Is Solar Energy Renewable?

Most people, if not everyone, is aware that solar power is clean energy that is more sustainable than fossil fuels. Australian government statistics show that in 2017 alone, there was a record of 3.5 million residential solar panel system installations. This goes to show how solar energy plays a pivotal role in the future of energy production. 

You may have heard individuals talk about solar energy being renewable energy and the many benefits itm offers. So, how is it renewable? What makes it a friendlier choice for the environment? Continue reading to find out!

What Is Renewable Energy?

Clean or renewable energy comes from natural sources like the sun, and it keeps getting replenished. No matter how much you use renewable energy, there will always be more – it can never run out. Solar power is energy from the sun converted into electrical or thermal energy. 

Benefits Of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has plenty of benefits. These include:

• It is in endless supply: Perhaps one of the best things about renewable energy is that it is in surplus and cannot run out.
• More sustainable: Renewal energy is more sustainable since it keeps being replenished. It also presents you with an opportunity to be more self-sufficient.
• Eco-friendly: While fossil fuels’ gases contribute to global warming, renewable energy is a greener choice. 
• Affordable: Renewable energy is more affordable than non-renewable energy. When you install solar panels, they will be converting sunlight into electricity, meaning you will be paying fewer utility bills. Think of it as having a virtually free electricity generator. Statistics show that an average household in Australia can save up to $2,160 after installing a residential solar system.
• Incentives: You can benefit from financial incentives from the government once you install solar panels as a renewable energy source. You can get these incentives through the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC) program.

Types Of Renewable Energy Sources

• Wind energy: Wind energy has seen tremendous growth over the years. Wind energy turns the turbine’s blades, feeding an electric generator, producing electricity.

Wind energy is one of the cheapest sources of energy. Wind turbines can be placed anywhere with a high wind speed, like offshore in open water, open plains, or hilltops.

• Solar energy: Solar energy has been around for years and is now used for different tasks like powering devices and heating businesses and homes. Photovoltaic pv or the solar cell can be made from silicon or other materials that directly transform sunlight into electricity. 

There are two forms of solar energy, concentrated solar thermal and solar photovoltaic. The former is often used for large-scale power generation, while the latter is considered more small-scale solar. Most Australian households have solar pv on their rooftops. Solar panel systems do not produce any greenhouse gases. Aside from the manufacturing process, solar panels have a minor environmental impact.

• Geothermal energy: The core of the earth is almost as hot as the surface of the sun. Geothermal energy is powered by the energy stored in the earth’s core. The energy results from natural decay over millions of years of radiogenic elements like potassium, thorium, and uranium.

• Bioenergy: Bioenergy gets its energy from biomass. Biomass comprises natural organisms like crops, wood, and animal waste. Sometimes, the power is generated by burning biomass, which will emit methane gases harmful to the environment. However, there are cleaner biomass techniques on the rise in Australia.

Note that biomass is not particularly clean energy. On the contrary, recent science depicts that most forms of biomass give off higher carbon emissions than fossil fuels. Although, under the right circumstances, some forms of biomass energy can be a low-carbon option.

• Hydropower: Hydropower is among the oldest types of renewable energy. It uses the force of energy from moving water to generate its power. The process is known as hydroelectricity.

• Ocean energy: Generally, ocean energy is the energy from the sea, including thermal energy from the sun and mechanical energy from waves and tides.

Final Thoughts

Solar energy is the most common type of renewable energy worldwide. Most homes and businesses in Australia and around the globe turn to renewable energy sources because they are low maintenance, accessible, and affordable. Switching to use renewable energy in your business or home is the best decision you can make. Besides this, it helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Switch To Solar Energy!

Solar power offers you sustainability, and you can save a significant amount on your utility bills yearly. Here at Macedon Ranges Solar Power, we are your trusted provider of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial properties. We offer a range of solar-related services, from solar power installations to offering solar panel systems solutions. Need more answers regarding solar energy and how to leverage the full benefits of renewable energy?

With over 10 years experience in solar power installations, Macedon Ranges Solar Power is proud to be your local solar experts. We would be more than happy to come around and assess your home or commercial building for a quote that is tailored to your needs.

Please give us a call today on 1300 693 113 or make an enquiry.