What is Solar Energy?What is Solar Energy?
Solar ener gy is a renewable energy source that uses photons, or tiny particles of energy that travel at the speed of light.
The sun provides us with an abundant supply of sunlight every hour. By harnessing the power of this inexhaustible source, we can make a positive impact on our planet and on our future energy needs.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the sun that can be harnessed using a range of technologies. It is one of the cleanest and most abundant sources of renewable or ‘green’ energy available.
Humans have used solar energy for thousands of years to optimise crop growth, treat water and provide light and warmth. More than 70% of the solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface each year is absorbed by the atmosphere.
It is this energy that can be converted into electricity using solar photovoltaics or concentrated solar power systems. These systems use lenses or mirrors to focus a large area of sunlight to a hot spot, which then drives a steam turbine and powers an electricity generator.
How is Solar Energy Generated?
The sun’s rays are harnessed in two ways: photovoltaic cells turn light into electricity and concentrated solar power uses mirrors, lenses and tracking systems to focus the Sun’s energy into a small beam.
There are also methods for storing this energy, such as thermal mass systems that use materials with a specific heat capacity like stone, molten salts or paraffin wax to store heat in the ground.
Compared to traditional forms of non-green energy that rely on fossil fuels, the carbon footprint of solar is insignificant. In addition, each kilowatt-hour of energy generated from solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels collect clean energy from the sun by turning sunlight into electricity. When photons (particles of light) hit the thin layer of silicon on the top of a solar panel, they knock electrons off the atoms.
The resulting PV charge produces direct current (DC) electricity, which can be converted to alternating current (AC) by a device called an inverter.
There are three different types of PV cells used in solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous silicon. They differ in efficiency, cost and ability to withstand the elements.
How Do Solar Panels Work with the Grid?
There are two main types of solar power systems: grid-tied and self-contained. In a grid-tied system, your solar panels are connected to the electricity grid and you draw power from the grid at certain times of day.
To connect to the grid, your solar panel system needs a special type of device called an inverter. This turns direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that’s used to run appliances in your home.
The inverter also helps regulate how much energy you draw from the grid and how much it sends back to the grid. This helps keep the grid stable and makes it easier for utility companies to maintain.
What is the Carbon Footprint of Solar Panels?
The carbon footprint of solar panels is an important factor in deciding whether or not to switch to this clean energy source. In general, solar power has a much lower carbon footprint than coal-powered electricity sources.
The solar energy industry is growing, and that means the need for more solar production facilities. This requires large amounts of land to be cleared, which in turn can lead to more CO2 emissions.
Despite the carbon footprint of solar power, it is still many times more carbon efficient than fossil fuel-based electricity. This remains true even after taking into account hidden emissions in manufacturing, construction and fuel supply.
What are the Benefits of Going Solar?
Going solar is an easy way to save money, protect your home from rising energy costs, and make a greener impact on the environment. It also helps prevent the extraction of fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming and other environmental problems.
Solar panels are also cleaner than fossil fuels and generate 3-25 times less greenhouse gas emissions to produce the same amount of energy. This reduces reliance on polluting fossil fuels, helping to improve air quality for everyone.
The best part is that even one home going solar is a major contributor to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting national energy independence. It is a proactive way to leave a green legacy for future generations.