These Facts Will Demonstrate Whether We Really Need Solar Energy

The sun is simply one big battery for us.

For decades, we have depended on non-renewable, fossil fuel energy such as coal and petroleum and we still do. Even though the switchover to renewable energy forms have already been started long time back, the uptake is not as rapid and widespread as proponents of such energy systems would like. A mix of technological barriers, implementation costs and environmental constraints is responsible for renewable energy playing second fiddle to non-renewable energy.

Solar energy is one of the important renewable energy sources that people use to light up homes, cook food, watch TV and do a host of other activities. Whether we must go all-out to exploit this energy is a big question. Maybe the following facts will throw some lights on it.

• Every day, the earth receives 174 petawatts of incoming solar radiation. One petawatt is equal to one billion millions watts. While about 30% of this is reflected back to space, the rest is absorbed by clouds, land masses, and water bodies.
• By using solar power, we can convert solar energy into electricity. It can be through either photo-voltaic (direct method) or concentrated solar power (Indirect method). Photo-voltaic uses photo-electric effect to convert solar energy into electric energy while in concentrated solar power, large beams of sunlight are focused into a small area using lenses or mirrors.
• Due to its non-polluting nature and significant role in combating the greenhouse effect created by use of fossils fuels, solar energy is being recognized as the future of alternative energy sources, especially as a viable home lighting system.
• In regard to home solar panels, sunlight is absorbed by these panels and converted to electricity with the aid of solar inverters. The battery stores electricity that people can used during evenings or on cloudy days.
• Horticulture and agriculture seek to make the most of solar energy. For example, green houses are used to convert light into heat to cultivate selected plants year-long. Also promotion of plant varieties and the timing of planting cycles consume huge amount of solar energy.

Conclusion

From solar lamps or lanterns to large solar panels, people in different parts of the world have been utilizing, to some extent, this powerful and generous source of energy. But still there are grounds to cover and milestones to create for mankind to transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy. Encourage families and friends to buy and use solar technologies, which are easily available online these days. Make a difference.

Mono- vs. Poly Crystalline vs. Thin Film: A Look at Different Types of Solar Panels

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In a country of 1.3 billion people, ensuring electricity reaches to the last home is an uphill task. Government of India, over the years, has come up with various policies to address the issue. Government efforts are slowly but steadily bearing fruits. However, there is still a major issue that no one is talking about. India depends heavily on fossil fuels to generate energy. These fuels are scarce, non-replenishable and do not burn cleanly, which contributes to the already grave pollution problem. Harnessing solar energy can hold the key to this problem. Solar energy is available in abundance, and is clean. You can do your bit by using solar panels to meet your energy needs. These panels have electrons that are knocked when light hits them, generating electricity in the process. There are three major types of solar panels available on the market- Monocrystalline solar cells, Polycrystalline cells, and thin films. To help you choose better, the post compares the three types of solar cells. Take a look.

Monocrystalline Solar Cells

Monocrystalline solar cells are made of cylindrical silicon ingots. Thanks to their uniform look and color, these solar cells are easily recognizable. To keep the production costs down, manufacturers cut four sides from cylindrical ingots and use them to make wafers. High grade silicon is used to manufacture these cells.

Advantages

• High efficiency
• Less space consuming
• Long useful life
• Perform even in low light conditions.

Shortcomings

• Costly
• A considerable amount of original silicon is wasted during the manufacturing process.
• Efficiency takes a severe hit when the panel is covered with dust.

Polycrystalline Solar Cells

Polycrystalline solar cells are manufactured by melting and later pouring raw silicon into a mould. After the mould cools down it is cut into perfectly square wafers.

Benefits

• Less silicon is wasted during the manufacturing process.
• Simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.
• Have a uniform shape that makes them look stylish.

Disadvantages

• Less efficient as compared to monocrystalline solar cells.
• Lower space-efficiency

Thin Film Solar Cells

These solar cells are produced by depositing multiple layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate. Different types of TFSCs on the market are: Organic photovoltaic cells, amorphous silicon, and cadmium telluride.

What’s Good About Them

• Bulk production is simple and inexpensive.
• Uniform look
• Efficient even at high temperature.

Not so Good Things About Them

• Low space efficiency
• The cost of support equipment such as cables is generally high.
• Short service life

Conclusion

These are some pros and cons of using different types of solar panels. When choosing a solar panel, take into account your location, the material used, and your needs. Before buying solar cells online in India, talk to the retailer and enquire about the warranty period, and learn about the terms and conditions.