What you need to know
- It is renewable because solar energy will not run out in our lifetime, even if we use it to generate electricity.
- Photovoltaic and concentrated thermal solar power are the two main types of solar power energy generation.
- Since solar energy does not emit harmful emissions when it generates electricity, it is a clean energy resource.
- In addition to reducing power outages, solar energy and energy storage also make the grid more reliable and cleaner by lowering the load on utility infrastructure.
Solar energy is a renewable resource, no doubt about that! It must be possible to use the source of energy without depleting it to be considered renewable energy.
Using solar panels, for example, electricity can be generated from sunlight. However, using that sunshine does not reduce the sun’s solar radiation. Solar panels capture sunlight that is just as powerful as it is after it has been converted into electricity.
In contrast, fossil fuels are non-renewable. It will take millions of years for coal and natural gas to replenish themselves as they are used up.
Taking a closer look at solar energy and how it works will help us better understand it.
What is solar energy?
Essentially, solar energy is the energy produced by the sun. In solar panels, solar energy is captured from the sun and converted into electrical power. On the sun, solar energy is created through nuclear fusion, a process that produces tremendous amounts of heat and energy.
Electromagnetic radiation is projected through space, hitting the earth as solar radiation. It is estimated that 173,000 terawatts of solar energy hit the earth continuously throughout the year, depending on the season and location.
In other words, the total amount of energy consumed by the world is 10,000 times greater than what solar panels can produce.
Is solar power renewable?
Renewable energy sources include solar power. The process of converting sunlight into electricity does not decrease the sun’s power. Whatever we do with its rays, it remains just as powerful.
Solar energy is not only renewable but also clean! Solar panels generate no harmful greenhouse gas emissions when they convert sunlight into electricity. In this way, solar plays a key role in enhancing our sustainability.
As a result of mining precious metals to make solar panels, the environment is negatively impacted. Solar panels, however, generally have no adverse effects after they are manufactured.
The mining and extraction of fossil fuels are not the only harmful environmental impact; you also have to burn them, which is even worse.
Photovoltaic and concentrated solar power are types of solar energy systems.
Generally, solar energy systems generate electricity in two ways: photovoltaic and concentrated.
Solar PV
Solar power is most commonly generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels. Commercial solar systems and rooftop solar systems use them as a standard option.
The sun’s rays are converted into electricity by silicon photovoltaic cells in solar panels. A photovoltaic (PV) solar panel converts sunlight into electricity through semiconductors.
Each layer of the solar cell has a negative charge and a positive charge. Solar cells generate electricity when photons from the sun hit the negative layer and move to the positive layer. Inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that homes and businesses can use.
Solar thermal energy
Combined solar power plants are large solar thermal power plants!
The solar thermal energy system uses the sun’s heat to perform a task. Sunlight heats water in solar collectors, which is sent to your faucet via solar water heaters.
Concentrated solar thermal power is available on a larger scale. A central receiver receives sunlight reflected from mirror-like structures in concentrated solar power systems. The thermal energy is then used to heat water, which generates steam, which turns turbines to generate electricity.
The way concentrated solar power works is different. An energy receiver receives solar thermal energy from these panels, which act more like mirrors. As a result of this thermal energy, water is heated in a plant to produce steam, which is used to turn turbines.
What are the benefits of solar energy?
Your electric bill will be lowered, your carbon footprint will be reduced, and your home’s value will increase if you use solar energy. However, it doesn’t end there! In addition to providing individual benefits to the globe, solar energy is one of the cheapest renewable energy sources available today.
Power generated by solar panels can last almost 24 hours if they are installed correctly.
You can connect your home’s stored power to the utility grid to provide backup power, or you can use it to reduce stress on the grid and prevent power outages altogether! The grid needs stored power to operate cleanly and reliably, which is why places like California have increased incentives for battery storage.
What is the future of solar?
When you add solar panels to your home, you will not have to pay for electricity, you will reduce your electric bill to zero, and your home will remain resilient during storms and power outages.
With the advancement of solar technology, renewable resources will become more affordable and more readily available in the future. The time is right to go solar and fight climate change.
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