Solar power is one of the cleanest and most abundant forms of renewable power available. The sun’s energy can be harnessed for a variety of purposes, including electricity generation, heat transfer, and light.
Solar energy is a great option for businesses because it can reduce or eliminate their energy costs. This can provide a significant boost to their bottom line.
Sunlight
The sun is the closest star to the Earth and is a powerful source of solar energy. The energy the sun emits is essential for life on the planet.
The sunlight that reaches the Earth comes from a variety of wavelengths, including ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared radiation. The Earth’s atmosphere filters and absorbs most of this electromagnetic radiation, allowing only a small portion to reach the surface.
The most important of the three is visible light, which makes up almost half of the radiation received by the Earth. Other parts of the spectrum, such as infrared and ultraviolet radiation, are not as useful for our health or environment.
Solar Panels
Solar panels use the power of sunlight to produce electricity for homes, businesses and communities. They are a great way to reduce energy costs and are environmentally friendly.
Solar panel cells are made from a number of different materials, with monocrystalline silicon being the most common. Other types include cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and thin-film amorphous silicon.
The type of solar panel you choose will depend on your needs and budget. For example, if you have an existing home, roof or other building, a fixed mounting system will likely be more cost-effective.
Inverters
Inverters transform the energy produced by a solar panel into usable electricity for the household. This conversion occurs by switching the flow of the DC input back and forth rapidly, causing the energy to behave like AC electricity.
Some inverters are able to perform additional functions that provide grid services for the electric system. These services help to maintain electricity supply and demand on the electrical grid, which is essential for ensuring an efficient operation of the system.
For example, some inverters are able to respond to signals from an operator to change their power output as supply and demand on the electrical system fluctuate, a grid service known as automatic generation control.
Inverters also communicate with computer networks, allowing them to provide error codes and diagnostic information to solar owners. This communication connectivity can put inverters at risk for cyberattacks, so solar owners should consider investing in a security solution.
Batteries
Batteries are a key part of storing solar energy for future use. When sunlight hits a battery, a chemical reaction occurs among the components to store electricity. This reaction is reversed when the battery is discharged, allowing current to exit the battery.
There are several types of batteries that are currently commercially available for storing solar power. Each type has its own pros and cons that can be weighed in order to choose the right one for your needs.
Lead acid is a tried-and-tested technology that has been popular with off-grid systems. However, it is being eclipsed by newer technologies with longer warranties and lower prices.
Nickel cadmium is another tried-and-tested solution that has been used in commercial and industrial applications for years. It is highly tolerant to a wide range of temperatures and does not require complex battery management.
Lithium-ion is also a tried-and-tested technology that is rapidly gaining traction in the solar industry. It is scalable and offers low self-discharge rates and high efficiency.