy systems can give electricity.
• American families consume 26% of the earth’s energy.