The sun is Earth’s life-giving force, emitting essential heat and light that sustain all life forms on our planet.
However, modern humans have gone beyond merely basking in the sunshine and warmth. They’ve mastered the technique of converting solar energy for their benefit, providing electricity and heat to homes, industries, and agricultural spaces.
Nowadays, solar energy is seen as a key player in combating climate change and securing a sustainable future.
But the question arises: How do we transform sunlight into usable energy? This is achieved through solar panels, devices designed to convert sunlight into electricity, opening up a realm of endless possibilities for harnessing solar power.
What Solar Panels Are
Solar panels, commonly referred to as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are composed of cells that are coated with semiconductor materials like silicon, phosphorus, and boron. These cells are designed to absorb light particles, known as photons. When photons enter the cell, they transfer their energy to electrons, prompting these electrons to break away from their atoms. This movement of liberated electrons is what creates an electric current within the material. The solar cells generate an electric field that directs the electrons to flow in a specific direction within the external circuit. This process produces direct current (DC), which is then transformed into alternating current (AC) by an inverter. This AC power can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use.
According to manufacturing technology, solar panels can be categorized into the following types:
- Monocrystalline solar panels are made using a single silicon crystal in each cell. These cells are distinguishable by their rounded edges and black color. Thanks to their uniform crystal structure, they convert a higher amount of sunlight into energy, making them quite efficient in direct sunlight. Moreover, monocrystalline panels require less space for installation.
- On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels consist of multiple silicon crystals in each cell. They typically have a bluish or greyish tint. While these panels have lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline ones, they can absorb sunlight from a broader range of angles. They are also less expensive to produce since they do not require the specialized process needed for single crystals, leading to a lower cost. However, polycrystalline panels are larger and need more installation space.
- Thin solar panels are developed by applying a layer of photovoltaic material onto a slim substrate, like glass or metal. These panels are flexible and can easily mounted on different surfaces, but they generally offer lower efficiency compared to other types.
The selection of solar panels depends on various factors including budget, space availability for installation, efficiency needs, and the intended use of the solar system.
The Use of Solar Panels
The possibilities for using solar panels are quite extensive. We can mention some of them:
For Enterprises
With rising electricity prices and deteriorating environmental conditions, the optimal solution for businesses is to switch to clean and sustainable energy sources.
With solar panels, an enterprise:
- Utilises renewable energy sourced from the inexhaustible sun;
- Becomes environmentally friendly, which means that its operation does not harm the environment;
- Acquires the name of an environmentally responsible organization, which makes it possible to attract environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners, thus strengthening its image and position in the market;
- By generating its own off-grid electricity, it is not dependent on the traditional centralized power supply and is not subject to ever-increasing taxes. It also offers the opportunity to reduce costs, which is crucial to maintaining competitiveness.
- Has the ability to increase capacity if necessary.
- Can take advantage of government incentive programmes, tax breaks and other financial incentives for businesses that invest in solar energy.
For Hotels
Hotels typically have a high demand for electricity. Ensuring guest comfort involves significant energy consumption, such as room heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, providing hot water, maintaining continuous lighting, maintaining amenities like swimming pools and spas, operating restaurants and bars, and hosting special events and business conferences. These costs significantly impact the budget.
Utilizing solar panels in the hotel offers several advantages:
- Producing your own electricity results in significant cost savings.
- Energy supply stability ensures energy sustainability.
- The risk of short circuits is reduced to zero, enhancing safety.
- The value of the property increases significantly.
- The hotel gains an eco-friendly status, potentially yielding positive advertising effects.
Solar panels can be easily installed on the hotel’s roof. Their operation is completely silent and requires no additional services.
For Farming
A variety of modern solar panel technologies have made it possible to efficiently utilize solar energy in agriculture in various ways.
- By installing solar panels on the roofs of greenhouses, as well as on livestock and poultry farms where electricity consumption is high, long-term electricity bills can be reduced to zero.
- Installing solar panels above vegetable, horticultural and berry crops, or between the rows of crops, at an optimum height from the ground and with an optimum tilt, provides the opportunity to provide crops with the optimal lighting they require and significantly increase their yield.
- The use of solar energy for irrigation systems and water pumps enables more sustainable management of water resources, independent of the grid.
- In addition, the use of solar cells is effective in fish farms, as the installation of solar panels on the water allows the water temperature to be controlled and the environment to be improved.
For Your Own Home
Solar panels offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and clean source of electricity, granting independence from traditional power grids that are prone to unexpected outages and consistently increasing costs. Homeowners who harness solar energy can significantly lower their electricity bills, a key factor in maintaining financial stability. Additionally, by choosing clean, renewable energy, homeowners play a part in the global initiative to fight climate change and safeguard the planet for future generations.
Setting up a Solar Farm
In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, solar farms have emerged as a global opportunity for transitioning to renewable energy. These expansive arrays of solar panels harness the ample energy of the sun to generate clean electricity on a large scale.
Setting up solar farms presents an opportunity to generate clean, renewable energy and plays a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future. Investing in the construction of solar farms, equipped with cutting-edge technology and adhering to best practices, offers substantial long-term advantages for investors, developers, and landowners alike.
Funding in Georgia
Acquiring and setting up solar panels, whether for personal or commercial use, demands a level of financial investment. Fortunately, funding for such energy-efficient projects is available through energy loans, leasing arrangements, grants, and various other programs.
Given the current national emphasis on renewable energy production and development, the government is providing financial aid to enterprises that generate electricity from alternative sources. This support is poised to benefit Georgia’s energy sector, economy, and environmental health in the long term. Details about this state funding can be explored on the “Produce in Georgia” website.
Installation of Solar Panels
As solar panel technologies evolve and advance, we can expect a broadening of their applications, along with improvements in efficiency and reductions in cost. Utilizing the sun’s almost infinite energy offers vast potential in securing a sustainable energy future and keeping our world clean and green for future generations.
Step Energy has been installing solar panels for various applications for many years. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to develop the ideal solution tailored to your specific needs, overseeing the full installation process from the initial design to the final implementation.