Solar energy is a sustainable and non-polluting source of energy that has actually been utilized for centuries. However, it wasn’t up until just recently that the technology to harness solar power effectively and cost effectively appeared. Solar power is one of the most abundant renewable resources on this planet. It’s found in the sunlight and heat from the sun, along with from other sources such as geothermal, hydropower, wind, biomass, and even ocean waves. Solar energy can be converted into heat or light, or be used to produce electrical power straight. There are a number of ways to use solar power, each with its own benefits and downsides. The three main methods of using solar energy are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power systems and thermal collectors. Let’s take a better look at how solar panel technology works …

What are Photovoltaic Panels?

Photovoltaic panels, also referred to as solar panels, are the most economical and commonly utilized technique of utilizing solar power. These panels are made from semi-conductive components that soak up sunshine and transform it into electricity. Panels are installed on rooftops or set up on the ground, and wired together to form an “array.” The quantity of energy produced depends upon the quantity of sunshine that strikes the panels, their efficiency, size of the setup, and the environment. Solar energy is considered a renewable resource source because the sun will constantly be around, and the amount of energy it produces is constant. Today, there are a variety of photovoltaic panel models readily available such as crystalline silicon, thin film, and cadmium telluride.

Concentrated Solar Power

Concentrated solar power, or CSP, utilizes mirrors to focus sunshine on solar collectors. The heat from the collectors is used to generate steam to drive turbines that create electricity. Just like photovoltaic panels, the sun’s intensity and readily available surface area are important consider the amount of energy that can be produced. CSP plants are most efficient in locations where sunshine is abundant and temperature levels are high. The innovation is often used to create electricity for big industrial operations, such as mining and water desalination. CSP is a fairly brand-new kind of solar energy that has greater 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 creates electrical energy. Thermal collectors are used in solar water heating systems, and in solar thermal power plants, also known as concentrated solar energy (CSP) plants. Solar thermal energy is another method of harnessing solar energy, separate from photovoltaic systems. Like photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors use sunshine to produce energy. Solar thermal collectors can be installed on rooftops or utilized at larger scales to produce electrical power. Massive solar thermal plant operations, however, are uncommon in the U.S.

How Solar Panels Work

Photovoltaic panel have solar batteries that collect the sun’s energy and transform it into electrical energy. Each solar battery is comprised of two layers: an electron-rich layer that is positively charged, and a negatively charged electron-deficient layer. When light hits the leading layer, it knocks loose electrons from the bottom layer. As the electrons move from one layer to the other, they produce a current, which can then be used to power appliances, charge batteries, or link to the electrical energy grid. The quantity of energy a photovoltaic panel can produce depends upon a variety of elements, consisting of: The amount of sunshine available in the location The variety of hours of sunlight a day The effectiveness of the solar panels The voltage of the system Solar power is a sustainable source of energy, however one that is dependent on sunlight. If there is no sunlight, the panels do not produce power although they do not pollute or contribute to climate change.

Pros of Using Solar Energy

Sustainability – Solar energy is derived from a naturally occurring resource. It’s a renewable resource source so it does not run out like fossil fuels do. There is likewise no risk of deficiency like there is with natural deposits like water and minerals.
No greenhouse gases – Like other kinds of renewable energy like hydropower, geothermal and wind, solar energy doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases.
No contamination – When photovoltaic panels are used inside your home or in metropolitan settings, they can produce energy without producing any contamination.
No fuel costs – Solar panels are powered by sunlight, not by a fuel. This means that you don’t need to fret about buying or saving fuel, or any associated expenses.

Use of existing facilities – You can use the existing electrical circuitry in your house to power your photovoltaic panel system.
Grid-tied systems – Unlike other alternative energy sources, you can connect your photovoltaic panels to the grid. This enables you to sell your excess energy to your regional utility company.

No water usage – Hydropower is among the largest factors to renewable resource sources, but it requires a lot of water. Photovoltaic panel do not need any water, which is especially important in arid regions.
No land use – Unlike wind turbines, photovoltaic panels do not need any land for installation.
No wildlife impact – Solar panels do not kill birds and other wildlife like other energy sources do.

Cons of Using Solar Energy

Seasonal irregularity – Solar energy is dependent on the quantity of sunlight available in a area at a offered time. In general, the amount of sunlight is greater in the summertime than in the winter season. Nevertheless, the amount of sunlight received in the winter season is often sufficient to meet the energy requirements of a household.
Sufficient sunshine – Solar panels need to be positioned in such a way that they can get direct sunshine, at least six hours a day. If they don’t get enough sunlight, they can’t create electrical power.
Less hours of sunshine in winter season – Because sunshine is lower in winter season, it takes longer for photovoltaic panels to produce the very same amount of energy as in summertime.
Atmospheric conditions – Clouds can obstruct the sun and minimize the quantity of energy reaching solar panels.

Conclusion

Solar energy has actually been around for centuries, but just in the past couple of decades has innovation advanced to the point where it can be used effectively. The 3 primary methods of utilizing solar power are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power systems and thermal collectors. Solar panels are the most affordable and widely used method of harnessing solar power, while CSP uses mirrors to focus sunshine on collectors. If you would like more information, please see www.dragonsbreathsolar.co.uk/product-category/solar-car-park-lights