What the Sun? What is Solar Energy and How Does it Work?

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When you think of renewable energy, what springs to mind? Trees, running water and even the wind. What you probably didn’t know is that the sun is also a renewable source of energy. Solar power is produced by photovoltaic cells, which are semiconductors that can convert light into electricity.

Regardless of its name, solar energy is neither reliant on the sun nor just another name for it. The heat and light from the sun are both inaccessible sources of energy because they’re in outer space and there isn’t anything between you and them. That said, solar power harnesses the light from the sun to produce electricity at an affordable price. Regardless of your climate or location, this article will explain everything you need to know about solar energy and how it works.

What the Sun? What is Solar Energy and How Does it Work

What is Solar Energy?

The sun is a giant nuclear reactor that produces energy by fusion. This process releases photons that are electromagnetic radiation, which travel through space and hit the earth’s atmosphere, where they’re then converted into solar energy. Photovoltaic cells are semiconductors that can convert sunlight into electricity through the process called the photovoltaic effect.

Most solar cells are made of silicon, a semiconductor whose atoms have an abundance of electrons that can be excited and used to generate electricity. Silicon atoms normally conduct electrons in a very orderly fashion unless struck by a ray of sunlight. Upon exposure to light, silicon atoms release electrons that can be collected as electricity by wires attached to them. Solar energy is clean, sustainable and has been around since the beginning of time.

The energy in the sun comes from the fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium in the star’s core. This process releases photons that travel through space and hit the earth’s atmosphere, where they’re then converted into solar energy. Photovoltaic cells are semiconductors that can convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

How does solar energy work?

When a photon hits a solar cell, it dislodges an electron. The electron is attracted to the positive electrode in the solar cell, which is attached to wires. The flow of electricity through the wires is what we call solar energy. Solar panels are made of several solar cells wired together and mounted on a rooftop or a car.

The solar cells in the solar panels absorb photons from the sun and generate electricity, which is then fed into the power grid. The solar cells are connected in series, so if one is broken the rest of the cells will continue to produce electricity. So, despite one bad solar cell the system will still generate electricity.

Is Solar Energy Only for the Rich?

For a long time, solar panels were costly and only available to people with a certain income. Thanks to technological advancements, solar panels are now much cheaper and can be purchased by almost anyone. Solar energy systems have fallen in price by more than 80% since the year 2008. In many cases, the government will help you offset the costs of installing solar panels by providing rebates or tax credits.

Some places even offer free solar energy systems or programs where you can rent solar panels for a very low monthly fee. You don’t have to have a lot of money to go solar. Solar energy is available to just about anyone and almost anywhere in the world. There are solar panels large enough to power entire cities. There are also solar panels small enough to mount on a single-family home. You can even go solar with solar-powered backpacks. No matter where you live, you can use the power of the sun to meet your energy needs.

Pros of Going Solar

- Solar energy is clean: Solar panels don’t burn anything or release any harmful substances into the atmosphere. You don’t have to worry about pollution or toxic gases when you use solar energy. - Solar energy is renewable: The sun will be around for another 5 billion years or so. As long as we don’t destroy the ozone layer, we can harness solar energy indefinitely. - Going solar is cost-effective: The price of solar panels has fallen dramatically in recent years.

You can now generate solar energy for a lower cost than power from the grid in many areas of the country. - Solar energy creates jobs: Solar installation is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. Going solar creates jobs both in the installation and in the manufacture of solar panels. - Solar energy cuts your carbon footprint: Solar energy doesn’t release any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By switching to solar, you’re not only reducing your energy bill but also your carbon footprint.

- Solar energy is safe: Solar energy is generated by photovoltaic panels that don’t produce any heat or fire hazards. You don’t have to worry about an accident or fire damaging your panels.

Cons of Going Solar

- Solar panels don’t work at night: Solar panels don’t generate any energy at night time or on a cloudy day. This is why many solar energy systems include batteries that store the energy during the day and then release it at night. - Solar energy isn’t reliable: Solar energy systems don’t produce a constant supply of energy. You can’t rely on it to meet 100% of your energy needs. Instead, you should use it to supplement your existing energy sources.

- Solar energy doesn’t pay for itself: Solar panels take a long time to pay for themselves. You have to factor in the cost of purchasing and installing the panels, along with the cost of maintaining them. - Solar energy isn’t cost-free: You can save money on your energy bills by going solar, but it isn’t free. You have to pay upfront for the installation of solar panels and their maintenance.

Solar energy isn’t accessible to everyone: Solar energy is great, but it isn’t available to everyone. You have to have the right kind of roof and enough space and sunlight to install panels.

Final Words: Should You Go Solar?

Solar energy is one of the most reliable and cost-effective sources of energy. It’s also clean, renewable and doesn’t produce any harmful emissions. Solar panels can be installed at any residential or commercial property,

regardless of the climate or location. If you’re considering switching to solar, the sooner you start the better. Prices are falling and installation is becoming increasingly easier. With the benefits of solar energy, it’s worth the effort.