Electricity Generated by the Sun
Is Solar Energy a Renewable Resource?
Yes, solar energy is a renewable resource because the sun naturally produces it, and it’s not finite. The term renewable resource refers to any natural resource that can replenish itself almost infinitely over time.
The sun’s power is essentially limitless. Regardless of extreme weather conditions or wildfires spreading across the globe, the sun can produce an extensive amount of energy. It can create enough energy in just one hour to meet the global population’s electricity needs for a year.
How Is Solar Energy Renewable?
Solar panels used on both homes and business work by taking in solar energy and converting that energy to electricity. Through nuclear fusion, the sun will continue to emit UV light for billions of years.
The energy taken from the sun doesn’t detract from its ability to continue producing power, which makes it renewable. Billions of solar panels can function at the same time without affecting the sun’s energy production.
Solar panels aren’t the only tool to absorb and convert solar energy. Concentrated solar plants use reflected UV light to power turbines, while solar heating and cooling systems use and convert thermal and solar energy through fluid storage.
Is Solar Energy a Green Energy Resource?
Although renewable and green energy may be used interchangeably, the two have some distinct differences. Green energy refers to a power source that produces no greenhouse gas when operational. Renewable energy refers to a power source that isn’t finite or can replenish itself naturally.
In the past, the manufacturing process of solar panels emitted substantial greenhouse gases and other concerning chemicals. While solar energy has always been renewable, the production of the products needed to harness it hasn’t been green.
Advancements in solar panel production have reduced emissions, creating a positive effect. Solar panels typically last for about 25 years and can become carbon neutral in as little as three years. Recycling solar panels that no longer function can also help reduce greenhouse emissions, making solar energy even more appealing.
Solar energy is just one example of a renewable energy source. It will continue to play an important role in the global effort to reduce reliance on finite resources.
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How Is Solar Energy Stored?
Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant energy resource on earth. However, it has limitations. How do you produce electricity when the sun isn’t shining? Can you store solar energy?
By pairing solar panel systems with energy storage, it’s possible to save electricity for later use. Through solar energy storage, homes and businesses can harness solar energy and access reliable electricity backup, whether the sun is shining or not. Storage allows for flexible energy use, increasing overall solar system efficiency and resilience.
Battery Storage
How is solar panel energy stored? Most residential solar installations utilize solar batteries for this purpose. Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used, requiring minimal maintenance and less space than other energy storage solutions.
Solar batteries store surplus energy generated by solar panels for later use. When sunlight hits solar panels, the energy is converted to DC power, and your inverter converts it to AC electricity to run your appliances during the day. The surplus energy generated in this process is stored in solar batteries as DC energy. Then, when you need it at night or during bad weather, your inverter will convert this energy into usable AC electricity, ensuring minimal dependence on the grid.
Thermal Storage
Thermal storage is another answer to the question, “How is solar energy stored?” In larger applications, this solar energy storage solution utilizes a medium, such as water or molten salt, to store heat from the sun. The material is then stored in an insulated tank until the energy is needed. The system uses stored heat to boil water and generate steam that drives a turbine, producing electrical power.
Mechanical Energy Storage
Mechanical energy storage solutions convert excess solar power to mechanical power, then to electrical energy on demand. How is solar energy stored this way? These are the most common mechanical energy storage systems for industrial applications:
- Compressed Air: Air is pushed or compressed into a large vessel, such as a tank or cave, and then released to power a turbine and generate electricity as needed.
- Flywheel: Surplus electricity spins a flywheel, producing and supplying electricity when needed.
- Pumped-Storage Hydropower: During peak electricity demand, water is pumped uphill into a reservoir and allowed to flow back downhill to power turbines and generate electricity.
