Solar energy is a free, renewable source of electricity as long as there is adequate sunlight and you have the right system to capture it. It’s “clean,” meaning no greenhouse gas emissions occur when using this energy source. Sunlight is in (more or less) infinite supply, and it doesn’t harm our planet, so why wouldn’t we use it?
In fact, we do use solar energy in multiple aspects of everyday life. Thanks to significant technological advances in solar power systems in recent years — and reduced manufacturing costs — we can afford to capture energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity for our homes.
Here’s a look at how this process works and past and recent developments in solar energy. Consider this a solar energy primer and discover how it can transform your daily life.
Solar Energy 101
The sun continuously emits ultraviolet and infrared radiation as well as visible light. Solar radiation results from nuclear fusion, as protons from hydrogen atoms collide and create helium atoms. The process takes place in the sun’s core continuously.
Whenever you feel the sun’s warmth on your skin or have to squint your eyes while you’re outside, that’s solar energy reaching the earth. It is a critical part of all life. It warms the Earth, sustains plant and animal life, and even causes wind and weather events.
However, sunlight alone isn’t enough to generate usable energy. For that, we need a solar power system.
How Does Solar Power Work?
There are two technologies used for converting sunlight and heat into solar energy: concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) and photovoltaics (PV) — more commonly known as solar panels.
CSP uses mirrors to reflect sunlight. The concentrated sunlight transmits into receivers that collect this energy and turn it into heat. This heat can then be stored for later or used as electricity. CSP is used more for large power plants than for consumer applications.
PV is the technology used in solar panels. Sunlight hits the PV panel and becomes absorbed into the PV cells, creating a DC electrical current. PV is the most widespread solar technology used to power buildings and homes.
When Was Solar Energy Discovered?
Humans have been harnessing sunlight long before electricity existed. As early as 700 B.C., humans reflected sunlight off shiny surfaces to light fires. In 300 B.C., people used mirrors to reflect sunlight and light torches for special ceremonies.
These are examples of ancient uses of solar energy, but the technology used to capture the sun’s energy today didn’t come about until 1839. Edmond Becquerel was a 19-year-old French physicist credited with discovering the photovoltaic effect. He found that photovoltaics created an electric current when exposed to light. This discovery is the basis of the technology used today with photovoltaic panels.
Further developments came about in 1888 when Edward Weston invented two solar cells that converted energy from the sun into electricity. The light heated a cell which caused electrons to be released and a current to flow. That current flow created heat. Thus, Weston’s invention turned sunlight into heat, producing electricity. Weston received two patents for his inventions.
The technology that goes into solar power results from scientific discoveries and decades of research. What was once an expensive and inaccessible technology for generating renewable energy is now available for homes and businesses across the globe.
How Is Electricity Produced From Solar Energy?
The most common technology for producing electricity from solar energy is photovoltaic — or solar — panels.
Solar panels are lined with photovoltaic (PV) cells. Each cell contains a silicon semiconductor, a material that conducts electricity. When this semiconductor absorbs sunlight, electrons get freed. These electrons start moving in an electric current, all moving in the same direction.
This current is directed to an external object, which is how we get electricity. However, the electricity produced is direct current, so it must go through an inverter to be usable as alternating current (AC) electricity.
How Is Solar Energy Used in Everyday Life?
Anything that needs electricity or batteries can use solar energy: your phone, laptop, TV, car, oven, fridge, and even your water heater.
1. Electricity
Solar panels allow homeowners and businesses to harness sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. It’s quickly spreading in popularity as PV panel costs have decreased, and more people turned to alternative energy sources to save on skyrocketing utility costs.
A solar panel system generates electricity from the sun shining on the panels. If you connect your solar panel system to the traditional electrical grid, any appliances that use electricity use the energy from the PV panels first, which reduces your on-grid power usage.
Homeowners who join a net metering program (where available) can send any extra energy to the electric grid and receive credits.
Alternatively, some users connect PV panels to portable power stations to keep energy in reserve independent of the grid. Solar generators like the EcoFlow DELTA series can supply enough energy for an entire home, acting as a reliable source of off-grid power for blackouts. Other options, like the EcoFlow River 2 series, are suitable for portable uses, such as camping, backpacking, and motorhome adventures.
2. Lighting
Just like solar energy can power electronics, it can also provide light. Solar lights have become popular for patios, walkways, and balconies because they absorb light all day and stay lit up all night without extra power.
Solar lighting is a cost-effective way to keep the outside of your home lit up during the night without watching your power bill suffer.
3. Transportation
Solar-powered vehicles are already starting to emerge. A car that charges using renewable energy would eliminate the need for fossil fuels and power grids, which are currently the only two viable ways to power vehicles.
Solar energy also supplies electricity for other transportation and vehicular needs too. Power kits integrate with motorhomes, campers, and vans, allowing users to use sunlight to charge appliances and devices.
Final Thoughts
Only a few resources on Earth are endlessly renewable and don’t damage the planet; sunlight is one of them. Once you switch to solar, it won’t take long to see the difference in your utility bills and your peace of mind as you achieve energy independence.If you’re thinking of creating a solar power setup, shop EcoFlow. Our commitment to clean energy is why we develop technologies that generate solar power in a way that’s cost-effective and accessible to all. Never run out of power with EcoFlow’s renewable, net-zero energy solutions.