Solar energy is a form of renewable or `green` power that uses the Sun`s light and heat to generate electricity. It can be harnessed in many ways, including photovoltaic cells and concentrated solar power systems.
The Sun emits radiant energy consisting of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation. Almost half of this energy is absorbed by Earth and its atmosphere, while the other half is reflected back into space.
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Solar Panels
Solar panels can be used to produce electricity from the sun`s energy. These panels are composed of multiple solar cells made from silicon semiconductors. They absorb sunlight during the day and generate an electric current.
Two primary technologies can harness the sun`s power and turn it into electricity. They are Photovoltaic and Concentrated Solar Power. Most commonly, PV is used in residential solar panels.
The most common panel technology is based on polycrystalline or monocrystalline solar cells that absorb light from the sun and convert it into electric currents. The higher the efficiency of these cells, the more electricity they can produce per watt.
Cell temperatures rise well above 25 degC during sunny weather, which can reduce power output by 8-15%. A number of panel manufacturers have released more efficient panels that are based on N-type TOPcon, N-type NJT and IBC cells. SunPower Maxeon is currently the industry`s most popular panel technology. However, other manufacturers are also creating more efficient panels.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters heat your home using clean energy. They do not require you to use fossil fuels like coal. These systems are also less expensive than traditional electric and gas water heaters and can be used to generate electricity for other appliances like lights, TVs or appliances.
Solar systems are an excellent way to reduce your utility bills by up to 70%. You can also get tax credits, rebates, and incentives for installing solar systems.
You can choose from direct or indirect solar water heating systems depending on where you live. Direct systems heat a fluid by using the sun. The fluid then flows through a heat exchanger and into a storage tank.
Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water systems use the sun`s energy to heat your household hot water. They are made of several major components, including solar collectors that absorb the sun`s heat, a storage tank, a heat exchanger, and a controller system.
Solar water heating systems can be used to reduce the home`s dependence on costly grid-powered electricity, and the carbon emissions. You can also reduce your hot water bills by up to two-thirds.
Indirect systems are the most popular type of solar hot-water heater in America. They combine a cold water line with a heated transfer liquid that doesn`t mix with tap water. The fluid moves through a series of pipes that connect to the solar storage tank.
Direct systems are the best option for homeowners in the U.S. because they are more resilient to cold and retain heat better during winter. They are however more expensive than direct systems.
Solar Electricity
Solar electricity is generated using a technology called photovoltaics. In a photovoltaic cell, a thin semiconductor wafer (a semiconductor is a material made from two layers of silicon) is doped with positive or negative substances that create an electric field at the junction between the two layers.
An electric field causes electrons to move, which in turn causes them flow out of the junction and generate an electrical current. These electrons are then transferred to wires and connected to a solar inverter, which converts the electricity into usable form for your home.
Solar power systems can be linked to the utility grid for maximum efficiency, or they can operate in stand-alone mode. Grid-tied systems can have excess energy from the panels fed back into the grid to offset the cost for buying it from the utility. This practice is often called net metering.