Summer Investments: Getting the Most Out of the Summer Heat with Solar Panels

As summer approaches, it’s time to consider investing in solar panels to make the most out of the abundant sunshine. Solar panels are an excellent investment that can help you save money on your energy bills while also reducing your carbon footprint.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of solar panels during summer and how you can get the most out of them.

Introducing Solar Energy in a Philippine Setting

Solar energy is a sustainable source of energy that is gaining popularity around the world. The utilization of solar energy in the Philippines dates back to the 1970s. Small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were installed in off-grid areas, such as remote islands and mountains, during this time. These networks provided electricity to houses, schools, and community centers.

Several factors are driving the expansion of solar energy in the Philippines, including the country’s abundant solar resources, rising energy demand, and government incentives. The Renewable Energy Act, Republic Act No. 9513, was enacted in 2008 to stimulate the development and exploitation of renewable energy sources in the country. This gave investors incentives and fostered the rise of renewable energy, especially solar energy.

Today, the Philippines is considered as one of the most potential solar energy markets in the Asia-Pacific area. The country’s favorable climate, with enough sunlight all year, makes it a perfect location for solar energy. To stimulate private investment in the solar business, incentives such as tax breaks and feed-in tariffs have been adopted. With rising interest and investment in solar energy, the Philippine solar industry’s future appears bright, and the country is well on its way to meeting its renewable energy targets.

How Does a Solar Panel Work? 

Solar panels work by capturing sunlight, and converting it into electricity. The panels are made up of solar cells that absorb the light and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Inverters are then used to convert this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity that powers your home. The electricity produced by the solar panels can be used to power home appliances such as refrigerators, lighting, and electric water heaters.

By harnessing energy from the sun, you are using a renewable energy source that is both abundant and free. 

Five benefits of Solar Energy in Philippines

Savings

The Philippines is blessed with an abundance of sunlight, making solar energy a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based electricity. While solar energy systems require a significant upfront investment, they offer lower operating costs in the long run, resulting in substantial savings for consumers on their electricity bills.

Moreover, solar energy systems require minimal maintenance and have a longer lifespan than traditional energy sources, making them a reliable and durable option for powering homes and businesses. With the right installation and maintenance, solar energy systems can provide a reliable and consistent source of energy for years to come.

Environmental Benefits

Solar energy is a clean and renewable form of energy that produces no greenhouse gases or pollutes the air. Households and businesses may lower their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future by harnessing the power of the sun. With traditional energy sources becoming more expensive, investing in solar energy is not only financially sensible, but also environmentally responsible.

Reliable Source of Energy

The Philippines has a high vulnerability to natural disasters, which often leads to infrastructure damage and energy shortages. The use of solar energy systems can be an effective solution to mitigate the impact of such disasters. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops of homes, hospitals, schools, and other public buildings in disaster-prone areas to ensure the continuous supply of energy even during electrical grid failures.

Job Opportunities

The deployment of solar energy systems in the Philippines can create jobs in the renewable energy sector, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance of solar panels and related equipment. Moreover, solar energy can help create jobs for Filipinos. The solar industry requires skilled workers for panel installation, maintenance and repair, and in some cases designing systems. The development of solar infrastructure can lead to job creation in rural regions, providing employment opportunities for individuals in these areas.

Reduces Energy Imports

The Philippines — much like other developing nations, heavily depends on imported fuel for generating electricity. However, solar energy presents an opportunity to harness an indigenous and renewable source of energy, thereby reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.

The benefits of solar energy adoption in the Philippines are numerous. It can help reduce energy costs, provide sustainable job opportunities, reduce carbon footprint, minimize the impact of natural disasters, and promote a cleaner and healthier environment. The Philippine government must continue to support and encourage the growth of the solar industry to unlock the many advantages it offers.

Get the Most Out of the Heat with Solar Panels

As previously mentioned, summer is a great time to invest in solar panels, as the increased sunlight hours and higher temperatures can help you maximize your energy savings. As the temperature rises, so does the potential for your investments. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your summer solar panel investment:

Use More Energy While the Sun is Up

The reason we need to use more energy while the sun is up in the solar panel is because solar panels generate electricity using sunlight. During the daytime, when the sun is shining, solar panels can produce more electricity than is being consumed in the home or building. This excess electricity can be fed back into the grid or stored in batteries for later use.

