When discussing the most prominent source of energy in the world, the sun comes to mind immediately. The Sun is believed to be over 4.5 billion years old and has another 5 billion years of hydrogen fuel left to burn.
Indeed, solar energy is vastly abundant. Solar energy is of remarkable value as a form of energy because it can be harnessed without emitting greenhouse gases or toxic wastes.
Directly the sun’s energy can be used for heating, cooling, lighting, and converting into electricity to power residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. According to scientists, the sun’s energy is projected to become the primary source of electricity by 2050.
Solar panels are specially adapted equipment capable of harnessing solar energy and transforming it into electric energy. They comprise of subdivisions called solar cells or photovoltaic cells. The parts of the system that make up the photovoltaic structure are called solar cells while the processes of turning these components into electric energy are known as solar energy electricity generation.
Silicone crystalline solar panels include monocrystalline silicon solar panels, polycrystalline silicon solar panels, and amorphous silicon and hybrid solar panels. About 80% of solar panels fall into this category.
The rest 20% consists primarily of solar cells made of cadmium telluride alongside a small but fast increasing amount from CIGS. Cadmium Telluride solar panels are cost effective as they can be produced in one large sheet making them less expensive to produce.
These are usually located on the tops of buildings or set up in open areas where they can directly capture sunlight.
Proper installation of solar panels is crucial to their longevity, as they need to be sealed to withstand different climatic conditions. Thus, each panel is covered in a non-reflective glass and placed in a sturdy frame to cushion them from external damage, shattering, and scratches.
The frame is specifically designed to mitigate damage from extreme weather, which helps preserve the durability of the solar panels. Additionally, the frame has a drainage hole which prevents water buildup on the panels as this can significantly minimize output.
How do Solar Panels Work?
In every solar cell, crystalline silicone is sandwiched between layers of conductive material. Each atom of silicone possesses powerful bonds with four of its neighbors that tie the electrons down, and in turn stop a current from flowing.
Simply put, a silicone utilizes two layers of silicone, N-type silicone with excess electrons, and P-type silicone that has excess electron spaces referred to as holes.
When the two layers meet, electrons are free to roam, forming charge separation, one side becomes positive and the other negative. The region with both types is called the PN junction.
The sun emits an enormous amount of photons which are capable of performing work with the help of a silicone solar cell. The interaction of a single photon with a thermal level in a solar cell may result in the emission of an electron from a silicon atom, creating a gap, commonly known as a hole.
Both the hole and the negatively charged electron can move freely to some extent. However, with the presence of a PN junction, it can be shown that the electric field present will allow the particles to only move in one direction. As such, the hole goes to the P side and the electrons are attracted to the N side.
The electrodes, or metal fingers that supply voltage terminals, collect the current from the moving cells at the N side of the junction which are in connection to small metal “fingers” placed on the upper surface of the solar cell.
These fingers collect the current, which then can be used in an outside circuit. The electric work that may be done involves powering an electric bulb then after this, they are discharged or returned to the electric grid or the solar panel.
Only a single solar cell can produce about 0.5 volts. To overcome the limit of one solar cell, silicon cell companies bind the cells together into a module that supplies a higher voltage.
Top 10 Benefits of Solar Panels
Solar panels are created specifically for collecting solar energy and turning it into power to supply for businesses and homes. Solar energy is emerging day by day as one of the cheapest, environment friendly and highly used sources of energy.
Recent research indicates that there has been an increase in power bills in the last four years. With the raising cost of living, it is no wonder why many people are turning to solar energy as a source of relief.
Below are the advantages of using solar panels as a means of electric power generation.
#1. Benefit of tax credit and rebates.
The United States, among other countries, offers tax credits and rebates for people who install solar panels. This means you are eligible to get back 30% of the total cost of the solar panel and installation cost as a federal income tax credit.
Solar panels are expensive, and if you live in America, you can recoup those costs over time with all the solar energy savings you will enjoy. When you install a solar panel costing $25,000, you save $7,500 from federal income taxes. So, add local and state funds, as well as solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), and you stand to gain even more.
You can generate SRECs throughout the year, and they allow you to sell surplus energy to power companies, thus enabling you to achieve a phenomenal return on investment.
#2. Roll back on your utility bills from day one.
It would be surprising to discover that your yearly energy costs are in the range of thousands of dollars. An American’s average energy consumption amounts to $3,050.
Installing solar panels to generate electricity can drastically reduce these expenses. Solar energy also allows for long-term cost benefits as the sun’s energy is virtually free.
#3. Good for Mother Nature.
The sun’s energy is environmentally friendly. The installation of solar panels in your house, factory, or corporate office contributes to the fight against greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the reliance on fossil fuels.
Traditional forms of electricity are produced using fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas.
The burning of these fuels for electricity results in the release of harmful greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are the primary contributors to air pollution and global warming.
#4. The sun’s energy is renewable.
According to modernized standards, they (renewable energy sources) do not cease to exist, and will therefore, be there till the end of time. Solar energy is classified as a renewable source, because it will continue to shine throughout our life.
In approximately fifty years, fossil fuels are estimated to run out. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not run out, which is another reason why installing solar panels is beneficial.
#5. Driver of economic development.
The solar energy sector has significantly advanced the economy. E.g., During the 2014 fiscal year, the U.S. solar industry alone created over 17,000 jobs, which is 20% more than the overall economic growth.
That same year, the country saw the formation of 6,000 solar businesses across all 50 states. This is adding approximately $15 billion to the economy of the United States annually.
#6. Increases property value.
If you add solar panels to your house, that can triple the value of your home. As more people shift to greener living, homes with solar energy systems are in high demand, as they allow people to cut down on energy costs.
Therefore, you will benefit greatly from your investment when you want to sell the house in the future.
#7. Wipes out extraordinary maintenance costs.
The maintenance required for solar panels is minimal. It can take years before a malfunction appears because of the built-in features like surface sealing designed to lessen the effects of the weather.
In addition, non-reflective glass completely encasing the solar panels protects them from extreme climatic conditions and other damages.
#8. Cushions you from power interruptions.
Traditional power sources are often frustrating due to the frequent supply interruptions. Riding on the supplied energy can be saved for use when the traditional power sources shut down.
#9. Offers a wide range of uses.
The energy harvested using solar panels can directly provide heating services to households, hot water for bathing, as well as to cleanse and do other chores associated with household work.
In addition, this energy can be changed to electric energy for lighting houses, and powering appliances as well as commercial and industrial undertakings.
#10. Reduces overdependence on foreign fossil fuels.
Relying on oil, gas, and coal as energy sources is a major pillar of the economy for most developing countries. Because of conflicts or supply shortages, prices tend to become overly inflated and dominant. This presents challenges to the country’s economy. Increasing the amount of solar panels installed will mitigate this concern.