How Does Solar Energy Work?
Solar energy has become extremely popular in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. With its ability to harness the near limitless power of the sun, and the dramatic decline in cost of hardware, solar energy is shaping the future of clean energy worldwide. But how exactly does this process work? In this blog, we’ll break down the science behind solar energy, making it accessible and easy to understand.
The Basics of Solar Energy
At its core, solar energy is the process of converting sunlight into usable electricity. The sun emits energy in the form of photons, which are particles of light. When these photons hit a solar panel, they trigger a chain of reactions that ultimately produce electricity. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect.
Components of a Solar Energy System
To understand how solar energy works, it’s essential to know the main components involved:
Solar Panels: These are the most visible part of a solar system. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverter: Solar panels produce DC electricity, but most homes and appliances run on alternating current (AC). The inverter’s job is to convert DC electricity into AC electricity.
Battery (Optional): A solar battery stores excess electricity generated during the day so it can be used at night or during cloudy periods. It’s not essential but can massively boost your energy saving potential. Every GRYD system we deploy comes with a battery so you can make the most of all the energy generated.
Electricity Distribution Board: Also known as the Consumer Unit, distributes the converted electricity throughout your home. All homes have a distribution board, regardless of if you have solar installed or not.
Electricity Meter: All homes have an electricity meter if they are connected to the grid. The meter is used to measure the flow of electricity between your home and the traditional grid. This can work both ways. If the solar system generates more electricity than you use, it can send the excess back to the grid, often earning you credits through net metering programs. Many homes now have smart meters that automatically share energy data to your provider and other applications. At GRYD we use this data to make sure you are making the most of the solar system and maximising your savings.
Step-by-Step: How Solar Energy Works
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Photon Absorption:
- Sunlight hits the solar panels, and the PV cells absorb the photons.
- The energy from the photons excites electrons in the solar cells, causing them to move.
- Electricity Generation:
- The movement of these excited electrons generates an electric current. This current is DC electricity.
- Conversion to Usable Power:
- The inverter converts DC electricity into AC electricity, which can power your home.
- Energy Use and Storage:
- The AC electricity flows through your home’s electrical panel, powering appliances and lights.
- Any excess energy can either charge a battery or be sent back to the grid.
- Grid Interaction:
- If the system generates more electricity than you consume, the surplus is fed into the utility grid.
- Conversely, when the solar panels don’t produce enough electricity (e.g. at night), you can draw energy from the grid.
Factors That Affect Solar Energy Production
Several factors influence how much electricity a solar system can generate:
- Sunlight Intensity: The more sunlight your panels receive, the more electricity they produce. This is why solar is more effective in areas with high solar irradiance.
- Panel Orientation and Tilt: Panels perform best when they face the sun directly. In the UK, south-facing roofs are ideal.
- Shading: Trees, buildings, or other obstructions that cast shadows on your panels can significantly reduce their efficiency.
- Temperature: Surprisingly, very high temperatures can reduce the efficiency of solar panels, as extreme heat affects the performance of the semiconductor materials.
- System Maintenance: Dirt, debris, or snow on your panels can block sunlight, so regular cleaning is essential to keep performance at its peak.
Why Solar Energy Matters
Solar energy is more than just a technical marvel; it’s a vital solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges:
Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is renewable and emits no greenhouse gases during operation, helping combat climate change. A home with a solar and battery system could eliminate more than 2 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, thats roughly the same as 100 trees.
Cost Savings: Once installed, solar panels can significantly reduce and stabilise electricity bills, especially with rising energy costs.
Energy Independence: By generating your own power, you rely less on the grid and protect yourself from fluctuating energy prices. We’ve seen much volatility in the energy markets over the past 3 years causing massive spikes in our energy bills and a general upwards trend.
The Future of Solar Energy
As technology continues to advances, solar energy is becoming more efficient and affordable. Innovations like bifacial panels (which capture sunlight on both sides), thin-film technologies, and improved battery storage systems are making solar a more attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.
Additionally, smart solar systems with integrated software are enabling better energy management and optimisation.
While the hardware components that make up a smart solar system are getting more affordable and efficient, out energy demand is also increasing as we move to electrify our home heating and transport.
There are promising regulatory changes such as the Future Homes Standard that is likely to enforce a 75% reduction in carbon emissions and the New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill that could mandate solar on all new homes.
GRYD is working to enable developers to embrace these changes rather than be burdened by them. Our zero cost model allows developers to go above and beyond the minimum sustainability requirements without add cost to the project while simultaneously reducing the future burden of volatile energy bills for their home buyers.
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