The sun is an incredible and renewable resource that has the power to fuel life on earth and provide clean, sustainable energy to all of its inhabitants. In fact, more energy from the sun reaches our planet in one hour than is used by the entire population of the world in one year. The sun’s energy can be converted into electricity through solar photovoltaic (PV) modules (photo = light, voltaic = electricity).
PV modules absorb sunlight and convert it into a usable form of electrical current. The overall process of a solar PV system is fairly simple and can be summarized in four steps.
1. The process begins when sunlight hits a solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic panel.
2. Solar cells within the panel absorb this energy and generate direct current (DC).
3. Wiring and circuits connected to the solar panels collect the DC power and convert it to alternating current (AC) through an inverter.
4. The AC power is then fed into your home's existing fuse box, distributing energy throughout your home to power all your devices. Additionally, any excess electricity not used can typically be sent to the grid (operated by a utility company) or used to charge batteries for backup power
The sun shines all over the world, making solar electricity viable anywhere. Because solar can be paired with batteries for energy storage, solar electric systems can be independent of the utility grid, making them cost-effective for remote locations. Solar modules have no moving parts making maintenance costs low, and they are highly reliable with a long service life of 25+ years of guaranteed electricity. Solar electricity relies on the sun as its fuel source, so there is no need to drill for petroleum-based fuels, refine them, or deliver them to the site. As you can see, there are a lot of advantages of solar energy.
Solar power systems offer a sustainable and efficient way to harness the sun’s energy. By understanding the components and processes involved in these systems, we can appreciate the technology that allows us to convert sunlight into electricity and heat. As technology advances and costs decrease, solar power is poised to play a crucial role in the future of energy production.