KNOW SOLAR
Want to understand Renewable Energy? Curious to know Solar History? Want to learn more about how solar components and how it works? Read through our below information and get SOLARIZED yourself today!!
Renewable Solar Energy
Renewable energy is defined as energy derived from natural sources that do not deplete and can be replenished. This energy is also referred to as ‘green energy’ or ‘clean energy.’ Renewable energy sources include wind energy, solar energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy, tidal energy, and wave energy.
Solar energy is the world’s most abundant and renewable energy source. Solar energy systems are technologies that convert the sun’s heat or light into usable energy. Solar energy technologies are classified into two types. Photovoltaics and solar thermal.
Solar photovoltaic technology converts sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Solar thermal is a technology that uses the sun’s heat energy for heating and/or power generation.
Solar Energy History
Solar energy is not a new concept. Solar energy has been used by humans since the 7th century B.C. Solar power was first used to start fires by focusing the sun’s energy through a magnifying glass. Sunrooms were created in ancient times to capture solar energy and use it to provide natural warmth.Edmond Becquerel, a French physicist, discovered the photovoltaic effect in 1839.Later that year, in 1873, Willoughby Smith discovered that selenium could be used as a photoconductor.In 1876, William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day discovered that when exposed to light, selenium could generate electricity. Charles Fritz, an American inventor, invented the first working selenium solar cell in 1883, paving the way for today’s Silicon solar cell technology.Albert Einstein published a paper on the photoelectric effect and how light carries energy in 1905, which increased interest in and acceptance of solar power. Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson of Bell Labs invented a more practical solar cell using silicon in 1954.Solar panels were used to power various parts of spacecraft throughout the late 1950s and 1960s as the space age progressed. Vanguard I, launched in 1958, was followed by Vanguard II, Explorer III, and Sputnik-3. NASA launched the Nimbus satellite in 1964, which was powered entirely by a 470-watt photovoltaic solar panel array.
How Solar Works
- Solar-powered Photovoltaic PV Panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun. Electrons are negatively charged and gets attracted to one side of the silicon cell. This creates an electric DC current.
- The DC current generated by Photovoltaic cell is converted to AC current using special electric equipment which is called Inverter.
- The AC current generated by Inverter is then used by property/households and an excess current is fed to Gird.
- There is smart bi-directional meter called Net Meter which keeps the track of incoming and outgoing electrical power. This Net Metering allows users to get concessions on electricity bills as the amount for units fed to the grid will be deducted from the number of units actually consumed by the owner and the billing will only be done for that part of the units.
- Grid is termed as utility power from DESCOM. All generated energy that consumed via a provider is supplied through the grid. As shown in picture, the Grid plays an important role in designing solar system and your savings.
Solar Components
Solar Panels
The solar panels also known as PV Panel/Module generate DC (direct current) electricity from sunlight. Solar panels are made up with a bunch solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cells are made from an element called “silicon. Solar panels are installed on shadow free area of the rooftop or ground usually facing south for maximum output.
Solar panels are invented in many types and capacities. These panel varies from each other based on their formation; material used. There are 2 types of Solar Panel: –
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are often the most expensive due to the manufacturing process, which uses large amounts of highly purified silicon and a great deal of energy. Monocrystalline solar cells are about 19-20% efficient at converting sunlight to electricity.
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
To manufacture polycrystalline solar panels, low purity silicon is used.Polycrystalline cell efficiencies range between 14-16% so polycrystalline are slightly less expensive than monocrystalline ones on a price-per-Watt basis.
Inverter
A Solar Inverter is electrical equipment which converts the DC (direct current) electricity produced by the solar panels into AC (alternating current) electricity which is then used by the appliances or machines. Inverters play an important role in the solar energy system and are the brains of the project.Solar Inverter is the most important component of the solar system as it ensures that the maximum output of the solar panels is generated in all conditions.
Solar Panel Mounting Structures
Solar panels are mounted on iron fixtures so that they can withstand wind and weight of panels. The proper design of mounting structures is important to power plant performance as the power output from the PV plant will not be maximised if the mountings buckle and the panels are not optimally oriented towards the sun. In addition, improperly mounted panels present a ragged appearance that is not pleasing to the eye. Allowing sufficient air circulation to cool the PV panels is also an important factor that mounting structures should be designed
Solar Trackers
Tracking is a way of mounting the panels through a mechanism that allows the panels to follow the sun as it moves across the sky. Single-axis trackers follow the sun as it moves from East to West during the day, while dual-axis trackers also follow the sun on its North-South journey over the course of a year. Trackers can increase the power output from the PV plant but add significantly to both the initial cost of the plant and maintenance expenditure; utilization of trackers should be decided on a case-to-case basis after performing a cost-benefit analysis over the lifetime of the rooftop plant.
Bi-Directional Meter/Net Meter
The Bi-Directional Meter also called as “Net Meter” records how much electricity you send to and receive from the grid. As per the solar net metering policy in most of the states in INDIA, you will have to only pay for the difference in the electricity exported and imported every month.
Grid
Grid is termed as utility power from DESCOM. All generated energy that consumed via a provider is supplied through the grid, we have the national grid and the state grids. The rooftop on grid solar system synchronizes with the grid electricity to ensure optimal supply of current to all your appliance or machines.
Responsible businesses are looking for sustainable alternatives, to reduce their energy costs.
Through the exploitation of unused rooftop space, solar energy offers a significant return on investment and requires little upkeep. Your savings are positively impacted by all of this, and the environment is also greatly affected.
Environ Solar leads the field when it comes to cutting-edge industrial best solar rooftop systems in Coimbatore. By lowering your electricity costs, a Environ Solar industrial rooftop solution provides a return on investment. Numerous industrial, commercial, and institutional customers have implemented sustainable solar power solutions with the aid of Environ Solar’s tailored rooftop solutions, lowering their carbon footprint and benefiting from prudent financial decisions.
At Environ Solar, safety is a core priority and one of our main differentiators. This includes incorporating safety into the design of our core products and using safe labor practices while installing industrial best solar rooftop.
