Solar power is a sustainable and non-polluting source of energy that has actually been used for centuries. Nevertheless, it wasn’t till recently that the technology to harness solar power efficiently and affordably became available. Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable resources on this world. It’s discovered in the sunlight 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 utilized to produce electrical energy straight. There are several ways to use solar power, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The 3 primary methods of utilizing solar energy are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power systems and thermal collectors. Let’s take a more detailed take a look at how photovoltaic panel technology works …

What are Photovoltaic Panels?

Photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels, are the most affordable and widely utilized method of utilizing solar energy. These panels are made from semi-conductive materials that soak up sunshine and convert it into electricity. Panels are mounted on roofs or installed on the ground, and wired together to form an “array.” The amount of energy produced depends upon the quantity of sunshine that strikes the panels, their performance, size of the installation, and the environment. Solar energy is considered a renewable resource source due to the fact that the sun will always 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.

Focused Solar Power

Focused solar power, or CSP, uses mirrors to focus sunshine on solar collectors. The heat from the collectors is utilized to generate steam to drive turbines that produce electricity. Just like photovoltaic panels, the sun’s intensity and readily available surface area are critical consider the amount of energy that can be produced. CSP plants are most effective in locations where sunshine is plentiful and temperatures are high. The technology is typically used to produce electrical energy for big commercial operations, such as mining and water desalination. CSP is a relatively brand-new type of solar energy that has greater generating capability than photovoltaic systems.

Thermal Collectors

Another kind of solar power is thermal collectors, which use the sun’s heat to drive a process that generates electricity. Thermal collectors are utilized in solar water heater, and in solar thermal power plants, also called concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Solar thermal energy is another method of harnessing solar energy, separate from photovoltaic systems. But like photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors use sunshine to generate energy. Solar thermal collectors can be set up on roofs or utilized at bigger scales to create electricity. Large-scale solar thermal plant operations, nevertheless, are unusual in the U.S.

How Solar Panels Work

Photovoltaic panel have photovoltaic cells that gather the sun’s energy and change it into electrical energy. Each photovoltaic cell is comprised of two 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 connect to the electricity grid. The quantity of energy a photovoltaic panel can produce depends on a variety of elements, consisting of: The quantity of sunshine available in the location The variety 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 sunlight. If there is no sunlight, the panels do not produce power even though they do not pollute or add to environment change.

Pros of Using Solar Energy

Sustainability – Solar energy is derived from a naturally occurring resource. It’s a renewable resource source so it doesn’t run out like nonrenewable fuel sources do. There is also no risk of depletion like there is with natural resources like water and minerals.
No greenhouse gases – Like other kinds of renewable energy like hydropower, geothermal and wind, solar power does not 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 pollution.
No fuel costs – Solar panels are powered by sunlight, not by a fuel. This suggests that you do not need to stress over buying or saving fuel, or any associated costs.

Use of existing infrastructure – You can use the existing electrical circuitry in your home to power your photovoltaic panel system.
Grid-tied systems – Unlike other alternative energy sources, you can link your solar panels to the grid. This enables you to offer your excess energy to your regional energy business.

No water use – Hydropower is one of the biggest factors to renewable energy sources, but it requires a great deal of water. Photovoltaic panel don’t require any water, which is especially important in deserts.
No land use – Unlike wind turbines, solar panels don’t need any land for setup.
No wildlife impact – Solar panels do not kill birds and other wildlife like other energy sources do.

Cons of Using Solar Energy

Seasonal variability – Solar energy depends on the amount of sunlight available in a area at a offered time. In general, the quantity of sunshine is greater in the summer than in the winter. The amount of sunlight received in the winter is frequently sufficient to meet the energy needs of a home.
Adequate sunlight – Solar panels require to be situated in a way that they can get direct sunlight, a minimum of 6 hours a day. If they do not get enough sunlight, they can’t generate electrical energy.
Less hours of sunlight in winter season – Because sunshine is lower in winter, it takes longer for photovoltaic panels to create the same quantity of energy as in summer season.
Atmospheric conditions – Clouds can obstruct the sun and lower the amount of energy reaching photovoltaic panels.

Conclusion

Solar energy has been around for centuries, but just in the past couple of years has innovation advanced to the point where it can be utilized successfully. The 3 main techniques of using solar energy are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power systems and thermal collectors. Solar panels are the most cost-effective and extensively utilized method of utilizing 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