Solar Energy System

The solar energy system is referred to as energy harnessed from the Sun using a range of technologies that helps in capturing radiant light and heat coming from the Sun. The ever-evolving technologies include solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants, and artificial photosynthesis. 

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can be broadly characterized into two types depending upon the way they capture solar energy.

• Active solar energy systems can include the use of photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power, and solar water heating to harness the energy. 

• Passive solar energy systems can include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favourable thermal mass or light-dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.

How Is Electricity Generated Using Solar Panels

Solar Energy can be used to generate Electricity using the following two methods:

• Using the Light of Sun (Solar PV) 

The solar panels are used to generate electricity by absorbing the electricity. After the sunlight rays strike the panel’s surface the p-n material of the panel releases electrons. These electrons flow to make the current which is used to run appliances or charge batteries. 

• Using the Heat from Sun (Solar Thermal) 

The solar panels are used to generate electricity by absorbing the electricity. After the sunlight rays strike the panel’s surface the p-n material of the panel releases electrons. These electrons flow to make the current which is used to run appliances or charge batteries. 

Roof-Top Solar Energy System

A Typical Rooftop Solar Energy system contains the following parts for it to function

• Solar Panels
• Charge controller
• Battery System for DC Power
• Inverter For AC power

Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells made from silicon that transform incoming sunlight into electricity rather than heat. The Electricity produced is in DC which is either stored in batteries or the inverter converts it to AC, which can be used to run AC appliances.

The charge controller acts as a circuit breaker in case there is excessive current inflow.

Uses of Solar Energy

Solar energy can be used in a number of ways like

• heating water using the solar water heater
• heating buildings using solar-powered heating systems
• Cooking using the solar cookers
• Generating electricity with PV cells

Benefits of solar energy

• Reduces Pollution by providing clean renewable energy.
• Reduces dependence on non-renewable energy sources like coal and gas.
• Helps Fight Climate Change by reducing your carbon footprint.
• Reduce water consumption which is used while producing electricity using fossil fuels.
• Helps you reduce electricity bills by installing rooftop systems to produce your own electricity.
• Diverse applications ranging from producing electricity to heating water.

Read more here about 5 Reasons to harness solar energy.

Drawbacks of solar energy

• The high initial cost of setting up the system.
• The efficiency of solar energy systems drops when it is cloudy or rainy.
• Works only during the daytime.
• Energy storage is expensive, you need to consume it as it is produced.
• Needs lots of space to install PV panels to collect sunlight.