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Generating Power With Solar
The radiant energy that the sun emits is called solar energy and is made up of photons (light) and radiation (heat). We use solar energy in various ways, one of which is electrical energy harnessed using photovoltaic cells.
According to NASA, the photoelectric effect results in some materials absorbing light photons and releasing electrons. A panel produces solar-powered electricity by accumulating the electric current produced by these free electrons. Modern solar power technologies are built on this principle.
Solar panels, a solar inverter, a meter, maybe a solar battery, and a few additional components make up a household photovoltaic system (mounting, cabling, etc.).
How Solar Panels Work
Here is a brief summary of a solar panel system, its essential parts, and how solar panels work:
- Solar energy is captured by solar panels (SP) and converted to DC electricity.
- An inverter converts the DC into AC electricity.
- If a meter is installed in the system, its work is to measure the amount of electricity the panels produce.
Critical Components Of A Solar Panel System
Solar cells
Solar technology has come a long way. This technology has a few other components that make it easier for users to exploit the sun. The key component of a solar panel is the solar cell, often known as a photovoltaic (PV) cell. Solar cells are manufactured from crystalline silicon and produce energy when they absorb sunlight.
Two types of crystalline silicon exist. The most widespread material used in residential systems is monocrystalline silicon. The high silicon content of this material makes sunlight-to-electricity conversion more efficient (and more expensive) than that of other panel materials. The individual cells' shape is why solar panels generally have a square-like form.
Polycrystalline silicon, the second common type of crystalline silicon, is relatively inexpensive but less functional. Polycrystalline panels are typically set up in large spaces, like a solar farm.
DC to AC solar inverters
Each solar system requires a solar inverter. You must change the power from direct current (DC), which solar panels produce, to alternating current (AC), to use in your home.
There are various types of inverters for solar applications: string, central, and micro. You need extensive research and careful preparation to choose the best solar inverter if you intend to install a solar system yourself. If you engage a reputable solar contractor, they will choose a solar inverter for you.
Solar meter
A bi-directional meter, which your utility company often provides, will be used by any residential solar system to connect to your local electric grid. In this case, your meter will run backward because generating electricity you don't use will be returned to the grid.
The utility company will credit your electricity account for the extra electricity you generated, known as "net metering." Every town has rules and regulations, so ask your local utility company if net metering is applicable in your area.
Batteries for solar systems
Even when the sun isn't shining, you can still store electricity in solar batteries and use it when needed. These batteries are an alternative for households who want to live entirely off the grid, limit their power use after sunset, or have backup power in case the grid goes down.
There are numerous varieties of solar system batteries, each with unique chemical compositions and designs. One of the most popular installation alternatives for home solar installations is power banks, such as Tesla's Powerwall.
Why Use Solar Energy?
Cost
Solar energy investment requires time and financial commitment. Before incentives, the average installation can cost up to $25,000, and most solar power systems continue to generate electricity for over 20 years. But adding (SP) solar panels to your house or small business has numerous advantages.
Having solar power installed will help you save money on your electricity bills. Installing a solar system might eventually pay for itself in savings, depending on how much electricity you use on average and how much you pay for monthly energy bills. Use an energy savings calculator to determine if solar power is an excellent fit for your house or small business.
The value of properties
Your home's resale value can be significantly increased by installing solar power. Research by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that each additional kW of rooftop solar power increases a home's resale value by $5,911.
In addition, most solar power installers will transfer the terms of your lease, loan, or payment plan to the new homeowner if you decide to move before you've paid for your solar system. When adding to already-existing systems, this lower restriction does not apply.
Safeguard the environment
The use of harmful fossil fuels to meet our energy demands severely impacts the environment. The widespread use of solar energy has many positive effects on both health and the economy, and it is one of the best methods to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Australia could reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 10% between 2015 and 2025 if solar energy supplies 14% of the country's electricity needs in 2030 and 27% in 2050. The savings from this reduction might range between $238 and $252 billion.
Things To Note Regarding Solar Power Systems
Solar power systems and solar energy are intricate. Below are some of the questions you might have about solar power and the installation process:
What kind of power will my panels produce?
Where you reside and how much daily sunlight your home receives significantly impact how much electricity you can generate from solar power. The (NREL) National Renewable Energy Laboratory and The Australian Solar Energy Forecasting System (ASEFS) (US-Australia Solar Energy Collaboration) produced a solar PV map that displays the nation's average yearly "solar insolation."
You should be able to get a general impression from the map of the typical annual solar insolation levels. The solar energy sector uses solar insolation measurement. It tracks the amount of sunlight (solar radiation) over time in a specific area. Kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is the most typical unit, as seen in the map above.
You'll want to ask more straightforward questions about your location and house - like the possibility of your next-door neighbour's oak tree obstructing sunlight. Additionally, you should keep temperature and weather conditions in mind when designing your solar panels. Luckily, there are copious different tools you can use to help discover more about your solar panels.
What is the cost of a PV system?
The average residential solar PV system cost ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. Due to the high price, a power purchase agreement (PPA), loan, or lease are common ways to finance a solar PV system due to the high cost. Each choice has advantages and disadvantages.
Types of solar panels
Most residential solar panels are 3.25 feet (0.9m) by 5.5 feet (1.7m) in size and are composed of monocrystalline silicon, which is more efficient but more expensive. Another emerging technology that is making headway in the market is solar shingles.
Your solar panels may be a little different from the norm in terms of size and kind because some solar installers use exclusive mounting techniques and solar panels.
A household solar provider should be able to tell you which panels will work best for your scenario once you decide how much power you want to produce. You can experiment with PVWatts Calculators to see expected outputs for various module types.
What is the average lifespan of (SP) solar panels?
The average lifespan of modern solar panels is between 20 and 30 years before power loss becomes noticeably higher. Most home solar providers offer a 20 to 25-year warranty; however, many only provide specific power output (a guarantee of 80 per cent output for 20 years, for example).
What solar panel is right for me?
A household solar provider can advise you on which panels will work best for your circumstances once you've determined how much power you want to produce. Play around with any PVWatts calculator to examine predicted outputs for various module types. The size and type of panels you receive may vary slightly from the average because certain solar providers have exclusive mounting techniques and solar panels.
How To Determine The Required Solar Panel Count
Follow these four simple steps to determine how many solar panels you need if you want to put pen to paper and do the numbers yourself.
- Calculate your energy consumption
- Determine how much electricity is generated locally by solar panels
- Determine the required solar system size
- Divide your monthly electricity usage by your location's monthly peak solar hours to find the system size you need in kW
- Determine how many solar panels you'll need
To convert from kilowatts to watts, multiply the solar system size by 1,000. You can now easily determine the number of solar panels you need by dividing the output of the solar panels by the wattage of the system.
Consult A Solar Installation Expert
The most significant benefit of going solar, aside from the environment, is cost-effectiveness. If you decide to go solar based on the answers to the questions above, the amount of money you spend on energy will be the deciding factor. As your electricity bill rises, the benefits of switching to solar power increase.
You must fully take into account your bills annually to account for seasonal variations to accurately estimate your electricity consumption. Additionally, the total number of kWh of electricity you use on average each month determines the size of solar panel installation you need.
Residential solar panels typically have installed capacities between 4 and 10 kWh. Therefore, if you need assistance understanding how your solar PV system works or simply need some general maintenance, consider your local solar installer.