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Solar power is the energy that is obtained from the sun. The energy can be harnessed using certain technologies and can be used in plenty of forms. Solar energy is available in abundance. It is inexhaustible and renewable.

Besides, solar power is eco-friendly. It is free of CO₂ and releases no harmful emissions into the air while getting utilised. Hence, it is an excellent alternative to non-renewable sources of energy for being clean and inexhaustible.

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Solar Energy
Solar Energy

Solar power is so abundant that it can satisfy the energy requirements of the entire world single-handed. If the sun rays falling on the surface of the earth are captured and used suitably, it can fulfil all the energy needs of the future.

Solar power is much more efficient and beneficial than other conventional sources of energy including coal, petroleum, natural gas etc. And that is why going solar is a great step towards a sustainable future.

Page Highlights:

Buy solar panels online at best price
Buy solar panels online at best price

#1. How Solar Power is Used?

Solar power is utilised by converting it to other useful forms of energy. The conversion takes place through different technologies. So far, the developing human resources have introduced three major technologies (detailed in the upcoming section) that can be used to harness solar energy.

Solar power is one the richest energy resources on earth, it can be captured and used in many ways and as a renewable energy source, and it is an important part of our clean energy future.

The most common among them is the photo-voltaic solar power that can be utilised by common people in their homes.

Read in Detail: How Solar Panel Works?

how does PV solar works
how does PV solar works

#2. Solar Power Technologies

Solar energy is free and present in abundance. It is about 2 lakh times of the energy produced daily on earth through other sources taken together. All we need are technologies to harness it for our benefit and the sake of a sustainable future.

There are 3 types of solar power technologies majorly used to produce electricity in past years

  1. Photo-Voltaic Solar Power
  2. Thermal Solar Power
  3. Concentrated Solar Power

Photovoltaic Solar Power Technology

Photovoltaic solar power is the energy that is produced by harnessing solar energy using photovoltaic power plants. In solar photovoltaic systems, a device called solar panel is used to generate electricity to run our appliances such as solar pumps, solar ac, solar street lights etc.

At present, solar photo-voltaic energy is the most popular and most common technology in solar compared to thermal and concentrated solar technologies.

Photovolatic solar system
Photovolatic solar system

Solar PV power was invented in 1839 by Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel. When discovered, the technology was not much welcomed but today, it became the most cost-effective solar technology.

Now anyone can install solar energy at home, office and businesses, as it starts from small capacities such as 1kW at reasonable prices. Governments are also providing incentive schemes and subsidy on solar to make it more cost effective. 

There are further three types of photovoltaic solar systems. Let’s have a quick look.

#1. On-Grid Solar System

On-grid solar systems are the type of solar systems that can be used with the grid, that is, the conventional source of energy. In simpler words, by installing an on-grid solar system, you can power load with grid electricity as well as with solar electricity.

The working principle is, the appliances are powered by the solar system when sunlight or solar electricity, to be specific, is available. In case of unfavourable weather or at night, when the system cannot generate enough solar electricity, the system draws power from the grid.

The most important benefit of using this system is net-metering. It allows you to sell the excess electricity produced back to the grid. On the other hand, the disadvantage is, you cannot store the electricity generated.

On-Grid-Solar-Panel-System-Price
On-Grid-Solar-Panel-System-Price
Off-grid-Solar-Panel-System-Price
Off-grid-Solar-Panel-System-Price

#2. Off-Grid Solar System

Off-grid solar systems are solar power harnessing setups that do not require grid electricity to power the appliances. They are grid-independent and capable enough to bear the load of the entire house single-handedly.

The working principle is, the appliances draw power from the solar system when the system is producing electricity absorbing the sunlight.

To supply power at night or in unfavourable weather conditions, the system is equipped with a battery that stores the excess electricity produced.

#3. Hybrid Solar System

Hybrid solar systems are the most versatile kind of solar system. They are equipped with the latest technology to serve best to all the needs of the customers. They are packed with the features of both– an on-grid and an off-grid solar system. 

Hence, with a hybrid solar system, you are allowed to use net-metering in case you want to earn by selling electricity. 

While you can have a battery as well in case you need to store the energy produced.

Hybrid-Solar-Panel-System-Price
Hybrid-Solar-Panel-System-Price

Thermal Solar Power Technology

The word thermal is concerned with heat so this technology is heat dependent. Solar thermal power plants are used to generate power by using energy from the sun to heat liquids at a high temperature.

This technology converts energy from one form to another, that is, from solar to thermal. These systems focus the sun’s rays to a point using solar collectors so that appropriate high temperatures can be obtained. This heat can be used for several purposes including electricity generation by rotating turbines using the heat waves on a large scale.

Thermal solar system
Thermal solar system

The smaller level applications of solar thermal power are mentioned below.

  1. Solar water heater
  2. Thermal power plant
  3. Solar cooker
  4. Space heating
  5. Pool heating

Concentrated Solar Power Technology

In a concentrated solar power technology, the sunlight or the solar energy, coming from the sun, is concentrated to serve the purpose. Concentrated solar energy systems generate solar energy using mirrors or lenses to focus a large area of sunlight over a small area.

Concentrated solar power
Concentrated solar power

As a result, high-intensity heat energy is produced at that small point. This heat is used to run conventional steam turbines or power generating engines. The concentrated thermal energy in the CSP plant can be used for electricity generation directly or can be stored for future consumption.

