One of the most magnificent creation in life is the sunlight –plants need it in order to grow during the process of photosynthesis, we need it to make us feel calm and happy, our skin needs it for Vitamin D – but what else?
What if I tell you that sunlight can also reduce your electricity bill? Yes, you heard it right, and that’s all thanks to solar energy or power. In this article, I’ve collected some basic information about everything you need to know about solar power.
So, what is solar power exactly?
During these past few years, solar energy has been known as the best alternative energy source without sacrificing the environment. As the name implies, solar power is basically used the light from the sun which converts that energy to generate electricity.
The sun is considered a powerful source of energy in which all life on earth depends on it. Solar power is free, renewable, clean form of energy which is widely used by several business and home for a variety of purposes.
Installation of solar panels in the different household has become very popular in countries like Australia and which is why several solar companies in Brisbane especially have become more in demand.
How does solar power actually work?
There are several ways on how solar energy is transformed into the energy that uses including:
- PV (Photovoltaic Processes): This happens by acquiring the sunlight and transforms it into electricity using PV devices. This works when the sunlight hits some semiconductor which produces electrons and eventually pushed through the device and generates
- SHC (Solar Heating and Cooling): As the name implies, this process is about transforming the sunlight into thermal energy which is used for either heating or cooling.
- CSP (Concentrating Solar Power): One of the newest technologies is the CSP, this works by storing the solar power into steam engines or turbines to generate electricity.
Why choose solar power?
People often fail to realize the importance of solar energy – but what’s good in solar power?
- Solar power is free, renewable, and sustainable source of energy
There’s one thing I’m sure of – no one can ever monopolize the sunlight and our sun is still going to shine and provides us with more energy than we could ever use, it all now depends on how can we make the best use of it to power our offices and homes.
- Solar power is an eco-friendly energy source
Solar power represents a cleaner, greener and safer way to get energy without hurting the environment. The benefits of installing solar panels are that they are usually silent and produce zero pollution because they reduce carbon footprints and they don’t release greenhouse gases that would pollute our mother nature.
- Solar power can reduce your electricity bills
The solar power industry has been popular in Australia and solar company Brisbane have become more available for homeowners. The electricity generated by solar power systems can be used to power different household appliances and devices such a light, fans, charging mobile, powering cars, and so much more.
- Solar power improve grid protection
In the UK for example, more people have invested in installing solar cells in their homes which in return, provides a great source of electricity which causes fewer brownouts and blackout experience and provides a greater electricity grid security in both human and natural-caused disasters.
- Solar power plays a significant role in economic growth
Aside from booming solar power industry, the sector also opens massive job opportunities for people. For instance, UK has been the second largest solar employer in 2015 with its35,000 people which undoubtedly reduced the rate of unemployment in the country.
But what are the setbacks?
Good question.
Using solar power really is beneficial for us, but there are also some disadvantages and this includes:
- The investment may be pricey
The initial investment can pay itself for about 10 – 15 years which depends on the energy consumption and cost of the installation. The cost of the batteries can be also really expensive.
- Limited Applicability
Solar power in order to generate electricity uses sunlight which can be a major advantage and a setback mainly because it can be only harnessed during daytime and may reduce its effectiveness during cloudy or rainy seasons as well.
Conclusion:
Solar power is free, renewable, clean form of energy which can provide us energy for variety of purposes.
As the technology continues to innovate and change, more and more effective ways to use solar energy will come to light that could soon replace other sources of energy in the future which causes pollution and eventually make our lives so much easier in a cleaner and greener way.