Going Green for St Paddy's: Shedding Light on the Benefits of Solar Power
Using the power of the sun to power your home – this was once a concept of the future. Science fiction. But now, it is a reality thanks to the development of science and technology. Households and farms in New Zealand alike are gradually taking advantage of this technology.
What is Solar Power and How Does it Work?
Solar power harnesses the light from the sun and converts it into electricity. This electricity can be used just like any other energy source, to power the lights, devices and appliances in your home.
Solar power works with the help of solar panels. Sunlight shines onto the solar panels, and transforms this energy into electricity through a process called photovoltaic. This energy can be harnessed even when it’s cloudy. And thanks to the abundance of New Zealand sunshine, the energy source is endless, green and clean.
What are the Benefits of Solar Power?
1. Saves Money
While there are the initial costs that come with installing solar panels on your property – typically on the roof – solar power is a great way to save money on power bills in the long run. With the free power coming from the sun, you can reduce your electricity bills significantly and possibly even generate enough solar power to cover the entire month’s worth of electricity for your household.
2. Power-Outage Proof
Your solar power will be stored in a solar power battery once it’s generated, meaning that you will always have access to power in the event of a power outage! So you will keep shining!
3. Environmentally-Friendly
Green power is considered a source of energy that has no impact on the environment at all. Solar energy is an endless source of energy that doesn’t require any harm to the environment in the installation process and only requires the sun to work!
4. Long Life-Span
Solar panels have a remarkably long life span, so once installed and up and running, you will not have to replace them for years! They also require minimal maintenance so they are great for households who want a ‘fit and forget’ source of power.
5. Buy-back Rates
Since solar powers generate lots of electricity, they may generate more electricity than your house needs. In this instance, the panels will send the excess power back to the grid, and your electricity retailer will pay you for this surplus. The price is set per kWh.
Compare Buy-back Rates
If you have decided to give solar a try, be sure to take the time to compare the different buy-back rates amongst different retailers in New Zealand so that you can find the best deal.
Compare Power Rates
Make sure you take the time to compare power for a regular power bill, too! That way you can make the most informed decision on your power bill. It is important to see all your options!
Further Reading: