A short primer on solar panels and their functionalities
Solar energy can be used to generate electricity and heat with the help of solar panels. Solar panels convert solar energy into electrical energy that is used to power certain home appliances and provide heat using the heating systems. Solar panels are a sequence of interconnected silicon cells that are joined together to form a circuit.
One hour of sunlight has enough energy to power all the houses of the world for one whole year. There are two ways in which solar energy can be used: heat and light. Various processes are employed to utilize heat and light from solar energy to generate power, some of which are as follows:
- The process of generating solar power involves solar panels and some electrical devices that convert the light and heat energy from the sun into electricity using specialized photovoltaic cells.
- When solar energy is collected in a reservoir with the purpose of heating water for households, the process is called a home solar heating system.
- Passive solar energy is a concept of giving more leverage to solar energy and using it to heat homes with solar power.
- Solar heat energy is converted into electricity using turbines; this process is called a utility-scale solar thermal system.
- Usage of solar energy to create solar power is popular among several households where people use DIY methods to create solar power units at home.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar panels
There are many advantages to using solar panels, such as high savings, renewable energy, low carbon footprint, easy maintenance and replacement, long lifespan, efficiency, reliability, and increased value of the property.
There are a few disadvantages of solar panels too. They include high installation cost, hidden pollutants, the requirement of a large space for installation, time restriction (can absorb solar light only during the day), and geographical location limitation.
Solar panels are used in many things that we use every day. Road signs, hot water, satellites, and calculators use solar energy. Solar panels can be made at home and be used for generating electricity. One can install solar panels with proper guidelines and make the most of the natural source or energy present for us.