Solar energy is a sustainable and non-polluting source of energy that has been utilized for centuries. However, it wasn’t until recently that the technology to harness solar power efficiently and economically appeared. Solar power is one of the most plentiful renewable resources on this planet. It’s found in the sunshine and heat from the sun, as well as 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 electrical power directly. There are a number of ways to use solar power, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The three primary techniques of using solar energy are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar energy systems and thermal collectors. Let’s take a closer look at how solar panel technology works …

What are Photovoltaic Panels?

Photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels, are the most cost-effective and extensively used approach of utilizing solar power. These panels are made from semi-conductive components that take in sunshine and transform it into electrical power. Panels are mounted on rooftops or installed on the ground, and wired together to form an “array.” The amount of energy created depends upon the quantity of sunshine that hits the panels, their efficiency, size of the installation, and the environment. Solar energy is considered a renewable resource source since the sun will always be around, and the quantity of energy it produces is constant. Today, there are a range of solar 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 sunlight on solar collectors. The heat from the collectors is utilized to generate steam to drive turbines that generate electrical energy. As with photovoltaic panels, the sun’s intensity and offered surface area are crucial consider the quantity of energy that can be produced. CSP plants are most effective in locations where sunlight is plentiful and temperatures are high. The innovation is often used to create electrical power for large industrial operations, such as mining and water desalination. CSP is a reasonably new type of solar power that has greater getting capability than photovoltaic systems.

Thermal Collectors

Another type of solar power is thermal collectors, which utilize the sun’s heat to drive a process that creates electricity. Thermal collectors are used in solar water heating unit, and in solar thermal power plants, also referred to as concentrated solar energy (CSP) plants. Solar thermal energy is another method of harnessing solar energy, separate from photovoltaic systems. However like photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors use sunshine to produce energy. Solar thermal collectors can be set up on rooftops or utilized at larger scales to create electrical power. Massive solar thermal plant operations, however, are rare in the U.S.

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels have solar batteries that collect the sun’s energy and change it into electrical power. Each photovoltaic cell is comprised of 2 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 create a current, which can then be used to power devices, charge batteries, or connect to the electrical power grid. The amount of energy a photovoltaic panel can produce depends upon a variety of elements, including: The amount of sunlight 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 depends on sunshine. 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 doesn’t go out like fossil fuels do. There is also no danger of deficiency like there is with natural deposits 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 contamination – When photovoltaic panels are used inside or in urban settings, they can produce energy without producing any contamination.
No fuel expenses – Solar panels are powered by sunshine, not by a fuel. This implies that you don’t need to stress over purchasing or storing fuel, or any associated expenses.

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

No water usage – Hydropower is one of the biggest factors to renewable energy sources, however it needs a lot of water. Photovoltaic panel don’t need any water, which is particularly important in arid regions.
No land use – Unlike wind turbines, photovoltaic panels don’t need any land for setup.
No wildlife effect – 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 offered in a area at a provided time. In general, the quantity of sunshine is greater in the summer than in the winter season. The quantity of sunlight received in the winter season is typically enough to satisfy the energy requirements of a home.
Adequate sunshine – Solar panels require to be situated in a way that they can receive direct sunlight, a minimum of six hours a day. If they don’t get enough sunshine, they can’t create electricity.
Less hours of sunlight in winter season – Because sunshine is lower in winter season, it takes longer for solar panels to create the same amount of energy as in summertime.
Atmospheric conditions – Clouds can obstruct the sun and minimize the quantity of energy reaching photovoltaic panels.

Conclusion

Solar energy has been around for centuries, however only in the past few years has technology advanced to the point where it can be used efficiently. The 3 primary techniques of using solar energy are photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar energy systems and thermal collectors. Solar panels are the most economical and widely used technique 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-car-park-lights