Solar Power

HARNESSING THE POWER OF SUN

Solar energy is an inexhaustible, sustainable and environmentally friendly power source that converts sunlight into electricity. This process relies on the photoelectric effect, whereby specific materials absorb light particles, known as photons, and emit electrons, creating an electric current.

Solar energy is a renewable power source harnessed directly from the sun. By converting solar radiation or heat into electricity, it serves as a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional energy methods that contribute to environmental pollution.

This energy is abundant and unlimited, as the sun emits vast quantities of radiation that can be continuously utilized. Its adoption reduces reliance on fossil fuels and combats climate change by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

Solar energy is generated through advanced technologies such as photovoltaic systems and solar thermal methods. Photovoltaic systems use solar panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity, while solar thermal setups utilize mirrors to focus the sun's heat, creating steam that powers turbines for electricity generation.

Advantages of Solar Power

• The advantages of solar energy are diverse, are diverse and often self-evident, particularly in how it supplies clean and abundant power. In fact, because it comes from the sun, we are assured of a constant supply for a few billion more years, making it a renewable energy, coming from an inexhaustible source.
• The next most key advantage is that solar power generation does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, which helps mitigate climate change and reduces the environmental impact of its operation. Additionally, solar energy systems typically have low operating and maintenance costs, which can contribute to a more stable and predictable energy supply.
• Solar energy also reduces dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels, decreasing vulnerability to price fluctuations and promoting a balanced energy mix. Furthermore, it is a naturally generated energy source and decentralized power source that can be utilized in various settings, from expansive photovoltaic fields to small-scale residential and commercial systems.
• Once installed, solar energy systems have low operating and maintenance costs, and they allow individuals and businesses to produce their own electricity. In addition, individuals and businesses can generate their own electricity, which contributes to a more efficient electricity grid and saves money for the consumer.

How does solar energy work?

1. The capture of solar energy in photovoltaic systems occurs in four key phases: light absorption, electricity generation, conversion to alternating current, and either storage or transmission.
2. Initially, photovoltaic solar panels collect sunlight. These panels consist of photovoltaic cells, which are made up of layers of semiconductor materials. These materials absorb photons and release electrons.
3. The released electrons generate an electric current that flows through the system's conductors. This direct current is then passed through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current, making it suitable for storage or distribution.

How do Solar modules work?

1. Photovoltaic solar energy is based on the photovoltaic effect, which is the ability of certain materials (usually silicon) to generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.
2. A photovoltaic (PV) system converts sunlight into electricity with the help of solar panels. These panels capture sunlight and create a flow of electrons to generate direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is converted to alternating current (AC) by sending it to an inverter, making it suitable to power household appliances. The AC electricity flows through an electrical panel to power your home or business, while the excess energy is either sent back to the grid or stored in batteries for later use. This effective mechanism enables solar systems to capture renewable energy from the sun, offering a sustainable source of power.

Types of Photovoltaic Plants

Photovoltaic plants are categorized into two types:

Grid-connected plants are further divided into two subcategories:

1. Photovoltaic Power Plants : These systems feed all the electricity generated by the solar panels directly in to power grid
2. Self-Consumption Generators: In this setup, part of the electricity produced is used by the producer (for example, in a household), while the surplus is supplied to the grid. Additionally, when the system does not generate sufficient power, the producer draws power from the grid to meet their demand

Grid-connected solar installation consist of three primary components:

• Photovoltaic Panels: These panels, made up of photovoltaic cells sandwiched between silicon layers capture solar radiation and convert it into electrical energy by releasing electrons when exposed to light (photons)
• Inverters: They convert the direct current (DC) produced by the panels into alternating current (AC), making it suitable for general use.
• Transformers: As the alternating current (AC) generated by inverters is at a low voltage (380-800 V), transformers step it up to medium voltage (up to 36 kV) for efficient transmission.

These isolated plants require two additional components:

1. Batteries : These store excess energy generated by the panels for use when sunlight is unavailable.
2. Controllers : They regulate the battery, preventing overcharging and ensuring efficient energy use.

This comprehensive arrangement ensures both types of facilities effectively harness and utilize solar energy.