When it comes to renewable energy, solar has become a buzzword. Solar energy is one of the richest sources of energy other than wind and water energy used for generating energy (electricity).
But, what does solar energy actually mean and how is it different from other renewable sources? In this blog, we will answer that question as well as dive deeper into how solar energy works, discover its benefits and characteristics, and focus on the way ahead.
What is solar power?
It is a power generation method that converts energy from the sun into electricity. It uses solar panels to facilitate a reaction that converts sun’s light radiation into electricity.
How do Solar panels work?
Most of us are well aware of so-called photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, found on rooftops, space-crafts and on things like handheld calculators. When sunlight hits the cells, these panels operate as conductors, taking in the sun’s rays, heating up, and creating direct current electricity (DC). After this, an inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current electricity (AC). Once this DC-to-AC conversion process is accomplished, the electricity is used, fed into the grid or stored in a battery. This photovoltaic process doesn’t require any fuel and has no variable costs.
The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Renewable Solar Energy
Renewable Energy Source
Perhaps the most significant benefit is that it is a renewable power source. Solar power is also scalable. This means that it can be used to power a single household or, it can be deployed on an industrial and commercial scale. It can be used in areas where there is very little or no electricity.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of solar power is significantly less than other power generation methods. In contrast to fossil fuel-generated electricity, electricity produced from solar yields no emissions, no greenhouse gases, and no fossil fuels. No harmful emissions or wastes associated with coal – nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxides, and mercury – are released into the air when electricity is produced by solar panels. These can cause cause a host of health problems ranging from breathing difficulties to premature death. In other words, solar energy consists of zero carbon footprints that harms neither the environment nor human beings.
Cleanest Energy Sources Available
The technology is one of the most environmentally-friendly energy sources as it does not require fuel combustion. This means that solar power can create large amounts of electricity without the uncertainty and expense of securing a fuel supply.
Limitless solar energy
Every day, the sun gives more than enough free and abundant energy to meet the whole world’s energy needs. As an inexhaustible energy source that is pollution- and often noise-free, it never expires. And unlike fossil fuels, we don’t have to worry about running out of sunlight anytime. By installing a solar power system, you can enjoy life-time energy with little investment.
Reduces Electricity Bills
No doubt! Choosing solar systems on your home’s rooftop saves you economically and allows owners to cut major costs that occurred on electricity. Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells and store it into DC which converts further into energy to be run home appliances like T.V. fridge, microwave, heater, etc. Solar panels offset your electricity usage at home and saves electricity bill up to 90 to 100%. It thereby reduces how much you end up paying for utilities over time and gives you an optimal electricity bill. Therefore, installing a solar energy system is an effortless method to stop paying for electricity.
Energy Independence
Solar power can impact you economically and can also impact the local economy for the better. A home with a solar panel makes a huge positive impact to society. It is important as it changes people’s thoughts, encourages them to think, and raises awareness. When you go solar you become energy independent by producing your own energy.
Low operating and maintenance costs
After installation of solar panels, their operational costs are quite low compared to other forms of power generation. The cost of maintaining solar panels is little or non-considerable. It simply requires proper cleaning and good maintenance regularly, which is a rather simple and uncomplicated process. Most solar rooftops have a life expectancy of 25 years which creates little bearing of extra expenses.
Solar Power Creates Jobs
One of the surprising solar energy advantages is that it has quickly become a major source of new job growth and is poised to be the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade. The solar energy sector can benefit the local economy by providing different types of jobs including positions in manufacturing, installation, engineering, sales and marketing etc. With as more and more people installing solar panels, solar jobs are increasing every year. While the number of jobs is related to the size of the solar plant, these jobs in rural areas provide additional source of income for many rural families. It also helps to increase the use of local facilities – which in turn helps to decrease the unemployment rate of the given area.
The Future of Solar Energy
Solar energy, also called green energy was once a “clean-but-expensive” alternative – it’s now helping to reduce energy bills for people all over the world. Solar Energy holds the key to a clean energy future and can help the local economy and environment, the community, the surrounding animals and plants. The domain of green energy is also continuously witnessing rapid technological advancements, thereby making the solutions more viable for people.
Wrapping It Up
As individuals, as communities, and as a country, we should aim to improve our energy use, forms of transport, and consumer choices – and then use clean energy to meet our remaining needs. If we successfully combine renewables with sustainable lifestyles, it will be so much quicker – not to mention so much cheaper – to create an emission-free world.
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