Green Costa Rica.

SOLAR PANELS IN COSTA RICA

                    

Everyday the temperature of the Earth is rising. We can feel and see the changes. In Costa Rica we also see a lot of changes. This year, Arenal dam, largest hydroelectric plant in Costa Rica, started with one of lower bookings in the last seven years water. The cost of electricity bills and even forced some industries to explore destinations outside the country to spend part of their processes in pursuit of savings and competitiveness. For this reason, ICE allows his clients to have their own generation plants part of a pilot program created in 2010. It has low customer that wants this plan, but in the last report they have more than 200 inscriptions.

The sun is a star and it has practically unlimited energy. Most of this solar energy is wasted. In this constant changes, people should see the solar energy as an option. The challenge is to make use of solar energy directly and in a non- polluting fashion. The solar power is still use in two primary forms. The first one is thermo solar, where the heat of the sun is used to heat water. The second form is the photovoltaic power, where electricity is produced directly from the sun with no moving parts.

It is said that Henri Bequerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect the production of electricity directly from the sun. Over the years, the photovoltaic power has increased and became more practical. Also, is one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the planet. This power does not require a lot of maintenance and a large-scale installation to operate. One of the advantages is not necessary a turbine to generate energy. The panel has cells that last for decades. This energy provides users to generate their own energy.

This solar energy has a lot of advantages for the customers. First, the bill of electricity is going to be much lower than usual. Second, as the panel generates throughout the day, when the intake in the house is low, the excess of energy goes the ICE network. Although, this process of installing and buying the panel isn’t cheap, the investment is worth it. In Costa Rica, the interest of buying the panel is still very low. On the other hand, foreign are more interest about panels and their benefits. Another important advantage is that the return on investment for installing a solar panel system takes 4 to 6 years depending on the installed equipment and consumption.

From now on, we need to consider a change in currency energy system to eliminate or use much less the fossils fuels. There are alternative technologies available for the use of solar energy that can allow the diversification of energy sources. The main problem for the users and general population is the economic factor. Because it is very expensive and takes a lot to get back the investment, the general situation in Costa Rica in the economy, can’t afford a solar panel in their houses. To continue making awareness, the government must help and support this kind of projects. Solar energy has a lot of benefits such as that they do not pollute. We have the power as users and consumers to be the leaders and decide the direction of this change in energy system.