Harnessing Solar Energy: A Comprehensive Guide

Since 2021, there has been a great increase in interest and adoption of solar energy solutions. Several factors have contributed to this phenomenon. First, the growing concerns about climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions have driven a global shift towards cleaner energy sources. Solar energy is abundant, clean, and renewable, which makes it a frontrunner in this transition.

In this guide, we’ll provide a thorough understanding of solar energy. Its principles, applications, benefits, and valuable insights are for anyone interested in understanding, implementing, or advocating for solar energy systems.

What is Solar Energy?

At its core, solar energy is harnessed from the sun’s radiation. The sun is an immense nuclear fusion reactor, emitting great amounts of energy in the form of sunlight. This energy can be harnessed using various technologies, such as Photovoltaic Cells (solar panels) or solar thermal systems, to generate electricity or heat water for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Benefits of Solar Energy

• Reduced electricity bills: solar panels and their installation can be quite pricey. However, the amount you’ll spend on the installation, you’ll save on energy bills later on. According to our research, a solar panel system can save homeowners up to 20-70% on their electricity bills. This will solely depend on the scale of their solar energy systems.
• Financial incentives: many governments offer financial incentives to encourage the adoption of solar energy, such as tax credits, rebates, or other financial assistance programs.
• Tax credits (solar incentives): the Federal Residential Solar Energy Credit or the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), is a tax credit that allows taxpayers to claim a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system on their federal income taxes. Systems installed in 2020 and 2021 were eligible for a 26% tax credit. However, in August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for installations between 2022 and 2032. Systems installed before 2019 were also eligible.
• Net metering: Net metering allows solar panel owners to sell excess electricity their systems generate back to the grid. In many states, utilities must compensate solar owners for the excess electricity at the retail electricity rate, effectively lowering or eliminating electricity bills.
• Property value: according to Zillow, a property’s value increases by 4.1% when it has a solar system. Besides, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, your home value increases by 20$ for every 1$ you save on energy bills. For example, if your solar system saves you up to 300$ per year, multiply that by 20, which would be a 6000$ increase to your home value.
• Access to Power during disasters: solar energy systems, particularly those equipped with battery storage, provide a reliable source of electricity during emergencies and natural disasters. When traditional power grids fail due to storms, earthquakes, or other crises, solar panels can continue generating electricity, helping to maintain essential services, and power communication devices, providing comfort and safety to households and communities.
• Great for remote locations: solar energy is particularly well-suited for remote or off-grid locations where access to traditional power infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. Whether it’s a remote cabin in the mountains, a research station in the Arctic, or a telecommunications tower in the desert, solar panels can reliably generate electricity in areas far from centralized power grids, providing energy independence and reliability.
• Energy independence:  individuals and businesses can reduce their dependence on centralized power grids and fossil fuels by generating electricity from solar panels. This energy independence provides greater control over energy costs and enhances resilience against power outages, fuel price fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions. Besides, living off the grid will save you a lot of money over time, which you could redirect into other important expenses.
• Reduces your carbon footprint:  a household can reduce approximately 8.5 tons of CO2 with a solar power system. This reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is equivalent to planting around 150 trees annually or taking more than 1,600 cars off the road yearly. By harnessing clean, renewable energy from the sun, households can make a tangible and impactful contribution to combating climate change and preserving the environment for future generations.

How Solar Energy Works

Have you ever wondered how those sleek solar panels on rooftops or fields soak up sunlight and turn it into electricity? Well, we’ll break it down for you.

1. Semiconductor wafer: there’s a thin wafer made of two silicon layers inside the solar cell. One layer has a positive charge, and the other has a negative charge.
2. Sunlight hits the cell: When sunlight (made of tiny particles called photons) hits the solar cell, it gives energy to the cell.
3. Electrons get the stimuli: The energy from the sunlight makes some electrons in the semiconductor wafer loose from their atoms.
4. Electric field: The semiconductor wafer has an electric field around it because of the charged layers. When the loose electrons start moving, this field helps direct them in a particular direction.
5. Creation of electrical current: As the loose electrons move, they create an electrical current. This current is the flow of electricity that we can use to power things.

