Solar Panels
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What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is created from the sun’s rays, but it’s important to note that converting solar radiation into energy comes at a cost. Despite this, the effectiveness of solar panels has increased significantly with advancements in solar technology, and their costs have decreased. As a result, solar energy has become an increasingly popular and viable alternative to traditional energy sources.
How Solar Works?
Solar panels operate on the principles of the photovoltaic effect. This process involves generating an electric current in a photovoltaic cell upon exposure to sunlight. Here are the fundamental steps:
1. Solar Panel
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) cells made of silicon to transform light energy from the sun into electricity in the form of direct current (DC). They’re equipped with a wiring system that enables the conversion of sunlight into electricity.
2. Inverter
Inverter converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC). It is the most important part of the whole system as all the household appliances use the AC current to work.
3. Switchboard
The AC electricity from the inverter is connected to the switchboard on the property, which distributes the electricity throughout as needed.
4. Power Grid
Any unused electricity is fed back to the grid through the utility meter for which you may receive credits based on the current feed-in tariff from your power retailer.
5. Battery
A battery stores the excess unused electricity generated by the PV system for your household use at night or extremely cloudy days when the sun is not shining.
Why Solar
Solar power offers both economic and environmental benefits. Below are some advantages of having solar panels installed:
Solar has become an affordable choice for more and more home and business owners. The recent government rebate and incentives have helped to substantially reduce the upfront cost of a solar PV system. The solar system pays for itself and has a quick return on investment
Using solar power will reduce the amount of electricity you buy from your electricity retailer as most of your energy needs will be met through your solar system during the day. On the other hand, if you generate more electricity than you consume, you may even receive credits for the surplus energy exported to the grid.
Solar systems generally don’t require much maintenance as there are no moving parts so there is no wear and tear. Also, most of the panels come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 20-25 years, making the maintenance and upkeep minimal.
Solar panels prove to be a worthful investment. While there is an initial upfront cost, solar energy will last forever and has no ongoing operational cost. Moreover, it protects you from the rising electricity costs, which are expected to go further up in the coming future.
With solar, your savings start from the day your system gets connected. You can use the free solar power generated from your solar system to run your household equipment and appliances or export the surplus to the energy grid and get paid a feed-in tariff.
Properties with solar are considered more valuable than the ones without it not only in terms of financial savings but as more people are getting environmentally conscious, having solar panels installed, certainly increases the value of your home or business.
Solar is a clean and renewable form of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, it creates no pollution or harmful emissions and does not harm the environment. By installing solar, you not only reap financial benefits but also contribute to save the planet.
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