Consumer Feedback on Solar Systems & Net Metering in Pakistan
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The battle between renewable and non-renewable energy resources is ever going. Fossil fuels have been broadly used for energy production for years.
Since the advent of solar power, dependence on fossil fuels has been reduced.
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are resources that produce electricity through combustion. However, solar power uses continuous sunlight and has energy without burning or igniting anything.
With modernization, green energy is emerging as a promising energy production resource. And countries around the globe are undertaking initiatives to transform homes, offices, and commercial buildings into renewable power supplies.
This article compares solar energy with fossil fuels and highlights the significant factors that impact energy production.
Let's start!
Fossil fuels are the remains of dead animals and plants buried inside the earth's surface for ages. The fossilized remnants contain a good amount of carbon and hydrogen and thus can be used to produce energy. Fossil fuels are extracted from the earth in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas; all these are non-renewable resources. The process used to produce energy from fossil fuel is called combustion, in which the fossils are burned. The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the environment. GHG emission pollutes the atmosphere.
Solar energy is renewable power that is generated from natural sunlight. There is no combustion involved in the process of solar energy production. The solar power system comprises PV cells, a solar inverter, storage batteries, and a green meter. The raw material used in the solar energy process is sunlight, a constant renewable resource.
Fossil fuels are non-renewable, while solar energy is a renewable power source. This main difference between the two makes an enormous impact on electricity production.
Here is an overview of the differences between fossil fuels and solar energy.
It is a fact that sunlight is an unlimited resource readily available during the day. The sun will not get exhausted, nor will it need maintenance. Sunlight is an abundant natural resource, and its daily supply is enough to generate sufficient amounts of electricity. However, the time of the day, place of instalment, weather, and season directly affect solar energy production.
Fossil fuels are left with a limited global supply compared to renewable resources. Moreover, it takes millions of years for dead remains to become fossils. Once burned, fossils never come back into their original shape and will be consumed for good.
Solar panels are expensive. The price of solar panels in Pakistan starts from 1 million PKR. Due to the high costs, only a few communities are shifting to solar energy. However, over time, the prices of solar panels are decreasing. Although solar panels have a high initial cost, solar power is much more affordable than fossil energy once installed. Moreover, investing in solar energy is a long-term commitment towards green energy that helps you save a lot of money. Also, through net metering, consumers can earn extra money.
Energy generated from fossil fuels is more expensive than solar energy. With limited resources, fossil fuel is getting more costly each year. Coal, natural gas, and oil have high prices, so electricity generated through fossil fuels is overpriced.
Also Read: Investment in Clean Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuel For The 1st Time
Solar energy has no harmful environmental effects. As no combustion is involved, solar panels do not release any greenhouse gas that may adversely affect the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels release CO2, a primary greenhouse gas. When released, the carbon dioxide spreads around and retains heat in the environment. The greenhouse gasses allow sun rays to enter the atmosphere but do not allow the heat to leave the earth. This increases global warming and causes threats to life on Earth.
Also Read: The Benefits of Solar Energy: A Sustainable Solution for a Brighter Future
Solar energy is less efficient than energy produced by fossil fuels. However, its efficiency can be increased by installing more PV cells. Solar power is consumed or shared through net metering, ensuring no energy wastage.
On the other hand, fossil fuels are much more efficient. Despite being expensive, another drawback of fossil energy is power wastage. For instance, if a car uses only 20% of the gasoline, the other 80% of the energy gets wasted. 80% of the waste energy is released into the air, which becomes the leading cause of ozone layer depletion.
Solar power has a high cost and low density. The more solar panels there are, the more energy will be produced. And due to the high prices of solar systems, it is challenging for people to shift to solar.
Fossil fuels limitations include overpricing, less availability, and carbon footprint.
To overcome the power crisis, countries around the globe are making reforms to shift to renewable energy.
Electricity is the need to sustain everyday life on earth. Everything now depends on electric power, and no one can assume to live without it. For decades, fossil fuels have helped us generate energy. But because of the negative impact of fossil combustion on earth, people started looking for an eco-friendly power resource.
Solar power emerged as a promising yet green solution to produce electricity at minimal costs. It is safe, environmentally friendly, and easy on the pocket. That's why solar power is considered a hope for a green future.
Also Read: The End of Fossil Age or A Beginning to Green Era? Renewable Energy Insights
C&D Clean Energy has announced a panel supply chain partnership with Integra Solar of Australia, under which it will provide 100MW of LONGi modules to the Pakistani market.
A recent survey on the feedback of solar panels revealed that consumers had to pay bribes for net metering. However, a considerable amount of people were dissatisfied with post-customer service.
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about solar power. Read all to get complete insights about the functioning and maintenance of solar panels and systems.
The battle between renewable and non-renewable energy resources is ever going. Fossil fuels have been broadly used for energy production for years.
Solar energy has perks, but information about PV systems needs to be clarified for people. This article debunks solar energy myths to help people make informed decisions.