The sun is one of the natural resources and gives life to everything on earth, and the light it provides is converted into energy for the use of all and sundry. The sun provides both light and heat, two types of energy we can use to do a lot of things ranging from heating food to drying our clothes. Solar energy is one of the many instances of human ingenuity. The process of converting sunlight to energy is quite simple. Panels are installed on rooftops or large outdoor spaces, making them activated by sunlight directly.
The panels are often grouped for maximum effect. During the day, the panels absorb power. Then, the cells in each panel convert the sunlight received into electrical current. However, this type of electricity is direct current and cannot be used to power homes, unlike the alternating current. As such, the direct current is converted into electric current by the use of an inverter.
Once the conversion has ended, electricity runs through the panel to power your home appliances. It works the same way as the electricity from the electric utility company, and you don’t have to disconnect from your traditional power company. To efficiently use the light gotten from the sun, a smart meter is used to measure your electricity usage, such that either on cloudy days or in sunny seasons, you have access to electricity.
You might be looking to get solar panels for your home or invest in an energy company that deals in solar power. This is a good option as powering your house or business with solar panels, though initially expensive, will be very profitable in the long run. You will no longer have to pay electricity bills and the maintenance for solar energy is very minimal. However, you will need to buy your panels from the right company. You will also need an efficient company to help you install the solar panels. You should read reviews about solar panel companies to patronize or invest in. Here are some uses of the energy the sun provides:
Electricity
Over the years, the use of solar energy as electricity has gained momentum. Solar energy is more cost-efficient, friendly to the environment, and more accessible. To use solar energy as electricity, you only need to install solar power systems on your rooftop. These solar power systems generate the electricity you need and store the excess in the electric grid. You can also use solar energy to power entire cities or concentrate the sun’s light towards a receiver that will create electricity.
Water heating
Solar energy is also used to power water heating solutions inside and outside the home. There are solar water heaters that the sun’s heat and direct it to the water tank. Solar energy is also used to power swimming pools; water is pumped into a collector heated by sunlight and directed back into the pool. This is a more cost-effective way of pool heating.
Ventilation and lighting
There are solar ventilation solutions that help cool your home in summer. If you are not able to use a solar power system for your home’s electricity use, you can use the solar ventilation solution. Some solar ventilation technologies also allow you to preheat the building in cold seasons, thereby reducing your energy bills. Another use of solar energy is to provide lighting. Solar lights are used almost everywhere, on home landscapes, streets, security posts, etc. Most of these solar lighting technologies are not expensive and can be readily gotten in a local store. You can also use solar lights in your home; it is cost-efficient and looks like natural light.