The use of renewable energy sources is a much touted to […]
The use of renewable energy sources is a much touted topic nowadays, and rightly so. We must be thankful for this abundant energy source and use it optimally. Thankfully solar plants are now being set up at various places across the globe, and solar energy is used to power LED lighting as well. There are tremendous benefits of using solar-based electrical appliances, such as reduced carbon footprint and energy efficiency. They are in fact quite a boon to the environment. However, there are a few misconceptions about solar LED lighting which we need to get rid of. This post discusses much the same.
Myths and Wrong Notions Surrounding Solar LED Lighting
There is little doubt that solar LED lighting is pretty much futuristic and here to stay. Strangely, however, there are some myths regarding this technology which may be due to lack of awareness. Here some myths which need to be busted:
The first and the most popular myth is that you should be staying in a warm place and get lots of natural light to be able to draw solar energy. This is absolutely wrong as many cold countries in Europe have solar panels set up. This also does not hold true for places with cloudy weather. This is because whatever sunlight you receive in the year can be stored in a battery and be used later.
The second myth, we often here, is about the cost factor. Although, you may need some initial investment in setting up a solar panel atop a building or so, it is extremely cost effective in the long run. Also, you cannot even compare the kind of energy efficiency and reduced power consumption levels achieved with sat electricity produced out of coal. So, it is important to look at the bigger picture.
The third myth is that solar LEDs are not good for your eyes. This is as ridiculous as looking directly at the sun. LEDs are used in all kinds of appliances your eyes are exposed to all the time, such as television, computer screens, mobile phone screens, and so on. In fact, the earlier cathode ray tube televisions strained your eyes much more. LEDs are far more soothing and you do not feel tired or worn out even after looking at an LED screen for a long time. Constant exposure to these appliances is, however, not recommended. As far as solar LEDs are concerned, they use stored energy, so there is no question of exposure to UV rays or so.
The fourth myth is about its short lifespan. Again this sounds strange because LEDs in general have a long operational life and are known for that. Solar LEDs, depending upon their capacity, can go on for even more than 20 years.
Solar panels do not work at night. While, this statement is true, you do not draw energy from solar panels directly. They are connected to the grid in the area from where the energy is distributed. Else, as mentioned before there are solar energy storage batteries which conserve this energy. So, this statement is actually not valid.
There are myths that the ROI of solar projects takes a long time. But, in fact, there are solar projects which have seen investment recovery beginning almost immediately after the installation. In fact, considering the benefits of solar energy as well as LED lighting systems, many governments across the globe offer rebates and incentives for setting up these projects.
