Posts

Showing posts from September, 2022

Introduction

Image
  Solar energy begins with the sun. Solar panels (also known as " PV  panels") are used to convert light from the sun, which is composed of particles of energy called " photons ", into electricity that can be used to power electrical loads.  (Mr Solar,  What Is A Solar Panel  2022) Solar panels have been available for a long time, but recently with the fuel crises and power shortage especially in Lebanon, an increase in their popularity has occurred. Everywhere you go you can see solar panels installed,(Lebanese houses now have blue roofs instead of the traditional red ones 😂 )and you might have relatives with solar panels trying to coerce you into installing ones yourself, so should you? It is no doubt that solar panels are eco-friendly, and in the long run pocket-friendly renewable energy source but before taking your final decision, one must keep in mind the pros and cons. . Haffar, D. K. (2022).  Solar panels . Toward Solar Panels "Made in Lebanon". L...

Pros

 It is evident that solar panels have numerous benefits that include: Eliminating motor bills that have become increasingly expensive in Lebanon due to both the fuel and the dollar crisis                                                                                                                               Compensating for the lack of electricity provided by EDL                                                                    Reducing Carbon Footprint: Although there is some carbon footprint, ...

Cons

Image
  Even though solar panels do have pros, it is important to note that they are far from perfect and do have cons: Solar panels do not work at night nor during cloudy weather hence rendering you with just the stored energy in the batteries that will eventually run out, especially in winter Installation of solar panels requires a permit and the signed acceptance of building residents to use up space on the roof Need a lot of space and should be installed by professionals which can be costly Solar panels require wise use to protect the batteries' life span If not installed properly and firmly, solar panels might fall off roofs and cause damage Solar panels are difficult to clean especially if built in an unreachable angle and height          George, M. (2022). Storm Eunice: Solar panels ripped off roof in Southampton. Southern Daily Echo. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19935842.storm-eunice-solar-panels-ripped-off-roof-sout...

Personal Experience

Image
 We have had the solar panels for almost a year now and that allows me to give an objective and credible review of them. To begin with, the pros, what I found great is that it allows you to have electricity all the time especially during summer, unlike the motor that has to be turned off every few hours. Also, it has really decreased our expenses and saved us from the dollarization that motor owners now follow which can be hectic especially since salaries in Lebanon are earned in the local currency. To add, it is relatively easy to operate them and reset them when an error occurs, and it is notable that installation only takes one day. However, we have faced some issues. For instance, when the weather becomes cloudy the inverter starts beeping notifying us that we need to reduce consumption because the amperes offered decrease. And this makes us really worried about the upcoming winter and how we will manage, we might also be forced to make a seasonal membership to the motor. Also,...

Conclusion

Image
 Like everything in life, solar panels have pros and cons and it is essential for a person to ask around and get help from experts before taking such a huge decision. And one should always think not only of the immediate results but how the invention will be beneficial or not in the long run. It is also crucial that one has a permit to install them otherwise it could result in an order to take them off and pay a fee for breaking the law. In my opinion, solar panels really are worth it, and the benefits it offers make up for the drawbacks it has.       Elisseeva, E. (n.d.). Shutterstock. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from shutterstock.com. Solar Panel . (n.d.). BlueSolar Panels. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-pv-panels/bluesolar-panels.