Energy flows in almost everything that we do. Whether it’s by switching lights on and off, revving our car’s engines when we’re driving, or simply burning calories when we are working out, energy can flow from one thing to another in various ways. On a celestial scale, the sun has always been one of the many essential sources of energy and warmth for plants, algae, and animals.
For much of human society, electricity has always been known for being one of the most critical energy types that we can utilize for many of our daily needs. As technology becomes more increasingly advanced in the coming years, the demand for more streamlined and better energy sources is higher than ever.
Through the process of photosynthesis, many plants can convert the sun’s heat and UV rays into energy, which can be used for growth and other core functions. The same concept can be said when it comes to using solar panels in producing energy that can be used for different electrical functions.
However, systems that are used for solar panels will require more components than most people think. Other than just getting a set of solar panels, you’ll also need to set up a hub for your devices. When you’re dealing with energy, you must ensure that your solar power system is stable and versatile in any weather condition.
So what are some of the essential equipment that you’ll need to harness the sun’s energy? Do you need to switch to a solar power source? We’ll be answering some crucial questions regarding solar power systems and what you can do.
Why Switch to Solar Energy?
In the United States alone, there are approximately around 64.2 Gigawatts of solar energy installed as of 2018, which could power 12.3 million homes in North America. This means that solar energy will account for around 1.6% of the United State’s national electric grid.
Although 1.6% might seem like a small percentage of the electrical industry, this has significantly impacted millions of Americans who want to save up on energy bills. Not just that, but being able to substitute fossil fuels has dramatically impacted the environment’s overall health.
Even though you’ll need time, effort, and a bit of fund to install solar panels, there is a myriad of reasons why you should be switching to solar energy as a power source. Besides being a sustainable means of gaining energy and being good for the overall environment, solar energy is also known for being cheaper than using fossil fuels since you can save more in the long run.
Here is some equipment that you can use.
Solar Cells
Firstly, you’ll need to have the most critical part of any solar power system: solar cells. A collection of solar cells will make up a solar panel. The general rule of thumb is that the more cells there are, you’ll be able to achieve even better ampere ratings.
However, various factors will come into play when it comes to better voltage ratings. Most experts would say that this will depend on the nature of how your circuitry is being connected.
That said, it’s important to remember that your solar panels will have different power outputs since this will depend on light intensity in your area. Still, solar panels should be installed and maintained by professionals who have years of experience in the industry. The process can be delicate, so it’s important to have certified experts well-versed in solar panel installation. Not only will this expedite the process, but this can help maximize the efficiency of each panel.
Controller
Remember: the output of your system will ultimately be dependent on the amount of sunlight that’s being let in. We can’t control the amount of light since the sun will move throughout the day. There will also be times that it will be too cloudy. The last thing that a person wants is power being cut off because there’s no direct energy source. Batteries will need a charge controller as a means of regulating the power that’s being used. This is even more important when you need to ensure that your batteries are charging safely.
Solar Battery
Contrary to what most people think, solar energy can also be used at night when you have an efficient solar battery that’s also hooked up to your solar panels. The power being processed from the charge controller will travel towards the battery to be stored for later use. A battery will hold power depending on the amp hour rating. In most cases, an amp hour rating will have around a 20-hour discharge time.
Setting up a solar panel system is a significant investment. Although you might have to spend a bit more than usual on extra equipment to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your solar panel system, it will all be worth it in the long-run. Solar energy and other sources of sustainable energy are the future of the energy industry.
Meta title: Harnessing the Sun’s Energy: What Will You Need to Do It?
meta desc: Solar energy has been used as a substitute for traditional power sources in the past few years. Here are essential equipment to ensure that you do it right.
