How does solar energy work

When considering the change to solar power, some may ask how solar actually works. It also may occur to someone, what are the benefits of solar? Let’s discuss a little bit more about how conversion from UV rays to usable energy occurs. We will also cover some of the basic benefits of switching to a photovoltaic system on your residence or business.

Solar Panel System
How does solar energy work

Most solar panels are made up of a bunch of solar cells. These cells are much like semiconductors are made primarily of silicon. This element allows the conduction of energy and electricity. In many ways like a battery, these cells have positive and negative components which allow for the flow of electrons. Because of these solar cells, panels are able to generate what is called direct current (DC) electricity. In DC electricity, the electric current flows only in one direction. The other type of electricity, alternating current (AC) can travel in multiple directions. Homes generate power from alternating current electricity so the solar panels convert DC electricity to AC electricity in order to power homes and appliances.

The conversion of DC electricity to AC is done by a solar power inverter. They are classified as a solar power electronic device, meaning that they are able to connect solar systems to the electrical grid. With ongoing advances in technology and solar power innovation, these types of systems are becoming more affordable and made with high quality materials. As photovoltaic systems increase in efficiency, the more benefit they have for homeowners. 

 

Obviously, the most power is generated on sunny days where direct sunlight hits the solar panels installed. However, there is a possibility of storing the power and obtaining credits or refunds through net metering. This will be discussed in another article.

 

Overall, solar power is generated in an eco-friendly way that can help you and your family save money. The science makes sense, and so do the savings!

Solar energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emission
Solar energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emission
Prospero Energy Solar Logo with a sunset over the mountains

Greenhouse Gases: What’s the Facts?

We are all accustomed to hearing about climate change, global warming, greenhouse gasses, among other hotly debated topics. Each of these things have to do with the environment and its changes. First, let’s take a look into defining some of these terms.

Keep the earth pretty and switch to solar energy

Climate change is “a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates. These changes have a broad range of observed effects that are synonymous with the term (NASA).” Overall, climate change is the change of overall weather patterns in a certain region. Now, what is the connection between climate change and global warming? Global warming is the overall rise of temperature of the earth and its oceans/waterways. Therefore, global warming is climate change and more specifically the change of climate towards hotter temperatures and more sporadic weather.

fossil fuels used for electricity and industrial manufacturing

Now, what is a greenhouse gas? A greenhouse gas is simply a gas that adds to the trapping of heat in the earth’s atmosphere. Thus, the emission of these gasses have been found to add to the change in the earth’s climate. Some of these elements include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Carbon dioxide is released when we burn fossil fuels such as coal and oil. However, this type of gas can also be absorbed by plants! Methane is also emitted when we produce things like coal and oil. It can also be released by certain agricultural uses. 

There are several sources of greenhouse gasses, but we will cover the main factors.

  1. Transportation
  2. Production of Electricity
  3. Industrial Fuel Burning
  4. Household Fuel Consumption

Research shows that approximately 29% of greenhouse gas emissions come from private and public transportation. It isn’t anything new that studies prove that our vehicles and transportation methods are consuming vast amounts of natural resources. There has been a big push towards more eco-friendly vehicles that run on renewable resources.

 

There are a variety of ways that we generate and consume electricity. These sources include coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other resources. It is said that about 60% of the electricity we use comes from fossil fuels. 

 

It is also no secret that the production of goods and services use a lot of energy. Much of this energy is also derived from fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil. This contributes about 24% of the total greenhouse gas emissions throughout the world.

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Making the decision to switch to solar can be a tough one. We are here to walk you through the steps of making the change to solar energy. At Prospero, we strive to educate you about solar energy and financing options for solar.
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Consultation

Financing

Installation

The first thing to do when considering the switch to solar is to do some of your own research of why solar makes sense for you. Some households in different areas may benefit more from solar panels than others. There are great resources to help you understand the solar benefits in your area. The Solar Energy Technologies Office has some great insights about the process of going solar. 

 

A few things to remember when considering solar are:

  • What’s your motive for the change?
  • How much money would you save per month with solar?
  • What financing options are there for solar?
  • How large would the down payment be? 
  • What kind of system would be preferable? 
Solar Panels are worth the investment
A solar consultant helping a customer make a solar purchase

Our team at Prospero Energy cares about each of our clients. We will aid you in your search of solar companies. A team of marketing experts compares the best prices in your area and presents them to you. In order to get the best prices on solar energy, Prospero Energy should be your first thought!

 

Our solar experts are professionally trained and committed to help you make the best decision for you and your family. Not all solar companies are the same and our customer service sets us apart from the rest. 

 

We care for you and strive to help you find the best solar deals.

Financing and Installation

There are many companies that claim to give the best solar financing opportunities and they may have some great options! We believe that our financial technologies enables us to give you the best financing available for solar energy systems. Our representatives will help you decide the best route that fit your specific needs. When it comes to financing, we partner with some of the biggest names in the solar industry. Companies such as Sun Run and Freedom Forever work with us to ensure your successful and satisfying solar panel install.

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