Want to know how is Solar power generated to produce electricity and what’s its scope. Don’t worry, we have got you covered!
“Energy use” has become a crucial concern in the last few decades because of the rapid increase in energy demand. Due to the global energy shortage and harmful environmental impacts of fossil fuel-based sources, the application of Renewable energy is now receiving much attention. Solar energy is one of the most important renewable energy forms and is the second-biggest renewable energy source after Water. Scientists have been researching on Scope and efficiency of Solar energy for decades. Due to its potential to change the energy sector and environment-friendly nature, the future of Solar power generation looks promising.
How is Solar Power Generated?
Solar Power generation has series of steps. Sun releases Photons that travel 93 Million Moles between Earth and the sun and reaches Earth in about 8.5 minutes.
1) First, Sunlight hits a solar panel.
2) This Panel converts the energy into DC (Direct current) which flows to an inverter.
3) The inverter converts the electricity from DC to AC.
4) We use this AC (Alternating current) in powering electric appliances.
Why Converting DC into AC is necessary?
AC (Alternating Current) is chosen because it is cheap to transmit electricity over long distances. Solar Panel creates DC which is then converted into AC by inverter.
Solar Cells:
Multiple Solar Cells make up a Solar Panel. They have positive and negative layers which, like a battery, create an electric field. When Photons hit a solar cell, the elimination of electrons takes place. When electrons flow through this circuit, they generate electricity. That is the answer to the question of how is solar power generated.
What is the role of the sun in solar power generation?
The sun is a major source of inexhaustible free energy (i.e., solar energy) for the Earth. According to Research, The Sun emits energy at a rate of 3.8 × 1023 kW, of which, Earth intercepts approximately 1.8 × 1014 kW. Thus, the potential to harvest solar energy is huge. Solar energy should operate home alliances at least if not to power industries. Its environment-friendly nature is the biggest advantage and a blessing for a climate change-affected planet.
Simply put, Solar energy is abundant, free, and clean which does not make any noise or any kind of pollution to the environment. Thus, making Sun an important Energy Producing Agent.
Best Location for Solar Panel to Install:
Keep these two things in consideration when installing solar panels for solar power generation:
a) Avoid dusty or desert areas. The reason is that dust falls on the panels which reduce their efficiency to capture Sunlight.
b) Sun-rich area is the best place for panel installation. there, solar power generation is maximum.
What are the benefits of Solar Power generation?
The benefits of Solar Power generation are:
1) Solar Energy is Environmentally Friendly:
It neither causes Pollution nor emission of Greenhouse gases. Thus, Solar energy is environmentally friendly. Coal or other fossil fuel-based power plants emit extremely harmful gases in the atmosphere. This is causing a rise in temperature and a change in climate patterns. Therefore, decision-makers must substitute them with renewable and sustainable energy production systems like solar power.
2) The alternative of Fossil Fuels:
Solar energy reduces the dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels and promotes clean energy agenda. Power plants (especially coal-fired) are a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHG), which are responsible for approximately 25% of all anthropogenic emissions. We must replace Coal and gas-powered Plants with Solar so that Climate change, which is The modern “evil” at the moment, can be curbed.
3) Solar Energy’s Availability:
Sunlight is available in almost all parts of the world daily. Solar energy availability every day is perhaps the biggest advantage it offers as it reduces our dependency on Fossil fuels.
4) Solar Power generation saves Money:
It reduces electricity bills. How much you save will depend on the size of the Solar Panel System and your electricity usage. A solar Panel system requires early investment but installing it will save you money by reducing your electricity bill.
What are the Disadvantages of Solar Power generation?
Solar power has some disadvantages as well:
1) High Initial cost(Cost of Installation of Panels):
Solar Panel System installation requires money initially. High initial installation cost is one of the most significant flaws of the solar energy system. For example, the average price per watt for solar energy was $3.70 in the USA in early 2016. After High initial cost, it does not create money-related problems.
2) Solar Panels Take more Space:
Solar Panel system takes more space. If a farmer wants to install it, he must have to give up some land for it as well. So, farmers and livestock businesses don’t adopt this source of energy.
3) Solar power generation is negligible during cloudy days or Night:
As there is no sun at night and during Cloudy days it is behind the clouds, no sunlight is available to produce electricity. Thus, solar power is not the most reliable source of energy in regions with unsustainable climate conditions.
4) Lower Production during winter:
Not much sunlight is available during wintertime. Thus, not much electricity generation takes place. Similarly, solar power generation is not possible in winter-bearing areas like Siberia.
5) Not having Technical Knowledge about solar power:
Lack of basic technical know-how on the user’s behalf, especially in rural areas about solar power systems, can result in irregular usage and overcharging the battery. This will lead to the inefficiency of the Solar Panel System. Thus, no solar power generation will take place.
What is the future of Solar Power Generation?
It is safe to say that solar energy is the future of the energy sector. Declining fossils and an increase in greenhouse gases have caused concern in all parts of the world. People have realized that if we continue to ignore solar energy and its future scope and keep using energy extracted from fossil fuels, this planet’s future is bleak. Now, developed countries are helping developing countries to produce green and safe energy. For example, Canada is helping Pakistan and japan is helping India to enhance solar power production.
The Bottom Line:
All-inclusive, Solar energy is super beneficial especially for such areas that receive abundant sunlight. In today’s world, everyone must know how is solar power generated. Similarly, Every household must have at least one solar panel and home appliances should run on it. Solar Power Plants must become substitutes for fossil fuel-based Plants. The whole world should act together to promote this source of energy. There is no denying that this form of energy will dominate the energy sector in the coming decades.
Also Read: China’s Artificial Sun Smashed a New Heating Record
