Solar energy is the energy that is produced by the sun and converted into usable energy. This type of energy is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and renewable energy source. In this article, we will take a step-by-step look at how solar energy works, from sunlight absorption to electricity production.
We will explore the science behind solar energy and provide an easy-to-understand explanation. Whether you’re interested in the technical details or want to learn more about this critical topic, this article will give a clear and concise introduction to the workings of solar energy.
Introduction to the operation of solar energy
Solar energy is the result of the transformation of sunlight into electrical energy. In this conversion process, the sun works like a natural nuclear reactor, releasing energy in small chunks called photons. Photons can travel from the sun to Earth in just 8.5 minutes, and can generate enough solar energy to meet our planet’s energy needs each year, plus solar energy has many applications.
Solar panels are devices that allow the use of solar energy to generate electricity or heat. These tools have multiple cells that are responsible for converting the sun’s radiation into energy. The electricity obtained by the panels from solar energy can be used in homes, businesses, or simply sent to a power grid if not needed.
Thanks to the light and heat of the sun, solar energy is renewable, which means that it is inexhaustible over time. This source of energy is non-polluting, overwhelmingly reduces the use of fossil fuels, does not emit greenhouse gases and, therefore, avoids the consequences of global warming. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy by clicking here.
Below we show you how solar energy works step by step to generate electricity for homes and industries.
How is electricity generated with solar energy? Step by Step
Step 1: Solar panels transform sunlight into energy
During the day, the solar panels receive sunlight and use the photons to transform it into energy. Solar panels integrate silicon cells that generate electrons when exposed to sunlight. These electrons flow through an electrical circuit. There are a number of factors that go into installing a solar panel, including the amount of sunlight received, the orientation of the panel, and the amount of power the home or business consumes during the summer and winter.
Step 2: A solar inverter transforms the energy into alternating current
The solar inverters are converters that convert the energy of the photovoltaic generator (direct current) to alternating current. During the transformation process, the solar inverter is usually installed in a location close to the distribution panel. Home appliances and business devices operate with AC electricity.
Step 3: Solar energy is sent to appliances
After the transformation of energy from direct current to alternating current, the electricity is connected to the switchboard for use as a power source. If the home or building has a network connection, then the structure will first use solar energy and, in case it needs more electricity, it will obtain what is necessary from the electrical network. However, if the solar panel system generates enough power, the excess electricity is exported and stored on the grid so that it can be used elsewhere.
Step 4: Registering energy
Once the solar energy system is installed, it is the responsibility of the business or retail organization to replace the current meter with a bi-directional one. This meter then records the total energy used by the business or home, including solar energy exported to the electrical grid. Usually, the property owner must pay a small amount of money to replace the meter, in order to create a feed-in fee for the electricity exported to the grid.
Step 5: System permissions are defined by the rules of each provider
The Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs) are organizations that are in charge of operating the networks within the area of residence. A percentage of the energy costs generated by users are allocated to the DNSP in the form of a tribute for the maintenance and operation of poles and cables. Each DNSP has a different way of managing the percentage of installed solar energy, and they even have different policies for exporting said energy to the electrical grid.
It is common for unused or surplus solar energy to be eventually returned to the external power grid.
If you are interested in the subject of solar energy and want to know all its characteristics, we recommend you read the most important uses of solar energy by clicking here.