Additionally, using more energy during the daytime can help maximize the energy savings provided by solar panels. Since electricity rates are typically highest during peak demand hours, which coincide with the daytime hours, using energy during these hours can result in greater cost savings. This is known as “peak shaving” and is a common strategy used to optimize the benefits of solar panels.

Manage Where the Energy Goes

Managing where the energy goes in your solar energy system is an important part of optimizing its efficiency — For example; you can prioritize using solar energy to power high-energy appliances or equipment during peak hours, which can help reduce energy costs and minimize reliance on grid power. Other things are ensuring energy security, complying with regulations, and maximizing cost savings. By using smart energy management tools and strategies, you can make the most of the energy generated by your solar panels and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.

Use Smart Appliances

Smart appliances are the future of energy-efficient living. Homes that have switched to solar power stand to benefit the most from smart appliance technology. With the integration of smart appliances, homeowners can monitor and regulate energy use in their homes. The use of smart appliances allows homeowners to track how much energy they use on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They can also set up timers, making sure that the appliances are only turned on when needed. 

By incorporating smart appliances into homes running on solar energy, homeowners not only reduce their energy bills but also make sure that their carbon footprint is on the lower side. In conclusion, using smart appliances in conjunction with solar energy is an excellent way to save the environment and reduce energy bills.

Maintain Your Panels Well

Maintaining solar panels is extremely important for their proper functioning and longevity. Solar panels are exposed to natural elements like rain, wind, and dust, and accumulation of these elements can reduce the effectiveness of the panels. Regular maintenance checks can help identify any malfunctions or damage, and timely repair or replacement can avoid major breakdowns. Proper cleaning of the panels can increase their efficiency and productivity, ultimately leading to greater savings on energy bills. 

In addition, well-maintained solar panels reduce the dependence on non-renewable resources and lower the carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and sustainable environment. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the maintenance of solar panels to ensure their effective and efficient functioning.

Get Battery Storage

Getting battery storage for solar panels is essential as it allows you to store excess energy generated by your panels during the day, and use it later in the night or during cloudy days when there isn’t enough sun. This not only provides uninterrupted power supply to your home or business but also reduces your dependence on the grid, thus saving on electricity bills. 

With the right battery storage system, you can even sell unused energy back to the grid, making your investment in solar panels even more cost-efficient. Battery storage has become an integral part of solar panel systems, enabling homeowners and businesses to enjoy clean, renewable energy while reducing their carbon footprint.

As summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about investing in solar panels to take advantage of the strong sunshine. You can lower your energy bills and contribute to a better environment by harnessing the power of the sun.

However, it is important to select the best solar panel system for your demands and budget. To guarantee that your investment is worthwhile in the long run, you should also examine the installation process and maintenance requirements.

Finally, investing in solar panels during summer might be a wise and environmentally friendly move. With careful preparation and study, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy while also positively impacting the environment.

References:

• How to get the most out of your solar panels. (2022, March 31). Www.harrisonssolar.co.nz. https://www.harrisonssolar.co.nz/article/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-solar-panels
• How to get the most out of your solar panels. (2023, January 11). Origin Energy Limited. https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/get-the-most-out-of-solar-panels/
• Inc, S. S. (2022, December 6). Positive Effects of Solar Energy in the Philippines. Solenergy Systems Inc. https://solenergy.com.ph/positive-effects-of-solar-energy-in-the-philippines/
• Benefits of Solar Energy – Solar Panels Philippines. (2018, May 27). Solaren Power Philippines. https://solaren-power.com/benefits-of-solar-energy-solar-panels-philippines/
• The Benefits of Solar Energy for Homeowners in the Philippines. (2023, February 23). GoSolar Philippines. https://gosolarphilippines.com/benefits-solar-energy-of-homeowners-philippines/#:~:text=Solar%20energy%20is%20an%20increasingly