Solar energy harnesses the sun’s rays to produce renewable electricity. It’s one of the cleanest sources of energy, as it doesn’t emit harmful greenhouse gases into the air during the generation process.
It can also help you save money in a variety of ways, including reducing your monthly utility bill. The savings you see will depend on several factors, from your location and energy company to incentives offered by the federal government.
Solar Panels
Solar panels absorb sunlight and use it to generate electricity. They are commonly placed on rooftops and in large outdoor spaces to harness the sun’s energy for residential and commercial use.
The solar cells in each panel convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This is much better than the old-fashioned generators that used AC (alternating current) electricity to power a light bulb, for example.
A typical home with solar panels on the roof can generate enough electricity to run most of its electrical appliances. However, in the winter and on cloudy or dark days, the house may need to pull electricity from the grid.
Many homes with solar energy systems are able to sell excess power back to their local utility, so this is another way that homeowners can save money. In addition, many states offer incentives for solar energy that can help reduce your utility bills.
Solar Batteries
Solar batteries are a key part of the solar energy system because they allow you to store the excess electricity your solar panels produce. This allows your home to use the stored energy when needed, and then send the electricity back to the grid at night.
Solar battery storage systems can also help you reduce peak demand charges and gain resiliency in the event of power outages. However, solar batteries are not cheap – they can cost a few thousand dollars.
The best solar battery is one that has a high charge and discharge efficiency, and offers at least 90% DoD (discharge over discharge) capacity. Lithium-ion solar batteries are the most common and have these features.
Choosing the right type of battery is important because it impacts how much energy you can store in the long run. It’s also important to choose a battery that will be able to handle the loads you want to use it for. It’s best to size the battery based on your solar system’s output and your household’s energy consumption habits.
Solar Hot Water
Solar water heating is a form of renewable energy that relies on the sun’s heat to provide hot water for homes and businesses. It uses roof-mounted solar collectors to capture the sun’s energy and use it to preheat or warm the water.
It is a relatively low-maintenance alternative to conventional electricity and gas systems and can provide up to 20 percent savings on a household’s energy bill. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality.
There are several different types of solar water heaters, but most use flat plate collectors with a dark glass or polymer cover. As the sun shines on the collectors, they absorb the sun’s heat and transfer it to a fluid called a “transfer fluid.” This then circulates through pipes to a storage tank.
Solar Electricity
Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that comes from the sun. It’s used in a variety of ways, including to generate electricity and to heat homes.
To convert sunlight into electricity, solar power uses photovoltaic (PV) cells. These solar cells are made from silicon, a nonmetal semiconductor that absorbs and converts light into electrical current.
During daylight hours, the sunlight strikes the top of each PV cell and causes electrons to be released from atoms within the wafer. These ‘come loose’ electrons are set into motion by the electric field created around the wafer, resulting in an electrical current.
In addition to generating electricity, solar power can also help keep the electricity grid in balance by smoothing fluctuations in voltage and frequency. In addition, some solar systems are eligible for state-level incentives or rebates.