In simple words, solar energy is the light and heat of the sun. This abundant energy is very useful for the earth. While electricity prices are rising and the resources to create electricity are scarce, solar energy is a blessing. It is a miracle and a readily available source to produce electricity. But how does solar energy work?
How does solar energy work?
Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect in 1839. When exposed to the sun, he found that semiconductor material can generate usable electricity. Solar cells get energised by sunlight, setting electrons in motion. The flow of these electrons is electricity. Solar panels are creatively made to convert this electricity into usable electric current.
Since solar cells are made of silicon, this process is very easy. Silicon is a semiconducting material that absorbs sunlight. Because of using (Anti Reflective Coating), solar panels absorb increased sunlight, providing cells maximum sun exposure. This is the most common material used for solar cells, with almost 95% used by manufacturers today.
The solar inverters convert the current from DC to AC and flow it to your appliances. It is useful as electricity or thermal power to heat appliances and water in winter. In case of any extra solar electricity, batteries are used for storage. This is also a brilliant idea if you wish to go completely off-grid.
Use of solar energy
- Heating water with solar power
- House heating for cold winter days
- Useful for operating home appliances
- Solar water pumps for agriculture uses
- People can use stored solar energy for running electric equipment on vacation
How do solar panels generate electricity?
The most common technology uses thin sheets of silicon. This semiconductor material is connected in series in a photovoltaic panel or module. Solar panels have two layers of silicon. These include two types of cells, ie PV. The P-type layer has silicon coated by boron, and the V-type layer has silicon coated by phosphorus. At the junction between these layers, an electric field is generated.
When this field pushes electrons flowing via the solar cells, it helps produce an electric current. The bus bars on each side of solar cells collect this current and push it through the connecting wires. To increase the durability of panels, they are protected with glass, which protects them from environmental conditions. Encapsulants and Backsheets are used for additional protection. This also increases the lifespan of solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Energy
“A Greener Earth with Solar Energy”
Zero carbon emissions
Solar photovoltaic (PV) helps in generating solar electricity. Solar panels do not emit any carbon while producing electricity. This is a brilliant to save the environment and welcome zero carbon emission electricity production. Solar power systems produce electricity without emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants.
Renewable energy
Sunlight is available all over the globe. It is abundant in nature. Unlike other forms of making electricity, this resource is renewable. This means it is inexhaustible and can be harnessed as long as the sun exists. Anyone can access this resource, and there are no location constraints.
Clean energy for a safer future
Solar energy can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, a major climate change contributor. Solar power generation has a lower environmental impact than other forms of energy production. It requires less water for operation and has minimal negative effects on ecosystems. Another benefit is utilising this water for other important tasks like agriculture and distribution to water scarcity places.
‘A Miracle Technology for Modern Consumers”
Low Maintenance
The cost of installing and maintaining solar panels is way cheaper. Compared to conventional power generation, solar energy is an economically viable option. The workforce used for solar set-up is readily available, even in remote areas. The lifespan of solar panels is typically long. It ranges from 25 to 30 years or more. Moreover, solar can be installed to suit specific energy usage.
Flexible Setup
No one ever thought that electricity could become portable. Technology has no limits. Solar power can be very flexible. It is easily scaled to off-grid solutions for remote locations. Solar technology offers convenient and adaptable energy solutions, whether integrated into portable chargers, backpacks, or emergency power stations.
For example, the BLUETTI EB200P Portable Power Station | 2,200W 2,048Wh. With a 2048Wh capacity, the EB200P empowers various devices suitable for outdoor activities or emergency use at home. It offers convenient charging options through AC, solar panels, cars, generators, Lead-acid batteries, and dual AC or AC+Solar. These have a 1400W charging and can be fully charged in just 2 hours.
Business opportunity
With more consumers shifting to solar energy, this has become a niche business opportunity for many. This makes the solar energy business a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs all over the globe. Finding your target consumer is easy as it is getting popular even in remote areas. Traditional electricity prices are rising, so people are shifting to solar power for economic benefit.
Here are some amazing ideas for solar business that you can try.
- Solar Water Pumping
- Solar installation and Maintenance Services
- Selling Solar Products
- Solar Energy Auditing
- Setting up a Solar training institute
- Solar Product Marketing
- Solar Consultancy Services
How to store solar energy?
Although sunlight is an abundant energy source, the sun is only bright for a few hours. Due to this factor, it is important to prepare and store extra energy in case of backup. Some of the most common storage options for solar power are as follows.
Storing solar energy is very important. It can help you maintain a continuous and reliable supply of power. Energy storage is the bridge between producing and consuming energy. The stored energy provides an efficient distribution of energy and resources. This helps to enable a stable grid system.
Storing solar energy also ensures a sustainable environment for our ecosystem and decreases the reliability of non-renewable energy. Energy storage is crucial to decrease the impact of intermittent renewable energy sources. Moreover, energy storage acts as a buffer stock of energy during high demand or times of emergency. This is a blessing to fulfill the emerging needs of modern-day consumers.
Use solar battery to store the solar energy
A solar battery, or storage system, is a device used to store excess electricity generated by solar panels during periods of sunlight. This stored energy can be utilized when the sun isn't shining, such as during the night or on cloudy days. The battery serves as a crucial component in a solar power setup. It helps in enhancing self-sufficiency by providing a reliable and continuous power supply. This reduces reliance on the grid and promotes the efficient use of clean, renewable energy.
BLUETTI solar batteries offer a reliable and sustainable energy storage solution, allowing users to harness and store solar power for later use. With advanced lithium-ion technology, BLUETTI batteries provide efficient and long-lasting energy storage, ensuring a consistent power supply during periods of low sunlight.
For example, BLUETTI B230 Expansion Battery | 2,048Wh, the AC200MAX + B230 unit is a portable and safe power solution for home and camping use. With 100W USB-C, 12V/10A cigarette lighter, and 18W USB-A ports, it efficiently charges on-road essentials like smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, and lights. Perfect for backup power during both indoor and outdoor activities.
Another brilliant option from BLUETTI is BLUETTI AC300 + B300 home Battery Backup. The AC300 by BLUETTI is their pioneering 100% modular station, capable of accommodating external battery packs to reach a maximum capacity of 12,288Wh. From emergency backup to off-grid power, this home backup generator ensures all your electricity needs are met. With its modular design supporting up to 4×B300 battery modules, you can power essential family needs for days during emergencies or power outages.
Challenges in solar energy
While significant progress has been made in solar energy storage, challenges remain. These are as follows.
- Ongoing research and development are essential due to cost, scalability, and environmental impact considerations.
- Continued advancements in materials science, technology, and system integration are crucial for overcoming challenges.
- Addressing these challenges is necessary to make solar energy storage more accessible and widespread.
As the world transitions toward renewable energy, ongoing research and development will play a pivotal role in further improving solar energy storage's efficiency, affordability, and sustainability, ultimately shaping a more resilient and eco-friendly energy future.
As the world transitions toward renewable energy, ongoing research and development will play a pivotal role in further improving solar energy storage's efficiency, affordability, and sustainability, ultimately shaping a more resilient and eco-friendly energy future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Storing solar energy is a crucial aspect of harnessing renewable energy for consistent and reliable use. The adaptability of solar energy setups, combined with their portability, expands the range of applications and promotes sustainable and clean energy solutions in diverse contexts. Whether used for recreational purposes, emergency preparedness, or as an alternative power source, solar energy's flexibility makes it a valuable and accessible resource.
