The recent increase in solar energy products and installation demands as an alternative power source have given rise to this question “What is solar energy” many individuals, organizations want to know more about solar energy and how it works.
If you fall among those who wish to know more about solar energy and how it works then you will surely find what you are looking for because I am prepared to tell you all you need to know about a renewable energy called solar and what you need to be able to set it up.
Before we proceed I will like to ask this question, What is solar energy?
This might be the reason why you are here and I intend to make sure you are happy and fulfilled before leaving this page, to answer your question.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is undoubtedly the best, most reliable form of renewable energy available and can be defined as a radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture etc.
Now that you know what solar energy is all about, next is how does it work.
How does solar energy works
Am glad you really want to know how solar energy works and probably how to set it up but before explaining further on how solar energy works, I will like to list the solar materials you need before you can setup functional solar energy.
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- DC to AC indoor controller units inverter
- Other accessories like wires and plugs etc
The listed materials are what you need to build working solar energy power system in your home or at your office but to make it easier for you to understand, I will explain their various functions and contributions.
- Solar Panels
Solar panels absorb the sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity or heat and it is usually fixed outdoors and exposed to sunlight for maximum performance.
The type and amount of solar panels you need depend on what you need and what your installer recommends, if you need to power heavy electrical appliances then you will surely need more than one solar panels.
- Solar Batteries
What you see above is an example of solar batteries and solar battery are responsible for storage of power generated and converted by Solar panel and DC to AC inverter.
Note
Solar batteries are not the same with regular car batteries because they are far stronger and durable compared to normal car batteries but as well as more expensive.
- DC to AC indoor controller units inverter
This is an example of 3.5kVA inverter which plays a major role when setting up solar energy, inverter handles the input and output between the solar battery that stores the power and the solar panel that draws the heat from sunlight.
The inverter converts the energy from the Direct current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) and makes the energy available for use, apart from that, an inverter can automatically switch between main power source to the solar system without any power outages.
- Other accessories like wires and plugs etc
Some solar system comes with its full accessories while some are not and you may need to extend the wires when necessary and buy terminal plugs if the need arises.
I hope you are now aware of the materials needed to set solar energy if you are planning to buy one soon.
Remember, we are still on how solar energy works and am done listing the materials you need but now I have made a small diagram that will really explain how solar energy works.
The diagram shows that solar panels and batteries are all connected to the inverter indoor controller units because it has all it takes to detect, convert and distribute the energy from the sun.
How much does it cost to set up solar energy
Well before ending this topic I guess I need to tell you few things you need to know about the cost of solar energy and yes it might not be that cheap but it all depends on what you need.
The capacity of the solar system you want to build will determine the price and only an installer can help you with the accurate amount needed.
If you need more info on this don’t hesitate to ask or share it if you like it.