Goal For The Green

Guest Post by Georgia Halston

Buying a solar panel system has become common place for those who can afford it. Many have their own motives, but few fall out of the realms of the main two reasons: to save money and to save the environment, and the new ground-breaking discovery is good news on either front.

The University of Texas at Austin, was founded in 1883 and of its alumni, the institute can boast: award winning director Wes Anderson, First Lady Laura Bush, actor and award winning screen writer Owen Wilson and Nobel Prize winner John Maxwell Coetzee. Joining the illustrious ranks of these modern greats will be by chemist and Professor: Xiaoyang Zhu.

Zhu is the lead author on the study that discovered the true potential of solar panels and how tapping into that potential could lead to globally relevant changes in the field. The overall conclusion of the study was that:

Photovoltaic cells produce electricity directly from sunlight (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“The efficiency of conventional solar cells could be significantly increased”.
Professor Zhu goes on to state that:
“It’s possible to double the number of electrons harvested from one photon of sunlight using an organic plastic semiconductor material.

“Plastic semiconductor solar cell production has great advantages, one of which is low cost,”

“Combined with the vast capabilities for molecular design and synthesis, our discovery opens the door to an exciting new approach for solar energy conversion, leading to much higher efficiencies.”

Source:  http://www.utexas.edu/news/2011/12/15/dark_state/

The possibility of the efficiency change of solar cells, according to the report, is a staggering 50%. This means, that if the new research is put into practice and the technology is manufactured based on the new findings, every owner of a solar panel energy system could see twice as much output from the sun’s rays.

As well as the domestic sphere, Zhu’s discovery can also have amazing repercussions in the business world. Commercial solar panels should be more than an afterthought for medium and large businesses looking to cut costs. In times of economic downturn, large corporations need to be a lot less short sighted when it comes to cutting outgoings. At the moment it seems the loss of employees is the go-to option for too many employers, actions such as these, only act as stunting agents to an already crumbling economy.
Keeping staff and using alternative methods of cost cutting such as the use of renewable energy, especially with discoveries such as the one by Xiaoyang Zhu, are the some of the only methods of boosting business as well as the economy!

Keeping with the topic of going solar, as in my previous posts, Ready to go Solar? and  Facts on Who Goes Solar, here is an new info-graphic from 1Bog(One Block Off the Grid).  Just click the link and you will go to 1Bog. There the graphic examines how we Americans are rating our utility companies, our commitment to renewable/green energy sources, and solar versus grid usage. When at their site, you can also sign up for news from 1Bog, and also see what solar offers are available in your area.

As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts by commenting, to let me know if you agree with the information presented in the info-graphic. Enjoy, as it is quite useful info.

Are you ready to go solar, at your home or business? You may have noticed, that I have spoken about the benefits of solar power on several occasions. Most recently, I posted about  Facts on Who Goes Solar?  The choice to go with solar powered electricity  these days just makes sense.

English: On 140 acres of unused land on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., 70,000 solar panels are part of a solar photovoltaic array that will generate 15 megawatts of solar power for the base. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For most of us, the decision to invest in solar powered electricity, is made primarily to help the wallet of the purchaser. Interestingly, most purchasers of solar systems are middle of the road income earners, who are both liberal and conservative. They care more about jobs, than they do about the environment, and they regard their decision to purchase a solar system, basically as a wise and sound financial investment.

The good news is, most solar systems can be paid off in as little as five years. Depending on the cost of electricity in your area, they give you a good return on your investment, especially after they are paid for.  Just imagine, NO more power bills.

Solar powered electricity, is a great way to take care of your home energy needs. Local contractors  in your area, have been offering sun-powered options since the early 2000’s, to help promote a cleaner environment, and offer customers lower energy bills.  Solar energy is renewable clean energy, that is the wave of the future. It’s a great way especially for those living in naturally sunny areas, to reduce their dependence on traditional electricity, while saving money in these challenging economic and uncertain ecological times.

These days, finding new ways to make use of renewable energy resources, is one of the best choices most Americans can make.  At a time when the economy is at an extraordinarily fragile point, and many home and small business owners are struggling to make ends meet, investing in solar powered electricity is a wise economic choice.  It also helps reduce our dependence upon less abundant and more costly forms of energy, by keeping our environment intact and in good shape for future generations.

Electric Solar contractors, are making it more affordable and more rewarding than ever before, to bring solar energy to your home or business.  Many are offering convenient financing options, some are even including zero down financing.  In addition, it’s time for both home and business owners, to take advantage of and maximize on government incentives, that have been created to help encourage the use of this natural energy source. Most solar purchases and installations, qualify for at least a 33% reduction in the cost, due to the government incentives and tax credits currently being offered.

Like I said earlier,  it just makes sense, for the average person to reap the benefits of going solar now, especially at 1/3 the normal cost. This could be the best time for your wallet and for you, to consider going solar while working toward a better tomorrow!