Solar Power 101
If you’re curious about solar energy, this is the perfect guide because we’ll be covering the basics: from the what solar power is to it’s advantages. This is a guide we’ve created for people like you who are considering going solar but are still a bit hesitant.
What is solar power?
Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy into usable electricity. Sunlight is captured in a variety of ways, the most common is the use of photo-voltaic cells in solar panels and transparent photo-voltaic glass into usable energy.
Solar-electric or photo-voltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. PV can provide electricity for residential and commercial buildings, including the power for security lights and air conditioning. It can also produce power for pumping water, electrifying fences, or aerating ponds.
How do solar panels work?
A solar panel (also known as a solar module) consists of a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass casing unit, and wiring to transfer electric current from the silicon. Silicon is a nonmetal which is a semiconductor that absorbs sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. When sunlight hits a silicon cell, the solar radiation causes electrons in the silicon to be set in motion, initiating a flow of electric current also known as photo-voltaic effect.
How much is solar energy?
In 2010 solar prices were around $5 to $10 per watt but because of its increasing popularity the cost has decreased, add to the fact that the federal STC scheme also offers up to 40% of the cost of the system via a government incentive.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels can last anywhere between 25 up to 30 years or even more. But it doesn’t mean that the solar panels on your rooftop will instantly stop generating electricity after a couple of decades, it just means that the energy production of your panels will decrease by what their manufacturers consider optimal to meet an average household’s energy needs. Choose the right solar panel for your home here.
Do solar panels works on cloudy, rainy, and snowy days?
Solar panels work perfectly well during cloudy, snowy, and rainy days. Solar panels can still generate power during moody weather since the solar cells on the solar panels are powered by light and not by heat. However, they are most efficient during sunny days because of the direct sunlight that comes from the sun.
What are the advantages of using solar power?
Solar power is a renewable form of energy (also called clean energy) is sustainable and has been beneficial not just for the environment but also financially. Since we get sunlight everyday we can also keep storing its energy without depleting its source. A remote location can also benefit from solar energy as I doesn’t require to be connected to a power line to power your homes.
If you need solar panel servicing, give us a call Solar Shop Online at 1300 620 290, or send us an email at info@solarshoponline.com.au.