Fossil fuels are becoming increasingly depleted and environmental problems are intensifying. People are paying more attention to the development of renewable energy. According to the "Global Solar Energy Outlook 2023" released by Bloomberg Intelligence, global solar energy demand will grow by approximately 40% in 2022 and is expected to continue to grow. The International Energy Agency predicts that solar power generation will exceed coal power in 2027.
What is solar energy?
Solar energy comes from the sun. The sun is like a huge nuclear reactor. The nuclear fusion reaction of the sun's core produces a large amount of energy, which is radiated into space in the form of light and heat. Humans can harvest this energy through different technologies, such as solar panels and thermal collectors.
Solar energy is used in a variety of ways, primarily including photovoltaics and converting it into thermal energy. The former is mainly used for electricity production, such as to power homes and businesses, while the latter is mainly used for heating water. Types of solar energy include passive and hybrid solar.
Solar panels are used in a wide range of applications, including homes, industries, and public places, and can be used for lighting, air conditioning, heating, hot water, water pump systems, and agricultural irrigation.
photovoltaic solar energy
Solar photovoltaic power generation is the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic panels or battery modules. The process is simple, typically using panels of solar panels to capture the sun's rays and generate direct current (DC).
In order to meet residential electricity needs, people need to install solar inverters to convert DC power into alternating current (AC). If there is a surplus of photovoltaic power, the remaining power can be stored in batteries or fed into the grid. In this way, each household can achieve self-sufficiency in electricity supply and reduce electricity bills.
Solar photovoltaic panels are easy to install and their size can be determined according to the power required by the home. They are usually installed on roofs, rooftops, balconies, pergolas or directly on the ground. Photovoltaic panels are available year-round and are easy to maintain.
solar thermal energy
Solar heating devices capture heat directly from solar radiation through solar panels or collectors and convert it into thermal energy. Unlike photovoltaic systems, these devices generate heat that is used to heat water or air, often in heating systems, swimming pools or domestic hot water. They are usually installed on roofs or high places and contain other elements such as pipes and water tanks in addition to solar panels. These units only generate heat on sunny days and require little maintenance.
passive solar
Compared with the above two active solar systems, the passive solar system does not require mechanical and electrical equipment such as solar panels to obtain and process solar energy, but directly obtains solar energy. Passive solar systems are mainly used in the field of bioclimatic construction, such as Passivhaus or Passivhaus certified houses (derived from the German standard). This passive solar system does not require electricity. Instead, it collects solar heat by designing appropriate house orientations, selecting appropriate building materials, etc., and stores it in building components, which can be used for house heating or cooling, and can also be used for indoor lighting. This saves energy and reduces your carbon footprint.
hybrid solar
Hybrid solar is a general term for any of the above combined solar and non-solar energy systems.
What are the advantages of solar energy?
1. The sun is the most abundant source of energy on earth, inexhaustible and inexhaustible.
2. Although semiconductors are required to manufacture solar panels, solar energy itself does not cause pollution. During the use of solar energy, no greenhouse gases and other waste gases are produced, and no noise is produced.
3. Solar energy is not affected by energy crises or unrest.
4. Solar energy can reduce carbon emissions.
5. Although the utilization efficiency of solar energy systems around the world is not the same, they can all generate electricity under various climate conditions.
6. Solar energy can reduce home energy costs.
7. Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home.
8. Solar technology is becoming more efficient and solar panels are getting cheaper.
9. The solar industry is a rapidly growing renewable energy industry that creates jobs.