Keys to solar power generation

Solar energy is experiencing a tremendous growth spurt. The reasons for this are obvious. Almost every night, there are news reports about a new study regarding climate change or a climate-related weather event. There is a dearth of information about the realities of solar power. But how are solar panels made and how do they aid in the search for clean, renewable energy? Elemental silicon has had a huge impact on the technological advances of the human race. Silicon, found in sand, has the extraordinary ability to generate electricity when light strikes it. This "photovoltaic" effect enables sunlight to operate watches, power spacecraft,  and produce electricity for homes and businesses. Clean, renewable energy from the sun is the best alternative to "dirty," nonrenewable fossil fuel. However, in some conditions, that free energy impacts our environment.

Secrets to collecting electricity from the sun

As a solar business owner, you are likely to market two types of technologies that produce electricity: photovoltaic, which employs silicon or other conductive substances, and solar-thermal. Solar panels containing small solar cells are examples of photovoltaic products. Devices that use solar thermal technology concentrate sunlight on liquid that warms the water to produce steam. Energy from the steam turns a generator that delivers electricity. Solar power plants generate electricity for multitudinous customers using this methodology.

Minimal solar power impacts on the environment

For instance, a solar-powered parking meter requires no fuel, and it releases no toxins into the atmosphere. When companies create photovoltaic wafers that go into solar cells, the production process generates a small amount of hazardous material. Workers must manage it to prevent environmental and health problems. When some solar cells break, they become hazardous waste and must also be handled with care.

Solar energy's negative effects on land and wildlife

It is becoming increasingly popular for homes and small businesses to install solar panels on roofs. Because that installation occurs on existing developments, photovoltaic systems do not usually consume large amounts of land that you could use for more important purposes. However, solar-thermal systems can sometimes use a large amount of land depending on the type of technology used and the facility's size. If a new solar energy installation requires land use, it could have a negative impact on wildlife habitat in the vicinity. Off-grid PV systems often have disposable batteries that store energy when the sun shines so you can use it at night. These batteries can harm the environment unless you dispose of them properly because some of them can leak toxins such as lead and sulfuric acid.

Solar power plants produce more than electricity

Focused sun rays at a solar thermal plant could possibly harm birds. Workers at solar energy facilities need to use and dispose of cleaning agents carefully to protect the environment. Finally, concentrating solar power technologies may also generate substantial quantities of heat transfer fluids and industrial solid wastes, such as lubricating oils, compressor oils, and hydraulic fluids.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

If you want to join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and we can help you determine which panels are right for your situation. In some cases, you may be able to generate enough power to sell excess power back to the utility company.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles. The switch to solar requires education on solar panels which can save you considerable money over the decades.

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