Save Money and the Environment with Solar Panels
Light emitted by the sun is referred to as solar radiation or electromagnetic radiation. Although every place on earth receives solar radiation every year, the amount received varies from one place to the other. It is said that the total amount of solar energy that hits the earth’s surface in one hour thirty minutes is enough to steer the world’s energy consumption for an entire year.
Solar technologies are responsible for converting solar energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy produced is used in the generation of electricity or stored in batteries of thermal storage. Some of the solar technologies used in converting solar energy into electrical energy include photovoltaic panels (PV) and mirrors used in concentrating solar radiation.
Solar energy technologies are used to capture solar radiation and convert it into proper energy forms such as electrical energy. Solar energy technologies are divided into three primary technologies. Photovoltaics (PV), solar heating and cooling (SHC), and concentrating solar power (CSP).
Photovoltaic devices use an electric process to generate electricity directly from solar radiation. The electric process is a natural process that only takes place in special materials known as semiconductors. Semiconductors possess electrons that are freed by solar energy. The free electrons then travel through an electrical circuit to electrical power devices or send electricity to the grid. Photovoltaic technology is the form of solar energy technology used in solar panels.
Solar heating and cooling technologies collect the sun’s thermal energy and convert it to heat energy used in heating water, spaces, pools, and cooling.
Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers. The receivers collect the solar radiation and convert it to heat energy used to generate electricity or stored for use in the future.
A solar panel is also known as a photovoltaic system. A solar panel uses photovoltaic technology. The semiconductor technology in a solar panel converts solar energy into electricity used in households for free. It is estimated that more than four thousand solar panels are installed daily in most developing countries. There is an increasing number of homeowners switching to using solar panels in the generation of electricity. A solar panel helps reduce the total amount of money used on footing energy bills and earns money from the surplus electrical energy produced.
The two main types of solar panels are:
PV panels are used to generate electricity
Solar thermal panels are used for heating
The most commonly used type of solar panel is the photovoltaic panel. PV panels convert solar energy directly into electrical energy. Solar cells are made of materials known as semiconductors. Some of the semiconductor materials used in solar cells include silicon. Silicon is the most common semiconductor used in solar cells. The semiconductors in the solar cells absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy.
Solar cells are connected electrically and packed in a single frame known as a solar panel. Multiple solar panels connected form a solar array. When cabling, inverter, brackets, and other aspects are added to a solar collection, the entire system is known as a solar panel system.
One of the best benefits attached to a solar panel is its impact on the environment. If you think of being independent or going green in terms of electrical energy, a solar panel is a way to choose. Solar panels produce electricity from solar energy hence saving the environment. Some of the environmental benefits of a solar panel are:
Fossil fuels used in electrical energy production emit a lot of pollutants in the air. Unlike fossil fuels, a solar panel generates clean electrical energy that does not contribute to air pollution.
Generating electricity through hydropower or nuclear energy consumes a lot of water. Usually, water will be collected in a dam and used in controlling water flow and the generation of electricity. The result is an interference of the ecosystem and massive water scarcity. A solar panel does not require water to produce electricity. In turn, the water problem is addressed.
Fossil fuels and water are classified as non-renewable sources of energy. Most non-renewable sources of energy not only produce pollutants but are also expected to run out. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy. Transitioning to using a solar panel in our households brings positive impacts to the environment and the species.
The continued emission of pollutants and carbon dioxide in the air costs our planet. It has become hard for the environment to clean the air we breathe. Switching to using a solar panel prevents the negative impacts of climate change as it reduces carbon dioxide emissions and produces zero pollutants in the air.
The use of solar energy reduces water scarcity and contributes to clean air. Water is life. If there is sufficient water, human beings are assured of health. Also, if we breathe clean air, we will reduce lung diseases.
A solar panel does not need any external suppliers to produce electricity. Production and maintenance costs when using a solar panel in your homestead are zero. The only cost incurred when using solar energy is the initial investment incurred in manufacturing and installing solar panels. There are no additional costs when using solar energy.
The long distance between the points of production and supply leads to loss of energy which affects performance. Photovoltaic panels are installed on roofs hence reducing the space involved drastically. Less energy is consequently lost, leading to energy efficiency.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.