What is Solar Energy?
- Did you know?
- In the 7th century B.C., humans used solar energy to ignite fires.
- That's right, our connection with solar energy goes way, way back.
- Throughout history, people have tried to capture and concentrate the sun's energy.
- This journey began to take shape during the Industrial Revolution, with a pivotal moment in 1839 when French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the "photovoltaic effect," a phenomenon that would change the course of energy forever.
- Fast forward to 1873, when Charles Fritts discovered the world's first prototype of a solar cell. And then, in the 20th century, "Solar One" was finally constructed in 1973 at the University of Delaware.
- It was a building that could run on a hybrid supply of solar thermal and solar PV power. Today, the cost of solar energy has been dropping like never before, making it a household favourite and a reliable power source.
- Especially in Australia, where researchers at the University of South Wales achieved 34.5% efficiency in solar panels.
- So, if you're looking to slash your energy bills with solar power but want to get a grip on the ins and outs, let's dive into the fascinating world of solar energy—how it operates and the various ways we can make the most of it.
What is
Solar Energy?
Imagine using the sun's warmth and light as a source to generate energy.
That's exactly what solar energy does!
This heat can be carried by air, water, or other fluids, and it's used directly for heating spaces or to generate electricity using steam and turbines.
Solar thermal is commonly used for heating water, whether on rooftops for domestic use or on a larger scale in power stations.
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics, often referred to as PV, is a form of active solar technology with roots dating back to 1839 when a young French physicist named Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel, stumbled upon a groundbreaking discovery.
He found that when he exposed silver chloride in an acidic solution to sunlight, the platinum electrodes connected to it began to generate electricity.
This incredible process of generating electricity directly from sunlight is known as the photovoltaic effect.
You're likely quite familiar with PV since it's the technology used in those solar panels you see on rooftops and in various places.
Here's how it works: when sunlight hits a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells inside it absorb this sunlight.
This absorbed sunlight sets off a chain reaction. It prompts the movement of electrical charges within the cell, kind of like a switch being turned on.
This movement of charges creates an electric current. This electricity can then be used to power lights, appliances, and more.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems come in various sizes. They can be found on rooftops, integrated into building designs, or even used in vehicles.
And if you need a lot of electricity, PV systems can be scaled up to create large power plants that supply energy to many homes and businesses.
Protect the Environment and
Cut Your Energy Bills with Solar Energy
Solar energy is undeniably the way of the future.
As global warming continues to escalate and environmental preservation becomes a top priority, the world is inevitably shifting towards solar power.
And Australia is leading the charge, with one in three households already utilising the benefits of solar energy.
The government is also actively supporting this transition through rebates and interest-free loans.
If you want to discover the ideal solar solution tailored to your energy needs or learn more about solar systems, we, Australia's trusted solar installer, are here to help.
Get in touch with us today for a one-of-a-kind solar solution tailored exclusively to your requirements!
