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Solar Energy

The sun is a massive fusion reactor. Only a small percentage of the radiation reach the earth's surface because of its distance from the earth. The amount of energy is equal to 10,000 times the world's energy demand. The energy that the earth collects from the sun in just one hour is equal to the total energy consumed by humans in one year.

The intensity of solar radiation outside the Earth's atmosphere depends on the distance between the Sun and the Earth.

The average value is indicated as the solar constant and is: 1367 W/m2. This level of irradiance is not reached at the earth’s surface. Earth's atmosphere reduces the radiation by reflection, absorption (by ozone layer, water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide).

In a good weather situation during the afternoon, it can reach 1000 W/m2 irradiance on the earth surface. This value is relatively independent of the location.

The maximum solar radiation occurs in partly cloudy, sunny days.

Reflection of solar radiation by clouds can reach a peak of 1400 W/m2 for short periods.

If the energy value of solar radiation is added in one year, the annual radiation is given in kWh/m2 . In the case of photovoltaics it is commonly measured as kWh/kWp. In Germany is average value of the solar production per year around 1040kWh/kWp.

In Aruba the annual solar production is between 1600 - 2200 kWh/kWp depending on the weather conditions. Some regions on the equator can reach values ​​of up to 2300 kWh/kWp a year.

Why invest in a PVsystem

  • With solar panels you produce your own green electricity
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Minimum maintenance
  • No emissions.
  • No use of fuels or water
  • In Aruba it is cheaper to produce your own electricity from your solar panels than buying from your energy supplier
  • You save money
  • Less dependent on energy prices
  • Long life of your solar panels, up to 30 years
  • Electricity can be generated by solar or artificial light
  • PV works even in cloudy weather
  • The value of your house or commercial building increases (smart investment)

A quick look into the future

Shell, one of the largest energy producers in the world expects the restructuring of the energy industry will take place in the near future. The company has concluded that fossil fuels are still important, but they reach a plateau in 2020.

Did you know that in most countries between the years 2013-2016 "grid parity" price per kWh produced by a solar panel will be equal to the price per kWh that you pay your energy supplier? This is mainly because the production costs of solar panels will be lower and because the oil and gas prices will only rise.

In Aruba it is already cheaper to produce your own energy than buying electricity from your energy supplier if you see how much kWh you can produce in a year per kilowatt piek (kWp) installation.

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