Solar energy is reaching heights previously thought to be unreachable. The solar industry has evolved from small rooftop solar panels that power one home to large scale solar that cover acres of land.
Why go big you may ask? Simple. Simple. Solar power is now competitive with fossil-fuels thanks to large installations that reduce the cost per Kilowatt. This dramatic price drop has a profound impact on the energy market, attracting investors and governments.
What does it take to set up a huge solar park? Location is key. A large, obstructed area that gets plenty of sun is ideal. Deserts are popular places for these solar behemoths. The deserts are not only good for cartoons of roadrunners and cactus, but their open spaces and exposure to the sun make them ideal places for harvesting energy.
Think of the Noor Complex Solar Power Plant. It is a massive and impressive plant in Morocco that provides power to over one million homes. Its construction required advanced technology, as well as a deep understanding of solar potential. This investment in technology and knowledge will ensure that the natural resources of the region are utilized efficiently.
Next, there is the impact of the solar farms on the local grid. The solar farms produce huge amounts of energy. Pumping that power into the existing infrastructure will require upgrades and smart management. The use of energy storage becomes essential. Batteries big enough to store solar energy at night or on cloudy days is essential. The energy is more reliable and smoother with this method.
The importance of maintenance is also often ignored. Imagine the sheer volume of solar panels on a large-scale farm. Imagine the sheer number of solar panels in a large farm. It is not a simple task, especially when you are in dusty environments like deserts. The sand on the panels can reduce their efficiency. It is important to maintain and clean the panels regularly, using local labor, which will create more jobs.
Did we mention that solar energy is environmentally friendly? Solar energy at large-scale is an environmentally friendly powerhouse. Once the panels are installed, solar energy is produced without air pollution and carbon emissions. The solar farm can run cleanly for up to 25-30 years.
But it is not a story for everyone. Solar farms are a giant footprint for the local flora. The disruption to habitat can be severe. Ecologists strive to create solar farms with minimal environmental impact. They may even create nature reserves to preserve the local wildlife. The delicate balance between ecological health and the production of renewable energy is achieved by balancing priorities.
Solar energy at large scales is a great investment and creates jobs. Construction is a boon to local employment. In the long-term, these jobs are fewer than a manufacturing plant, but they have a huge impact on the local economy.
What about the small business and homeowners? What happens to homeowners and small businesses as solar titans continue to rise? Lower energy costs will be a benefit to them. Some utilities now allow their customers to select the energy source they want, which allows them to go with solar power. As more and more people go solar, it pushes the grid to renewable sources.