Solar Power Plants

Introduction to Solar Power Plants

A solar power plant converts sunlight into electricity. It works by using solar panels made of photovoltaic cells to capture sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), suitable for use in homes and businesses. The electricity is then fed into the grid for distribution. This process involves transforming solar energy into electrical energy, converting DC to AC, and integrating the electricity into the existing power grid.

Types of Solar Power Plants

Solar Thermal Power Plant: concentrates sunlight using mirrors onto a receiver to heat a fluid (like water or molten salt) to produce steam, driving a turbine for electricity. Primarily used for large-scale utility projects providing electricity to the grid.

Collector Solar Thermal Power Plant: utilizes curved mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver tube, heating a fluid (like water) to generate steam for electricity production. Commonly employed in utility-scale electricity generation projects.

Central Tower Solar Thermal Power Plant: uses a field of mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a central receiver atop a tower, heating a fluid to produce steam for electricity via a turbine. Suitable for utility-scale projects due to high efficiency and energy storage capabilities.

Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant: directly converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels made of semiconductor materials (like silicon). Used for a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations, providing electricity for buildings or feeding into the grid.

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages		Challenges
Renewable energy source	Solar power plants get their energy from sunlight, ensuring sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels	Intermittency and variability	They depend on sunlight, which leads to intermittency and variability in electricity output,
Environmentally friendly	Produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or pollutants, contributing to cleaner air, waters, and soil, and mitigating climate change impacts	Land use and habitat impact	Large-scale projects require significant land area, which may compete with other land uses or affect local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity
Low operating costs	Their operating and maintenance costs are way much lower than fossil fuel power plants	Energy storage requirements	To mitigate intermittency and variability, solar power plants may need energy storage solutions, such as batteries, which can add complexity and increase costs
Scalability and modular design	Can be scaled up or down by adding or removing solar panels or modules, making them adaptable to various energy needs and locations	Upfront capital investment	The installation capital needed, including infrastructure, and land acquisitions is a lot. Potentially limiting widespread adoptions without financial incentives or support
Energy independence and security	Reduces the dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy, independence, and security, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional energy sources	Efficiency and performance degradation	Dust, debris, and shading can reduce solar panel efficiency by hindering sunlight absorption and causing uneven heating, impacting electricity generation

Solar Panels for Home Use

Overview of Residential Solar Panels

Residential solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on rooftops or open areas. These panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where semiconductor materials in the panels absorb photons and release electrons, creating an electric current. This electricity can power appliances and lighting in the house, and excess energy can be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid for credits.

Installation Process

Considering transitioning to solar energy? Here’s a glimpse into what you can anticipate during the installation process.

Location Evaluation

The first step your installer will take is to assess the location where the system will be installed. In this evaluation, they’ll consider factors such as your area’s climate, shading elements that may hinder system performance, available space, the electrical setup, etc. This is done to design or adjust the system for optimal performance.

Design Approval

Once the location has been evaluated, any necessary changes are implemented. If there are modifications to the design previously presented to the client, it is sent back for their approval. Changes can range from aesthetics to functionality.

Permits

Before proceeding with the installation, permits are required to ensure that the design complies with safety codes, whether they are related to fire, electrical, and/or structural regulations. The installer handles this by submitting the approved design to the city for review and approval. These permits have varying costs depending on the state.

Installation

The installation process doesn’t take much time, usually just a day or two, and you don’t necessarily need to be present at home during the process.

Inspection

After the system is ready, an inspector will evaluate that everything has been installed correctly according to the design submitted to the city and that everything meets safety standards.

Utility Connection:

The last thing to do is to get permission from your utility company to connect it to their power grid. You or your installer apply for this connection, showing them the contract and work details. Once they give the thumbs up, your solar power can flow into the grid.

