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A brief history of solar energy and solar panel system innovations for clean renewable energy A brief history of solar energy  The use of solar energy dates back centuries, long before we discovered that sunlight could be used to generate electricity. Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations would use passive design in their architecture to take advantage of the natural climate and would build their homes and cities with optimal sun exposure to create and sustain maximum levels of energy efficiency. The photovoltaic effect However, it wasn’t until 1839 when a young French physicist by the name of Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic (or PV) effect, where he found that shining light on an electrode submerged in a conductive solution such as selenium or platinum, would create an electric current. Yet, even after this discovery there would be minimal advances in photovoltaic power until 1883, when New York inventor Charles Fritts created the first solar cell by coating selenium with a thin layer of gold; achieving an energy conversion rate of 1-2%. Although the conversion rate was small, it was significant enough to further investigate on how this energy conversion could be increased to viable levels. In 1888, a Russian scientist called Aleksandr Stoletov created the first solar cell based on the PV effect of light streaming onto materials to release electrons, and so began the journey of solar panel evolution into those that we use today. Solar panel innovation The solar panel industry didn’t really hit its stride until the 1950s when a company called Bell Labs began to develop silicon-based solar cells, which then led to the manufacture of panels (a collection of solar cells). Solar panels’ efficacy and efficiency continued to improve however despite these advancements, solar panels remained highly uneconomical due to their costly manufacturing processes. Ironically, the push to make solar energy more affordable came from oil companies who understood that oil production would eventually prove to be unsustainable and ultimately very expensive, creating the need for further research and development of solar panels. So, with financial backing from Exxon, Dr. Elliot Berman designed a much less expensive solar cell and brought the cost per watt down by a massive 80%. With such a successful advancement, solar energy finally became a notable competitor in the energy supply industry. Solar panels now and beyond Since 2008, solar power has grown exponentially in functionality and efficiency while also becoming much more affordable and accessible to the wider market. With such rapid technological advancements, solar power will no doubt continue to remain at the forefront as the preferred clean energy source, both in Australia and all around the world.

How you can drastically reduce your household’s carbon footprint with residential solar panels to help stop pollution and protect our environment. According to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Australian households generate on average more than 18 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per household each year, with some homes depending on location and lifestyles, generating up to 30 tonnes or even more. With such significant environmental pollution, it is important to consider all ways in which we can alleviate this burden on our planet. Solar panels are an excellent way to minimise your carbon footprint as they work to harvest energy from the sun and convert it into your very own supply of electricity, instead of relying on off-the-grid supply. Solar energy is natural, renewable and free Solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy. It’s natural, renewable, abundant in supply and free. There is no need to burn the already dwindling supplies of fossil fuels such as coal and gas, which also helps to minimise harmful greenhouse gases and reduces pollution overall. Additionally, solar power does not require any water which is used in excessive quantities in traditional electricity production, preserving one of our most precious resources. Don’t rely on energy companies By using your own naturally generated electricity, you help to reduce your energy requirements from the grid, further minimising the CO2 emissions emitted on your behalf. In addition, you can save hundreds of dollars a year on the costly energy prices from power companies, which continue to rise annually. In fact, you could offset anywhere between a half to one tonne of carbon dioxide for every megawatt hour of solar energy you consume. Even just a small residential solar panel system on your home can help to reduce your household’s carbon footprint and contribute personally to the Australian Renewable Energy Target. Long-term benefits Solar panel production is constantly evolving in its efficiency, rapidly cancelling out the carbon footprint from manufacturing and further contributing to the overall well-being of our environment in the long run. From reducing greenhouse gases, improving air quality, and conserving our precious water, residential solar panels can help to reduce your carbon footprint and lower energy prices for years to come.

Investing in solar panels has never been more affordable. Here are four reasons why solar energy makes great financial sense. Homeowners convert to solar energy for many reasons but perhaps the most popular incentive is for the huge financial savings. Installing a solar power system in your home is now a much more affordable investment, making the financial returns highly feasible and available in a much shorter time. Depending on your location, you could start to see huge savings on your energy bills in as little as three years. Here are four ways solar energy makes great financial sense. Slash your electricity bills (or get rid of them altogether!) Electricity bills can contribute to a large portion of your monthly expenses, often placing a huge financial strain on the average household. By relying on your solar panel system, you cut out the additional exorbitant expenses included in your power bills such as the cost, maintenance and repairs of the power poles and wires needed to bring electricity to your home. You can generate free power for decades to come and even if you don’t produce 100% of your energy usage, solar energy will still drastically reduce your energy bills, guaranteeing savings in the long run. Avoid rising energy costs Every year, electricity prices continue to soar throughout the country. By investing in a solar energy system today, you can lock in an affordable electricity rate to safeguard you from energy price increases in the future. Increase your property value Houses equipped with a solar panel system are far more attractive to potential buyers than houses without. With a solar system set up and ready to go, a prospective buyer will appreciate the fact that their potential new home is free of the expensive energy costs needed to run it and would be happy to pay a little extra to secure such an asset. Earn a great return on your investment Many homeowners don’t consider solar energy an investment in the way they would a traditional venture such as a term deposit. However, it’s actually one of the best investments you could make as the average solar panel system pays for itself multiple times over the course of its decades-long lifespan. As an example, the average Australian solar panel system buyer receives a minimum of 20% return on their money within three to seven years, an investment far more lucrative than a term deposit, share market or a super fund. With such rewarding incentives and profitable savings to be made, now is a great time to act and invest in solar energy; for the peace of mind that comes with a financially sustainable and secure future.