What is Solar Energy, and What are the Advantages of Using Solar Power Systems?
The sun is one of the most important natural resources of our world. Many of the things we use daily are based on the light and heat energy provided by the sun. As it is known, the sun is used for lighting and heating and generating electricity. In this article, we will discuss how electricity is generated from solar systems, the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, which Ecodense products are compatible with solar power, and the effects of solar energy on the environment, economy, and social life.
Solar energy or solar power is a method of generating electrical energy by using light and heat energy from the sun. Today, as the interest in sustainable energy sources is increasing, the importance of sunlight power energy and solar power systems as an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy source is increasingly understood.
There are two main ways to convert the sun into electricity: photovoltaic (PV) and thermal. The photovoltaic method uses panels made of semiconductor materials called solar cells.
Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electrical energy. These cells capture the photons produced when sunlight hits the surface and convert them into electric current. In this way, sunlight power is converted into usable electrical energy. Solar panels are usually installed in areas exposed to sunlight, such as roofs, fields, or the sides of buildings. In everyday language, this method is called "solar panels for homes or houses”.
In the solar thermal method or system, water or another fluid is heated with the help of mirrors or lenses that collect the sun. This fluid drives steam turbines to generate electricity.
The most widely used method today is photovoltaic. Some advantages of the photovoltaic panels are as follows:
On the other side of the medallion, some disadvantages of photovoltaic panels can be listed as follows:
Heating via solar electricity for homes is divided into two systems: passive and active. In passive solar heating, heat is collected and distributed from the sun without external mechanical pumping systems. Collectors must be separated from the heat storage areas to store the heat effectively. In the active systems of solar hot water panels, the sun's rays are collected in panels and converted into heat energy. This energy is then transferred to the liquid in the panel, which is heated. In direct-flow systems, there is no solar fluid; the domestic water is heated directly.
There are many advantages to using solar energy systems, especially as an environmentally friendly energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not emit greenhouse gasses during production and does not harm the environment. In addition, solar power or sunlight power is unlimited and free. No fuel purchase is required to use the energy derived from sunlight. In addition, solar energy systems generally have low maintenance costs and are a long-lasting solution.
Some other advantages of generation and usage of solar electricity for homes are as follows:
Reduces electricity bills: You can generate your electricity with solar energy; solar energy costs are incomparably low and in some scenarios, you can even sell excess energy to the state grid. Although this has yet to be implemented in Turkey - or examples are minimal - there are examples of this system being actively implemented in different countries worldwide, especially in places that receive the sun's rays at steeper angles.
Government incentives and various funds are available for large-scale investments: Investors in solar energy can benefit from government subsidies such as tax deductions, grants, or loans. However, government incentives vary nationally and internationally. Some countries do not charge electricity fees to citizens who install and actively use solar energy systems efficiently.
Contributes to energy security: Generation of solar electricity reduces dependence on energy imports and protects against energy crises.
Protects the environment: As mentioned above, solar energy is a much cleaner energy source than fossil fuels. It reduces carbon emissions, air pollution, and global warming.
Here are also some possible disadvantages of using solar energy:
It requires space: Large areas are needed to produce solar power. This can lead to problems such as land use, visual pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Depends on climatic conditions: Solar power or sunlight power is more efficient in sunny regions. Electricity production decreases in cloudy, rainy, or snowy weather.
Initial investment cost is high: Installing a solar energy system requires equipment such as panels, batteries, inverters, and specially manufactured cables. Although the price of this equipment has decreased over time, it still requires a more significant investment cost.
Solar power systems and the technology are spreading faster than before due to the increasing threat of global warming after greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to increasing environmental awareness, government incentives and support programs also encourage the use of solar energy. Many countries offer incentives such as tax breaks, grant programs, and low-interest loans for installing solar power systems. This enables solar energy to reach a wider audience. Generation of solar electricity worldwide has increased from 40 GW in 2010 to 580 GW in 2020.
In this context, China, the European Union, Germany, Japan, and the United States are among the leading countries in production of solar power. In China, in particular, wind and solar power generation is reported to have increased significantly, and the country is expected to reach its 2030 targets earlier. It is noted that China is strengthening its position as the world leader in renewable energy and is on track to produce 1,200 gigawatts worth of solar and wind power by doubling its current capacity by 2025.
In addition to the above data, electricity generation from solar energy in Turkey reached 6.5 GW in 2020, up from 0.1 GW in 2010. While solar electricity generation in Turkey meets 3% of the total global electricity demand, Turkey's fully licensed installed solar electricity generation capacity is 0.1% of the absolute power. In other words, it is still possible to say that the investments in our country have excellent development capacity.
All these figures show that solar power systems have a significant potential both worldwide and in Turkey.
In conclusion, solar power or sunlight power is an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and long-term saving energy source. With the expansion of its technology, solar power will continue to be an essential part of our energy needs in the future.
The WT series, included in the Ecodense wall-mounted condensing boilers product range and has premix condensing technology, is compatible with integrated operation with solar power systems regarding the electrical energy it uses. Ecodense heating systems, which offer environmentally friendly solutions with their premix condensing technology, manage energy consumption at the lowest level using solar energy systems.
In addition, the Control Panel and OZS164 - OZW672 Web Server products, which are included in the optional accessories category, can also operate with the electrical power obtained from solar energy.
Ecostar-Ecodense, among the leading brands in its sector in terms of low energy consumption, environmental friendliness, and sustainability awareness with its ongoing R&D investments, continues to work with all its staff for a greener tomorrow.