Using the Sun for Power - How It Works
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Science.
Harnessing Solar Power: How It Works
Summary:
Solar energy is increasingly popular due to generous state and federal rebates and tax incentives. Here's how it works.
Keywords:
electricity, energy, solar, sun, power, rebate, tax credits, photovoltaic cells
Article Body:
With the rise of substantial rebate programs and tax incentives, solar energy is becoming a favored way to generate electricity. But how does this process actually work?
Generating electricity from sunlight centers on converting light, not heat, into power. A common misunderstanding is that solar systems rely on heat, but this isn't the case.
The core of solar technology is photovoltaic technology, which turns sunlight into a chemical reaction. This reaction releases electrons from specific materials, and small wires capture these electrons to form a direct current of electricity. This direct current is then transformed into alternating current and either stored in a battery or fed into the utility grid.
Solar energy systems utilize this process through configurations known as solar arrays, which consist of photovoltaic cells. Each cell is a small square, and a group of these forms a panel, while multiple panels create an array. The size of your array depends on your electricity needs.
Photovoltaic cells are the heart of solar arrays. Typically crafted from crystalline silicon beneath a glass cover, these cells release electrons when struck by sunlight. Built-in wires collect the electrons, generating an electrical current. This current is then processed by an inverter, making it ready for use.
One challenge with solar systems is their conversion efficiency. Efficiency varies with cost: top-tier panels can achieve around 15% efficiency, while more affordable options range from 5% to 10%. Higher efficiency means fewer panels are needed.
Our dependence on fossil fuels poses ongoing political, environmental, and economic challenges. Advancements in solar technology and attractive tax incentives make solar energy a practical and sustainable solution.
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