Cost Considerations and Financing Options

According to Forbes, residential solar panels costs can vary from $2.40 to $3.60 per watt including installation. In the same article, you can compare the cost of solar panels by state. Costs can also depend on the panel type, monocrystalline panels can cost $1.00 – $1.50 per watt, polycrystalline panels go from $0.90 – $1.50, and Thin-film panels vary from $0.50 – $1.50 per watt. Lastly, the amount of sunlight in your area will also affect costs, areas with more sunlight will require fewer panels, which translates to minor costs.

Now, there are a few options to finance your solar power system.

Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)

Once you installed your solar system, with the Federal Solar Tax Credit (US)  you can claim back 30% of the installation costs. The ITC  includes the cost of the panels, contractors, energy storage devices, and permit and inspection fees. To be eligible, you must have installed your system between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2034, the system must be new and used for the first time.

You’ll find more information about this credit in this article by the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

Solar Loans

Solar installers often offer financing options. This is easier and simplifies the process rather than getting a loan from a third party. However, if your installer doesn’t offer financed pay, you can take out a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or external lender. The biggest issue with personal loans is that they come with high interest rates and often come with origination fees.

Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs)

With solar leases or PPAs, you can have the solar panels without paying upfront. You make fixed monthly payments to the solar company instead. They handle maintenance, but you lose out on the federal tax credit and need to find someone to take over the lease if you move before it ends.

203(k) mortgage refinance for solar panels

An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to include home improvement expenses in your mortgage, including solar panel installation. It’s best for those with low credit scores, starting from 500, and offers lower interest rates than personal loans. However, you’ll need mortgage insurance regardless of your down payment, and you must find a contractor ready to start within 30 days of closing.

Maintenance & Performance Tips

• As the energy is harnessed from sunlight, make sure you keep your panels out of shade
• Make sure to clean them eventually. The build-up of dust and dirt can create a coat that will make it harder to absorb sunlight.
• When cleaning your solar panels, never use harsh sponges or abrasive chemicals since they can damage the panels
• High temperatures can cause a decrease in the efficiency of the panels as they can cause thermal stress, especially on photovoltaic cells. Make sure to have that in mind to take the precautions needed according to the climate in the area

Solar Panels for Commercial Use

Applications of Solar Panels in Commercial Settings

Solar energy systems can be integrated into a wide range of industrial and commercial projects, including:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Warehouses
• Distribution centers
• Data centers
• Office buildings
• Retail stores
• farms and agricultural operations

As these projects are bigger, they typically work in conjunction with the existing energy infrastructure rather than as a sole energy source. They can be connected to the grid, allowing excess energy generated during daylight hours to be exported back to the grid for credit.

However, there are instances where solar energy systems can operate independently as the sole energy source, especially in remote locations where grid connection is not feasible or cost-effective. In such cases, battery storage systems store excess energy generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or at night.

Benefits for Businesses

• Cost savings: businesses can reduce their reliance on grid power and lower their electricity bills by generating their electricity. Solar energy systems provide a predictable and stable source of energy. This can help businesses to have better management of their operating expenses.
• Return of investment (ROI): while the initial investment required can be high, businesses can recoup the costs through energy savings and financial incentives such as tax credits, rebates, and renewable energy certificates. Over time, the savings reduced on their energy bill can result in a significant ROI.
• Sustainability: using solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the reliance on fossil fuels. As industrial projects require more energy than personal homes, shifting from fossil fuels to solar power systems highly reduces the negative impact on the environment.
• Long-term assets: solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years or more and require minimal and easy maintenance, making them a durable and reliable source of energy.
• Marketing and branding: The world is moving around the sustainability concepts and options. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability through solar energy can enhance the brand’s image and attract environmentally-conscious consumers and clients to support or invest in your business.

