As homeowners and business owners, we are always looking for ways to save money and be more sustainable. One of the best ways to accomplish both goals is installing solar panels. However, some of you may not know how solar panels work or how they can generate solar power for your home or business. Don’t fret, as we’ve got you covered!
This blog post will cover solar energy, how solar panels work, and how solar panels generate solar power for both home users and businesses. At the end of this post, you will have an informed decision on if solar panels are the right choice for you!
Solar Energy
Solar energy is the power that is generated by the sun. This energy can be used in several ways, including solar heating, solar power, solar thermal energy, and solar lighting. The power generated from the sun can be used for home and business use and for solar power plants.
These facts have been proven, so many people are now turning to solar panels as their main energy source. There are several ways to capture solar energy, but the most common method is through solar panels.
Solar Panels: How They Work
Solar panels are devices that collect solar energy and convert it into electricity. They are made up of solar cells connected to create a solar panel. Solar cells work by using the photons in sunlight to generate an electric field. This electric field causes electrons to flow through the solar cell, creating an electric current.
The solar cells are connected to a solar panel so the current can be directed to a solar power inverter. The solar power inverter then converts the DC into an AC current, which can be used to power your home or business.
Solar Energy Systems
The method of capturing solar power differs for residential and commercial solar panels. Here are the three main ways:
1. Photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaic systems are more popular for small-scale electricity projects (such as residential solar panel installations). It uses solar cells to convert solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity.
The DC electricity is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by a solar power inverter. This conversion can power your home’s appliances, lights, and other electronics.
2. Concentrated Solar Power
Concentrated solar power systems are more popular for large-scale solar power projects (such as commercial solar panel installations). It works by using solar panels to store solar energy and convert it into heat.
The heat is then used to generate electricity through a process called thermal solar power generation. The power generated can be used in the following large-scale solar power projects:
- Solar power plants
- Solar farms
- Solar thermal power plants
3. Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water system capture is the most common solar power system.
In a solar hot water system, there’s no movement of electrons. Instead, the panels transform sunlight into heat.
The “collectors” are being installed on a rooftop and collect energy very differently than traditional photovoltaic panels – instead of generating electricity, they generate heat. The heat that has been generated will then transfer to the water, making it solar-powered “hot” water. This can be used in solar water heaters and solar thermal power plants.
Why Solar Energy is Sustainable
Fossil fuels are the main source of energy for many countries around the world. However, fossil fuels are not a sustainable source of energy because they will eventually run out. Solar energy is a sustainable energy source because it is renewable and solar panels can last for decades with proper maintenance. On top of those advantages, here are a few more reasons why solar energy is sustainable:
- Generates energy from the most sustainable resource on the planet, the sun’s energy
- Renewable energy
- Cleanest sources of energy
- It has a long life span
- It solves your electricity usage as it generates power from the sun, which is quite high
- Does not produce greenhouse gases
- You don’t need to pay energy bills monthly
- Creates a future that has unlimited potential for energy production
- Solar panels are recyclable
At Intelligent Design, we believe solar energy is the future of sustainable energy. We offer solar panel installation and maintenance services for a residential panel system. As we know that solar panels are the future, we make sure to stay updated with the latest solar technology and products. We are experts in solar and photovoltaic systems and will make sure your solar panel is installed correctly the first time.
Other Benefits of Solar Panels
Aside from the advantages mentioned above, there are several things that people don’t know about solar panels. Here are some of the solar panels’ benefits:
Increase the Value of Your Home
Solar panels can increase the value of your home. Solar panels are becoming more and more popular, and solar homes are in high demand. When solar panels are installed on your roof, it becomes a solar asset to your home, making it more valuable.
Ideal for Remote Locations
Solar panels are ideal for powering homes in remote locations that are not connected to the grid. They are flexible and can be easily installed, making them perfect for off-grid living.
Require Very Little Maintenance
Solar panels are very low maintenance and can last for decades with proper care. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and are built to last.
Creates More Jobs
As solar technologies become more popular, the solar industry is growing. This solar boom is creating new jobs in the solar industry. The more solar panels are installed, the more solar technicians will be needed to install and maintain them.
Pro Tip: How Solar Energy Can Save You Money
Conclusion
Solar panels are a great way to generate solar power for home and business use! Not only are solar panels sustainable, but they also have a long lifespan and require little maintenance.
If you’re looking for a solar panel installation company, look no further than Intelligent Design! We are located in Tucson, AZ, so if you are nearby, you are in luck! Our expert solar panel technicians will ensure your installation goes smoothly.
We have the best and latest solar technology and products, so you can be confident that your solar panel system will be installed correctly. Give us a call today to get started on your solar panel installation!