The solar energy industry is booming. During 2018 solar energy use increased by 10 percent and generated enough energy to power 12.7 million American homes. There’s no denying solar energy is here to stay. But what is solar power? With its increasing popularity comes the necessity of understanding how the technology works. Even a basic understanding of solar power can help you realize its benefits.
The sun is like a giant nuclear reactor. It releases a massive amount of energy through photons every second. These photons travel to Earth in the form of heat and light which are transformed into energy in numerous ways. The most common methods are photovoltaics or solar thermal capture.
Photovoltaics convert light into electricity in three steps:
These wires channel electricity to a solar inverter which sends energy throughout your home.
Solar thermal capture converts energy into electricity and is typically used for larger-scale needs. This technology creates three types of energy.
Using solar energy has very little impact on the environment. Solar energy systems don’t produce carbon dioxide or air pollutants. The technology is also incredibly versatile. Space satellites or remote locations are just as easily powered as local areas.
However, on cloudy days or at night, solar energy can’t be used without a storage device like a battery. These batteries house converted solar energy and provide electricity even if the sun isn’t out. Additionally, solar technologies can be incredibly expensive and need a large area to collect the amount of energy needed to be useful.
Despite the expense, the use of solar energy has increased 20 percent each year for the last 15 years. The increase is primarily due to cheaper installation costs and technology and efficiency gains.
No matter how you’re looking to use solar energy, it’s important to understand how the technology works. That way you can get the most out of the technology.
Learn more about how solar energy works and how it can benefit your home by contacting Humless today!
Article reviewed by: Glenn Jakins (CEO Humless)