Solar Storms Have the Potential to Kill Millions

Geomagnetic activity is increasing seeing that the Sun approaches the peak of its magnetic cycle in 2013. People living in the northern latitudes may have noticed more aurora borealis in the heavens attributable to higher activity on the Sun. While a positive impact of the higher sun spot activity is the richness of the northern lights, powerful solar activity also has the ability to have exceedingly devastating results.

Currently, nearly all of society is dependent upon electrical infrastructures and systems, which are exceedingly sensitive to large coronal mass ejections from the sun. The peak of the solar cycle is connected with an increase in intense magnetic activity on the Sun's surface, which is able to spawn solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This will result in discharges of electrically charged particles into space. If focused in the direction of the Earth, geomagnetic storms can occur as the multitude of radioactive gases reacts with the world's geomagnetic field.

The harmful energy from coronal mass ejections from the Sun in many cases can cause damage to large electric transformers as well as orbiting satellites. A strong solar storm may have the opportunity to result in devastating harm to national electrical grids, which actually could leave whole countries with no electrical power for an extended time period. Also, the spike in radiation in our planet's inner orbit would remain high for approximately ten years and deteriorate satellites by decreasing their years of usefulness by eighty percent or maybe more.

The fiscal outlays of a major geomagnetic storm, identical to the Carrington Geomagnetic Storm of 1859, might be upwards of two trillion dollars in the United States for just in the first twelve months. The National Academy of Sciences concluded that in excess of 100 million citizens in the United States could be impacted by power outages whenever electric transformers fail and, consequently, the death toll could be millions of people.

The situation in which a mega solar storm hits our planet in the near future is actually being given serious attention by governing bodies and definitely must be by you too. Authorities assess that there may be between a six to twelve percent likelihood of another solar storm the likes of the Carrington storm in just the upcoming ten years. Such a storm might result in cascading power shutdowns throughout countries, which actually could take many years to restore. Without energy the world's economy will possibly come to a standstill as financial networks cease to operate and petroleum and water delivery systems fail. Additionally, air and ocean transport could be disrupted as planes and ships would no longer have the capability to rely on their satellite-based navigation systems. This really is even more reason why everyone needs to be worried about a major solar storm and have a disaster strategy.

Residential Solar Power Systems

Solar energy is tapped from the sun's radiation. If you need power for your home using the sun as a power source, a home solar power system is a way to go. A home solar system uses photovoltaic cells to supply cost effective power for lighting and appliance usage in households. This helps meet a household's energy demand and fulfills the basic household electric requirements.

Things to Know Before Going Solar

Going solar is a great decision for a remote off-grid household or a home that requires electricity throughout the year. Before investing in solar solutions, consider the following key aspects:

What is the system's warranty?

Although solar systems are meant to last long before the need for technical repair and maintenance, they come with system warranties. It's advisable to ask the supplier about the system warranty before making your purchase. Warranties offered may cover the panel and the inverter or the quality of work done by installation technicians.

Compare product offers from suppliers

Before the initial investment, it may be helpful to compare the prices offered by different suppliers. This ensures you get the best price for the best service that suits your needs.

Reasons for Using Solar

• Having a system that generates solar energy means lower home heating and cooling costs
• Home value increases with every decrease in annual utility bills
• Solar energy gives you the opportunity to use a pollution-free energy source

Pros of Solar Energy

Renewable energy

Unlike other sources of energy, solar energy is naturally replenished from the sun. It is available almost everywhere, anytime as long as the sun is available.

Reduced power bills

Using solar as an alternative source of power helps reduce electricity consumption and costs considerably. Selling surplus power to the national grid also earns power incentive.

Low cost of maintenance

When kept relatively clean, solar panels require little maintenance. After the initial investment, most manufacturers guarantee between 20-25 years of warranty. This ensures minimal repair and maintenance cost.

Various uses

Solar energy has diverse applications including lighting, heating, electric supply to off-grid remote households, and source of power for satellites in space.

Cons of Solar Energy

Relies on the weather

Solar panels depend on light from the sun. Although energy can be harnessed even during cloudy weather, high-energy output is maximized in a bright sunny day, and when the panel is directly facing the sun.

Much space is required

The more energy is required, the more solar panels required to gather as much sunlight as possible. This requires much space on the roof to install the solar panels.

It's expensive

The cost of installing solar panels is bit high.

Average Cost

The cost of solar energy in an average house varies considerably. In the USA for instance, an average house consumes 1 kW per hour of electricity. Considering an average of 730 hours per month and an average price of electricity of $ 0.1 per hour, the cost translates to an average monthly bill of $73. The cost may vary across different states in the US. Further, consumption greatly depends on non-standard electric appliances used such as computers, video games consoles, plasma televisions, and hot tubs.

Planning and Installation

Before installation, the size of the home solar system is calculated based on various assumptions:

• Measuring the amount of solar radiation to determine the amount of sunlight available at the particular location
• Determining the power demand of the intended users
• A trained solar installation technician then does installation

While the technology may look complicated, the necessary accessories required include a solar panel, an inverter, a switchboard, an electricity meter, and the mains switch.

Maintenance

The following are the key tips for home solar system maintenance:

• Wiring and contacts should be kept free of corrosion
• The mounting structures should be kept intact and the modules kept clean at all times
• Batteries require frequent cleaning of cases, terminals, performance checks, and battery water addition
• Frequent inspection of other auxiliary equipment such as fire extinguishers, safety equipment, and ventilation

Solar energy is no doubt a powerful and efficient source of energy. While it may be criticized for being expensive and not efficient, it's beneficial to the environment and cost saving as well.