Before we delve into the topic, let us first try and understand what exactly the word “sustainability” means. Well, if we were to go by the United Nations definition of sustainability, it says sustainability is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Solar energy perfectly fits into this definition of the United Nations. And that’s because the Sun’s energy is a renewable and inexhaustible form of energy which is always going to be there.
How do Solar Power Systems Contribute to It?
Solar power systems harness the Sun’s energy to produce electricity thereby reducing the dependence on fossil fuels for electricity production. The best thing is that solar power systems not just depend on a more reliable and inexhaustible source of energy, but it’s also a greener form of energy generation. Unlike the energy generated from fossil fuels, which is a major cause of global warming, the energy from solar power systems is cleaner and environment-friendly.
How does a Solar Power System Work?
To understand how a solar power system works, we first need to know what are the main components/parts of a solar power system. The solar power system has three major components
1. Solar Panels
Solar panels are the devices that are installed on the roof of a building or on the ground. Their purpose is to absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC). There are two types of solar panels – monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
When the solar panels receive the Sun’s rays, the electrons inside the solar cells start moving in a to and fro direction. This in turn leads to generation of energy in the form of a Direct Current (DC). This current then gets transferred to the Solar inverter.
2. Solar Inverter
A solar inverter is the heart of a solar power system. It converts the direct current (DC), it receives from the solar panels, to alternating current (AC). It then transfers the AC to the residential property for powering home appliances and electricals. The excess energy is sent to the solar battery for storage.
Note – There are three main types of solar inverters – On-Grid, Off-Grid and Hybrid.
3. Solar Battery
The solar battery holds charge/energy. In case of a power cut, the battery transfers the stored charge to the inverter which in turn transfers it to the home for power consumption. There are three main types of solar batteries – flat plate batteries, tubular batteries and gel batteries.
The Other Benefits of Installing a Solar Power System
- Reduced Energy Bills
By now you would have gotten an idea that the solar power system reduces the dependence on the local grid system. This helps reduce energy bills because the energy received from the Sun is for free. The only cost one has to bear is the initial cost of investment in a solar power system.
- Good Return on Investment
If you calculate the savings that a solar power system generates in the long run, you will see that the amount is quite substantial. Another monetary benefit that you get is the increase in the value of your property. Buyers are ready to pay more for properties that have solar power systems installed on them.
- Greener Form of Energy
40 percent of the carbon dioxide that gets emitted globally is produced by the electricity generation plants that rely on fossil fuels for power. Don’t you think we as global citizens have a responsibility towards Mother Earth, and therefore, we should shift to this cleaner and greener form of energy?
The Way Forward
Given the benefits associated with a solar power system, every homeowner or commercial property owner should switch to solar power systems. If you, too, are planning to take the plunge, we recommend you to get in touch with the solar experts at Luminous India. It’s one of the most reputable brands for solar products in India. The experts at Luminous will not just guide you about the process of getting a solar power system installed on your property, but they will also help you choose the right solar power system for your property.