Solar power is a sustainable and non-polluting source of energy that has actually been used for centuries. It wasn’t until just recently that the technology to harness solar power effectively and cost effectively became available. Solar power is one of the most plentiful renewable resources on this planet. It’s discovered in the sunshine and heat from the sun, along with from other sources such as geothermal, hydropower, wind, biomass, and even ocean waves. Solar power can be converted into heat or light, or be used to create electricity straight. There are a number of ways to utilize solar energy, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The three primary techniques of using solar power are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar energy systems and thermal collectors. Let’s take a better look at how solar panel technology works …
What are Photovoltaic Panels?
Photovoltaic panels, also called photovoltaic panels, are the most economical and commonly utilized method of harnessing solar power. These panels are made from semi-conductive components that soak up sunshine and convert it into electricity. Panels are installed on rooftops or installed on the ground, and wired together to form an “array.” The amount of energy produced depends on the quantity of sunlight that strikes the panels, their performance, size of the installation, and the environment. Solar energy is considered a renewable resource source since the sun will always be around, and the amount of energy it produces is constant. Today, there are a variety of solar panel designs readily available such as crystalline silicon, thin film, and cadmium telluride.
Concentrated Solar Power
Focused solar power, or CSP, uses mirrors to focus sunshine on solar collectors. The heat from the collectors is used to create steam to drive turbines that create electrical power. Similar to photovoltaic panels, the sun’s strength and readily available area are crucial consider the quantity of energy that can be produced. CSP plants are most efficient in areas where sunshine is abundant and temperatures are high. The innovation is often utilized to create electrical power for large industrial operations, such as mining and water desalination. CSP is a relatively new kind of solar power that has higher getting capacity than photovoltaic systems.
Thermal Collectors
Another type of solar energy is thermal collectors, which use the sun’s heat to drive a process that generates electrical power. Thermal collectors are utilized in solar water heating systems, and in solar thermal power plants, also known as concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Solar thermal energy is another method of utilizing solar energy, different from photovoltaic systems. Like photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors utilize sunshine to produce energy. Solar thermal collectors can be installed on rooftops or utilized at bigger scales to produce electricity. Massive solar thermal plant operations, however, are uncommon in the U.S.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels have solar batteries that collect the sun’s energy and transform it into electrical energy. Each solar battery is comprised of 2 layers: an electron-rich layer that is positively charged, and a negatively charged electron-deficient layer. When light hits the top layer, it knocks loose electrons from the bottom layer. As the electrons move from one layer to the other, they create a current, which can then be used to power appliances, charge batteries, or link to the electricity grid. The amount of energy a photovoltaic panel can produce depends upon a number of aspects, consisting of: The quantity of sunshine available in the location The number of hours of sunlight a day The effectiveness of the photovoltaic panels The voltage of the system Solar power is a sustainable source of energy, but one that is dependent on sunshine. If there is no sunlight, the panels do not produce power although they do not pollute or add to climate change.
Pros of Using Solar Energy
- Sustainability – Solar energy is derived from a naturally occurring resource. It’s a renewable energy source so it does not run out like fossil fuels do. There is also no threat of exhaustion like there is with natural resources like water and minerals.
No greenhouse gases – Like other types of renewable energy like hydropower, geothermal and wind, solar power doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases.
No pollution – When photovoltaic panels are used inside your home or in metropolitan settings, they can produce energy without producing any contamination.
No fuel expenses – Solar panels are powered by sunlight, not by a fuel. This means that you don’t need to stress over buying or storing fuel, or any associated expenses. - Use of existing facilities – You can utilize the existing electrical wiring in your home to power your solar panel system.
Grid-tied systems – Unlike other alternative energy sources, you can link your solar panels to the grid. This permits you to offer your excess energy to your regional energy business. - No water usage – Hydropower is among the largest contributors to renewable energy sources, however it needs a great deal of water. Photovoltaic panel don’t need any water, which is specifically important in arid regions.
No land use – Unlike wind turbines, solar panels don’t need any land for installation.
No wildlife impact – Solar panels don’t kill birds and other wildlife like other energy sources do.
Cons of Using Solar Energy
- Seasonal variability – Solar energy is dependent on the quantity of sunlight available in a region at a given time. In general, the quantity of sunlight is greater in the summer season than in the winter. The amount of sunshine received in the winter is frequently enough to satisfy the energy needs of a household.
- Enough sunlight – Solar panels require to be positioned in a manner that they can get direct sunshine, a minimum of 6 hours a day. If they do not get enough sunshine, they can’t create electricity.
- Less hours of sunshine in winter season – Because sunlight is lower in winter season, it takes longer for solar panels to generate the same amount of energy as in summer.
- Atmospheric conditions – Clouds can block the sun and decrease the amount of energy reaching solar panels.
Conclusion
Solar energy has been around for centuries, but only in the past few decades has innovation advanced to the point where it can be utilized efficiently. The three main methods of using solar power are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar energy systems and thermal collectors. Solar panels are the most cost-efficient and commonly utilized method of harnessing solar energy, while CSP uses mirrors to focus sunlight on collectors. If you would like more information, please see www.dragonsbreathsolar.co.uk/product-category/solar-home-battery-storage