How Does Solar Energy Work

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How Does Solar Thermal Energy Work?

In this situation, solar thermal energy works by transferring heat that comes from the sun. As a result, water and air used in homes and businesses is heated. For this to happen, large, flat solar panels are installed as a means of collecting the energy, each being positioned for the best absorption of the sun possible. Additionally, these systems have tubes filled with water that sit just beneath the panel surfaces, which work as solar thermal collectors. Water is heated and then stored in special holding tanks. For the home or business owner, the water produced from thermal energy replaces the traditional hot water heater.

There are even systems that use radian heat. In this case, a home is heated using tubes installed beneath the floor that fill with hot water. Although this works in most homes, those with hardwood, stone, and ceramic tile benefit most. On cold days, instead of a person walking around on cold floors, the radiant heat produces warmth that is comfortable and safe.

How Does Photovoltaic Solar Energy Work?

Similar to solar thermal energy, the photovoltaic solar energy system works by converting solar power into usable electricity. These systems use panels for collecting energy, which usually positioned on top of roofs. The benefit of photovoltaic solar energy is not only to enjoy free energy but the panels used are portable so they can be repositioned to create a powerful network of solar panels.

Typically, photovoltaic solar energy panels are made from silicon-based or silicon materials, which maximize the ability for the panels to absorb sun. In this case, the collector panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity unlike other solar systems that use heat conversion for electricity. These panels continue to gather energy throughout the year, even in the fall and winter months as long as there is sunlight.

Electricity is generated as sunlight is absorbed in the panels, which creates electricity that moves to a transformer. There, the electricity is converted into AC, also known as alternating current with power of 120 volts. The benefit is that AC is the most common type of electrical current used in homes.

However, because there are some home in other countries that do not use AC power, this type of electricity takes the generated power known as photovoltaic solar energy, is stored in a number of special batteries. Any home that uses solar power is referred to as a battery-powered home. The reason is that everything that uses electricity, the refrigerator, stove, lamps, small appliances, air conditioning, heating, and so on, is powered by the energy stored in the batteries, all created by the sun’s energy that powers solar panels.

The answer to the question of how does solar energy work is something that people can understand a little better. No longer a dark-shrouded mystery, solar power has saved many people thousands of dollars every year and best of all, it is safer for the environment.