Solar energy is a renewable resource that is rapidly becoming a mainstream source of electricity. Countries like China, the European Union and the United States are proving that this alternative is no longer a niche market.
Solar power can be produced on a wide range of scales, from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems to large-scale concentrated solar-thermal (CSP) plants. The technology can be used to create electricity, heat water, and fuel other processes.
Origins
Solar energy has been used for centuries to help humans survive and prosper. It’s been used to light fires, heat homes and even power modern devices.
The origins of the solar power world began in 19th century Europe, when people started experimenting with technologies to collect and convert sunlight for use as energy. This includes using mirrors to concentrate the sun’s rays, as well as photovoltaic (PV) panels and other techniques for converting solar radiation into electricity.
In 1839, French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered that when electrons were in an excited state in an electrolyte solution, they could move freely through a material, forming an electric current. This discovery is often called the photovoltaic effect, and it is the key to most solar energy technologies.
Technology
There are many different technologies that can be used to harness solar energy. Some, such as solar photovoltaic (PV), convert sunlight directly into electricity; others, such as solar thermal, use fluids to heat up and generate steam that can be then converted into electrical energy.
PV is a form of renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and can even help keep the temperature of the earth more stable. It also cuts down on water consumption and withdrawal.
The solar power world has come a long way in the last few years. Efficiency has improved, prices are low and new innovations are constantly being developed.
One of the latest developments is solar skin, which consists of transparent sheets that can be printed with nanoparticles to increase light conversion and boost efficiency. Researchers at the University of Queensland have achieved an efficiency of 16.6%, which means they’re just about as efficient as standard solar panels!
Benefits
Solar energy is a renewable and clean source of electricity. It doesn’t emit greenhouse gases, which are harmful to both the environment and human health.
Solar power offers an easy, affordable way for homeowners to reduce their environmental footprint. It also provides dependable backup power in case of utility outages, and saves you money on peak electricity prices.
In addition, solar energy can be used to produce heat. Solar furnaces rely on mirrors to concentrate the sun’s rays into thermal energy.
Another method is solar thermal collectors, which use panels to absorb and concentrate the sun’s energy in liquids or tubes that are used for heating.
One advantage of solar power is that it’s a “native” energy, meaning it can be found on any given planet. This helps to cut down on energy imports, and can help local economies grow.
Installation
When choosing a solar company to install your panels, it is important to find one that has been properly vetted and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. This way, you can be sure that they will do a good job and treat your home with respect.
The installation process for a solar power system is relatively easy and straightforward. First, the company comes out to the site and inspects it to ensure that the panels will be placed correctly on your roof.
Once the company provides you with an estimate, you can accept it and provide a down payment. Once you are approved, the company then sends out a team of people to do the installation.
The installers are courteous and do quality work. They did a great job of making sure that everything was designed and installed correctly, and they were patient with us when we had questions. They also upgraded our panels at no extra cost to improve our energy efficiency by 10%.