The amount of energy supplied by the sun is seven times more than what is required for human survival. This means that the extra energy produced can be harnessed by cultivation and concentration of the solar power into a medium which can be used as a source of energy through a power generator. This would be a much needed solution to the energy problem around the world, most especially in tropical climates like the Philippines. However, lack of economic feasibility is a major hindrance to the adoption of this method. But the recent increase in petroleum prices in this region has caused more and more individuals and institutions to turn to a much
cheaper solar energy adoption.
Philippines get into solar power
Advancement in the manufacturing of electronics technology has played a major role in the reduction of solar energy processing. This means that almost every homestead in the Philippines that consumes power can now comfortably afford solar panels and generators. Climate changes in the tropical region has also played a part in the rising dominance of Solar power. Tropical temperatures brought about the notion that renewable energy such as solar power is a key requirement in the development of a more sustainable future.
Developing Solar Panels in the Philippines requires a different approach compared to the methods used in other temperate regions. There is a number of factors to be considered in order to find the right balance between investment and cost returns, not forgetting the risk. The new designs addresses Philippines challenges such as dust particles, typhoons, and security. The new models of solar panels are also easy to install on rooftops and very affordable compared to other commercial products.
Advantages of solar panels as compared to other sources of renewable energy in the Philippines include:
- The conversion ratio in solar power is higher especially in cases of Hydro and Wind energy, while the ratio of energy converted into electricity i solar panels is minimal.
- Solar energy can be installed directly on top of or near the consumption area making the loss of transmission very low, while the cost of transmission in Hydro and Wind is very High.
- The fact that tropical regions are aligned along the equator makes countries such as the Philippines the best candidates for solar energy.
- The cost of setting up a Solar power Plant minimal as per the unit production.
- Solar energy production causes little to no pollution effect. On the other hand, Wind and Hydro power production costs the green energy a lot.
- Solar energy can be useful in very minute solar cell in calculator and watch to power plants, hence it can be customized. This is not the case with other sources of renewable energy.
Temperature effect of solar panels production of power varies depending on the unit employed. High voltage units are less affected by high temperatures as compared to lower voltage units. A cooling method can be applied in lower voltage units. The methods include; dousing them with water to improve efficiency in power. In the Philippines, water is readily available so these types of solar panels can be used.