Episode 2: What Solar Energy's Bright Future Holds for Green Building Science
With solar expert and Co-owner of Solar by Ecos, Chris Zitelli
- Episode 2: What Solar Energy's Bright Future Holds for Green Building Science with Chris Zitelli
Show Notes:
In the second episode of The Green Scene Podcast Kyle Hoylman interviews Chris Zitelli about the many advantages of solar energy, the future of solar technology, and how solar energy is being used all around us – changing the way we use energy, all around the world, for the better.
Chris is the co-owner and founder of Solar by Ecos. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, HERS and LEED-Certified Rater, and a Green Advantage Certified Professional. As a certified solar energy professional, his goal is to see the use of this renewable resource expand across Kentucky and the greater United States. Chris brings a more holistic approach to green building science – a great asset to the solar industry as a whole.
How Solar Energy Works:
Solar energy is a renewable resource. Renewable resources are defined as natural resources that will replenish to replace the portion that was depleted by usage and consumption. Solar energy utilizes light and heat from the sun to supply a continuous source of clean energy. Because of the little environmental impact and accessibility, solar energy is one of the top growing energy resources in the world.
One of the main ways the sun’s energy is collected and distributed into usable electricity is through solar panels or photovoltaics (sensors that convert light to electricity). The sunlight excites the photon cells or PV cells in the panel creating an electrical charge. Then the electrical current is harnessed into electricity that flows through wires connected to the solar panel. Electricity is gathered almost instantaneously. Excess energy can be stored onto the solar grid or battery for later independent use.
Looking to the Future of Solar Energy
Furthermore, technology within the solar industry continues to advance and now provides energy on a larger scale. The cost-effectiveness of solar energy continues to improve, as well, with ever evolving processes and increasing popularity. The solar industry is a growing market that is now outpacing any other form of energy . Currently, a utility-scale solar installation is more cost-effective and efficient than building a more traditional coal-fired power plant. The ROI of solar is now closer to those of traditional energy costs.
In addition, solar energy has little negative impact on the environment, with no creation of emissions, or waste. More communities across the world are continuing to embrace solar energy as a primary source of energy. While renewable energy sources and climate change are considered a political hot-button topic here in the United States, political support continues to grow with the industry’s economic growth.
Key Take-aways:
- How solar energy works
- The difference between the solar grid and solar battery
- The continued evolution of solar energy technology
- Why Texas blamed solar energy for the statewide power outage in Spring of 2021
- Common misconceptions about solar energy
- The solar industry advancements and economic stride
- ROI of solar energy for residential and commercial customers
- Solar energy’s effect on air quality and the environment
- The future of the solar industry
- Current and future government policy that helps expand the use of solar energy in the United States
Links:
Listen to The Green Scene Podcast of our streaming platforms.
Contact Chris Zitelli for any questions regarding solar energy or Solar by Ecos: Chris@solarbyecos.com
