The price of gas prices have reached an all-time high and the US Energy Information Administration forecasts that the increase will continue for the rest of 2022.
With the continuous rise of gas and oil prices, it only makes sense to switch to solar power. In this blog, we will explain how solar power works and why you should install one ASAP.
What is Solar Panel?
Solar panel (also called a solar electric panel, solar cell panel, and photovoltaic module) is a device that collects solar energy from the sun and converts it into electricity.
In other words, solar panels provide electricity using sunlight – a free, abundant and renewable energy source.
Yes! It can power buildings and households!
Although it may not be completely feasible (yet) to power cities, a city can work on its utilities and offer solar power as an alternative.
Fun fact: The earth intercepts 173,000 terrawatts. That is 10,000 times more power than the planet’s population uses!
What are we using right now?
Currently, the world is highly dependent on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are made from decomposing plants and animals that can be found in the Earth’s crust.
Common examples of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas and which contain carbon and hydrogen.
To produce energy, fossil fuels are burned, resulting in three adverse effects on the environment: air pollution, water pollution, and climate change.
The good news is that many governments are now focused on investing in renewable energy, and one of them is the use of solar energy.
Benefits of using solar energy
As long as the sun continues to shine, you have energy. Solar energy is a clean energy source, plus it only leaves a small carbon footprint as they last 25 years.
Another impactful benefit of solar energy is the potential decrease in your utility bills. As mentioned earlier, the price of almost everything is increasing. If you want to reduce your electric bills, the solar panel is the way to go.
How does solar power system work?
To activate a solar power system it needs:
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- Sunlight – The source of energy
- Solar Array or Solar Panels – Absorbs energy from the sun
- Inverter – The brain of the solar system and its role is to convert solar energy into Alternating Current (AC) electricity.
- Net Meter – Measures the electricity flow that your home exports and imports to the grid.
- Utility Grid – This sends power into the home to run appliances and turns back the meter with excess energy
Our sun releases tiny packets of energy called photons. This energy is absorbed by the solar arrays that are also made up of solar units called solar cells.
Fun fact: The most common cells are made of silicon, a semiconductor that is the second most abundant element on Earth.
The inverter will then convert the absorbed photons and converts it into a usable form of energy. Then the utility grid distributes it to your home to power your light bulbs and appliances.
The best part? Solar cells last for decades so its not easily worn out.
Let the solar energy power your household
There are so many benefits you can get from the solar panel system. But choosing the right solar panel contractor is also crucial.
Solar Shield is one of the most trusted solar panel contractors in Texas. We provide a smooth transaction process. Not sure if you are qualified? Give us a call!
