Solar Facts

Solar Energy is a vitally important energy source that will help to reduce the damage we are inflicting on planet Earth. Here are a few interesting facts to explain why solar energy is so important to us.

The Greenhouse Effect

For thousands of years, naturally ocurring ‘Greenhouse gases’ in our atmosphere have maintained the Earth’s surface temperature - at approximately 15ºc. The reason it’s called ‘Greenhouse’ is because these gases, which include Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), have covered the Earth, preventing heat from escaping into space. However, since the industrial revolution the additional carbon dioxide that has been pumped into our atmosphere has increased global warming and adversely effected our weather.

The average person’s carbon footprint

In 2008 the UK produced 533 million tonnes of CO₂ - some of this is produced by business and industry - but more than 40% comes directly from individual people, that equates to around 9 tonnes for every person.*

5 billion years to go

In 5 billion years, the sun will run out of fuel. Until then, we can benefit from FREE electricity and FREE hot water. It'll help us to cut down our reliance on fossil fuels and help to reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide we produce.

Solar energy output

The energy output of a 1 KW solar energy unit is roughly equivalent to the burning of 170 pounds of coal and 300 pounds of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

The power to create light

Solar energy is measured in kilowatt-hour. 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts. 1 kilowatt = the amount of electricity required to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours. A Solar PV system will produce a substantial amount of energy for your home or building - for lighting and power.

The first Solar PV Electricity systems

Solar PV systems were introduced in the sixties – and some are still in place today, generating electricity. They are a proven and reliable technology which offer great financial rewards as well as environmental benefits.

* Source: Energy Saving Trust Website. September 2011.