Solar Lights

Solar lights work by soaking up sunlight during the day, storing this energy in a battery, which powers the LEDs once the sun sets. They are similar to solar panels, as they both use photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy to electricity. They come in different forms, such as outdoor solar garden lights, pathway lights, security lights, and even indoor solar-powered lamps.

Types of Solar Lights

Solar street lighting: Designed for illuminating streets, roads, and highways. The lights are typically high-powered and strategically placed to provide adequate lighting for public areas, improving safety and visibility during nighttime.

Solar pathway lighting: These lights are smaller in scale and are often used for illuminating pathways, sidewalks, or gardens in residential, commercial, or public spaces. These offer both functionality and aesthetics.

Solar parking lot lighting: Tailored for illuminating parking lots and outdoor parking areas. Their lights are engineered to provide consistent, and reliable lighting while maximizing energy efficiency and reducing operations costs.

Solar sign lighting: Specifically crafted to illuminate signs, billboards, or banners. These lights highlight signage in many settings, including highways, roadsides, and commercial areas to enhance visibility and advertising effectiveness.

Solar lighting for transit systems: Customized for transit shelters, bus stops, or train stations. These lights aim to improve safety and convenience for commuters by providing reliable illumination in transportation hubs, commonly in locations where grid electricity is unavailable or has higher costs.

Benefits of Solar Lighting

• They are easy to install and require minimal wiring or infrastructure. Convenient for both residential and commercial settings.
• Solar lights improve safety and security by illuminating dark areas, even when there are power outages, the reserve can keep surroundings well-lit to deter potential intruders.
• They operate independently of the electrical grid, ideal for off-grid and remote locations.
• Solar lights generally require minimal maintenance compared to conventional lighting systems. Once installed, they typically only need occasional cleaning.
• Solar lights can help reduce pollution. Besides, it’s beneficial for residential areas or natural locations where preserving dark skies is important.

Best Practices for Installation

Strategic positioning: the lights should be installed in places with high exposure to sunlight so that enough energy can be generated and stored. When we talk about strategic positioning, we mean avoiding trees or structures that create shade.

Securing the mounting: ensure that light fixtures are securely mounted to poles or structures using appropriate hardware to withstand climate conditions or prevent theft or vandalism.

Angle adjustment: adjust the angle of the solar panels and light fixtures to optimize sunlight capture and illumination coverage. There are regions with seasonal changes in sun angle, which should be considered when creating the system design, as they should always be facing the sung.

Use high-quality components: always go for high-quality solar lights, panels, batteries, and LED lights from reputable manufacturers to ensure longevity and performance. Consider materials that can withstand outdoor conditions such as corrosion-resistant metals and UV plastics.

Correct sizing: properly sized lights can reduce costs by avoiding installing oversized or undersized systems. Oversized systems lead to unnecessary expenses and undersized systems may require additional lights or backup power sources. Besides, proper sizing improves visibility even in periods of low sunlight.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips

How to clean your panels

The first thing you need to know is that you should clean them in the morning. If you decide to go for it in the afternoon, you’ll find they’re too hot, since their function is to absorb sunlight which, of course, generates heat.

Get a bucket of soapy water, and a soft bristle brush, follow the instructions below and you’ll have no problem cleaning your solar panels.

1. Use a hose to wet the solar panels and wash away loose dirt. Then, gently scrub the panels focusing on tough spots with a soft brush and soapy water. Let the soap and water soak for a few minutes if there are hardened spots.
2. After scrubbing to everything is clean, rinse the panels to remove the soap residues. Use a hose or just pour water over them to cover every inch to remove it all.
3. To finish and dry, use a squeegee to remove the water from the panels and avoid water marks. Work it from the top to the bottom, and use a soft fabric rag for a spotless finish.

Extra tips:

• This might sound obvious, but before cleaning turn off the solar lights to avoid electrical hazards.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials such as bleach, acids, ammonia, or solvents like acetone or thinner.
• Once cleaned, look for any sign of damage or wear to check if they need maintenance or if you should change them.
• Add protection coatings against dirt and grime buildup.