What is solar energy and what are its benefits?

It\’s never too late to get closer a definition of what solar energy is and review the importance of its development and why in P.O.W We are determined to decorate all the roofs of the great Spanish cities and contribute to a more clean and durable. It is clear that solar energy is understood as that which is generated by the sun, either by its light or heat, but…

Did you know There are different types of solar energy depending on its origin and processing.? If you want to know more about solar energy, we invite you to continue reading this article to discover new things.

The two great characteristics of solar energy: renewable and clean

says that solar energy is regenerator points out that it is inexhaustible. At least for the next 7,000 million years, which is the estimated life the sun has left, we will continue to enjoy its light and warmth. The idea of ​​solar energy as green energy or clean comes to highlight the fact that for its production it is not necessary to burn any type of fossil fuel, with which greenhouse gases are not released into the atmosphere.

RAE tells us that sustainable is what can be sustained for a long time without depleting resources or causing serious damage to the environment. A definition that perfectly fits what we understand as solar energy.

Differences between photovoltaic solar energy and solar thermal energy

From the sun thanks to technology we can get energy in two different ways. When solar energy is produced as a consequence of the light (or radiation) emitted by the sun, we are faced with Photovoltaic solar energy. Its capture is done through panels and can be stored in batteries. This energy is used for self-consumption of electricity in homes and industries because it is the one used for electrical appliances or engines.

The light that the sun gives us is collected by photovoltaic solar panels which are made up of cells or solar cells. Are converts light (photons) into electrical energy (electrons) due to the so-called photoelectric effectby which certain materials absorb photons (particles of light) and release electrons, thus generating an electric current.

In turn, the Solar thermal energy to take advantage of heat from the sun to heat fluids and keep them warm in water tanks. The heat is also captured by means of panels. Using solar thermal energy is practical to heat water without having to use a thermos and also used to air condition homes and spaces. Obviously, this heating system is much more durable than heating with coal or propane gas.

In this case, the heat is captured by panels or mirrors through which they absorb the sun\’s rays a receiver that reaches temperatures of up to 1,000 ºC and heats a fluid. This fluid is used either for heating and hot water circuits or for steam production. The steam moves a turbine that will produce electricity, although not directly like photovoltaic panels do.

In any case, both technologies achieve a very significant savings on electricity bills, since, if on the one hand we obtain electricity directly, on the other hand we will reduce the electricity consumption of boilers and boilers, devices intended for heating water in homes and which are precisely those that consume the most kW.

passive solar energy

There is a third type of solar energy that would be passive. It is this energy that does not use any mechanism that collects and treats it, but is realized thanks to the bioclimatic architecture. Bioclimatic houses or buildings and passive house which does not require active energy input relies on the ability of architects and engineers to use different materials and orientations that capture solar energy during the day to keep the building warm at night, achieving perfect air conditioning at all times.

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the benefits of solar energy

Although there are other types of renewable energy such as wind, hydro or geothermal, solar energy is one of the easiest to produce. The benefits of solar energy are multiple. Next, we will see some of the most important ones:

  • Its price: It is one of the cheapest energies to produce, as the price of solar panels and panels has dropped significantly in recent years due to high demand.
  • energy independence: It promotes greater energy independence not only for Spanish homes or houses, but which is a fundamental tool for many underdeveloped countries.
  • Es Ecology: It helps not to promote global warming, as it is an energy that does not emit greenhouse gases, thus fighting against climate change.
  • Renewable and inexhaustible: The sun\’s energy is not finite in the short term and is available worldwide for at least another 7 billion years.
  • It doesn\’t pollute: Its transformation into thermal or photovoltaic energy does not produce toxic substances or pollutants that harm the environment, neither for air nor for water. It is completely clean.
  • Generate local wealth: Because availability anywhere on the planet prevents the need to import energy, supporting employment and economic growth in the area.
  • reusable: Surplus energy generated by these installations can be poured back into the grid and used elsewhere or by other users.
  • Adaptable: From domestic installations in apartments or cottages, collective installations in communities or industrial areas, to large solar plants.

Now that we know a little better about the type, operation and benefits of solar energy, it\’s the right time to take the plunge and bet on this method for good. Let the specialists advise you P.O.W and we will inform you about all the possibilities that solar energy offers you.