#3. Why Switch to Solar?

Going solar is the best way to save the environment from rising crises. As a renewable CO2-free power source, the environmental impact of solar energy is much lower than other power generation methods. 

The effect is mainly related to the production and supply of special materials and metals required for the production of solar panels

Hence, you must go solar to save the earth. If it doesn’t convince you satisfactorily, here is another reason that you’ll love it.

It is, adopting solar systems and solar energy as the main source to fulfil your energy needs, you can earn thousands while reducing the cost of your electricity bill.

solar environment
Switch to Solar Power

#4. Usage Of Solar Power

The sun provides enough energy to meet the energy needs of the entire world, and unlike fossil fuels, it will not run out anytime soon. As a renewable energy source, the only limitation of solar power is our ability to convert it into electricity in an efficient and cost-effective way.

The most common and important uses of solar power are mentioned below.

#1. No Fuel to Burn

After solar panels are installed, operating costs are significantly lower than other forms of electricity generation. Fuel is not required, and this means that solar power can create large amounts of electricity without the uncertainty and expense of securing the fuel supply.

#2. Solar Power- A Clean Source

After solar panels are installed, operating costs are significantly lower than other forms of electricity generation. Fuel is not required, and this means that solar power can create large amounts of electricity without the uncertainty and expense of securing the fuel supply.

#3. Solar Power for Agriculture

Solar water pump  and solar fencing are types of solar power that can be used for agriculture purposes. Govt of india also provides up to 90% subsidy on solar water pump and solar fencing.

#5. Solar Power For Home

Harnessing solar power is not limited to big power plants. Now anyone can use solar power for home as per power consumption, requirements and their budget.

Solar power home
Solar power home

You can have any of the following sets to produce electricity on your own at your home.

Small Solar Power Kits: Small solar kits with prices starting from just Rs.1000 for a home.

On Grid Solar Power System: This is the most beneficial type of solar power used for homes with net metering (to export extra electricity to the grid).

Off Grid Solar Power System: This is the system with battery back up, if you have power cut problem use off grid solar system.

Hybrid Solar Power System: Hybrid is the combination of on grid and off grid solar system. If you want to export a net metering facility with battery backup go for a hybrid.

#6. Solar Power For Business

For businesses, electricity per unit price is very high. Hence, for industrial level installations, commercial solar systems are most beneficial. You can have an off-grid, an on-grid or a hybrid solar system to perform the task. 

A highly efficient solar system with splendid quality solar panels and other components is worth getting installed at your business site. Just by doing this, you can save a lot financially. Besides, the government offers accelerated depreciation benefits on purchasing a solar system.

Read in Detail: Commercial Solar System – 20kW-100kW Solar Power Plant Price

Commercial rooftops
Commercial rooftops

#7. Pros & Cons Of Solar Power

Pros – Advantages

Solar power is a boon to humankind. Its long list of advantages proves the fact very well. Have a look at the host of benefits. 

Eco-Friendly: The use of solar panels is environmentally friendly. Therefore, solar energy which is harmless to the environment will be the major energy source in the future.

Reduces Electricity Costs: Solar energy reduces your electricity expenses. Your entire electricity load can be powered by the solar source of electricity.

Low Maintenance Cost: A solar system only needs no special maintenance. So there will be no maintenance cost. You just need to clean the solar panels with a solar panel cleaning kit.

Operates Silently: Solar energy doesn’t make noise during working. Sunlight directly touches solar panels silently and the solar panels convert the sunlight into electricity-producing no sound.

Renewable & CO₂ Free: Solar panels produce electricity by changing the continuous flow of energy from the sun to electricity. Hence, it is constant and renewable. Also no harmful emissions are released into the air during the production.

Low Operating Costs: The photo-voltaic process that converts sunlight into electricity requires no fuel and has no variable cost.

Subsidy on Solar: Solar systems are provided with a government subsidy to aid the customers financially. You can get up to 90% subsidies on solar in India.

 

 Cons – Disadvantages

Solar energy is highly advantageous in every aspect. If the setup is arranged suitably, there is no limit to the extent of benefits. But there are certain technical problems that people observe while installing solar power systems. These are mentioned below.

High Initial Cost: The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is quite high. This includes solar panel, inverter, battery, wiring and payment for installation.

Space Requirement: Solar PV panels require shadow free space and some roofs are not large enough to fit the number of solar panels required. 

Weather Dependent: Although solar power can still be generated during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system decreases.

Frequently Asked Question

A. The main advantage is that it is a renewable and clean source of power. Power of solar is also scale-able. This means that it can be deployed on an industrial scale, or it can be used to build a single house. When it is used on a small scale, excess power can be stored in a battery or feed back into the power grid. Overall, the sun provides far more energy than we need. The only limitation is our ability to convert our cost into electricity in a cost-effective manner.

Average solar panel price is Rs. 32 per watt. On grid solar system cost around Rs. 69 per watt, off grid solar system cost around Rs. 72 per watt and hybrid solar system cost around Rs. 89 per watt.

20% to 90% subsidies are available on solar. Click to learn more: Subsidy on Solar.

Off grid solar system would be the best for all residential purposes.

It depends on your electricity consumption. But 3kW to 5kW solar system is the average capacity that people often install at their homes.

Yes, if the on grid solar system is installed. The on grid system is connected to government electricity, if the solar system generates more power than the load, the excess electricity can be sold to the government.

Photo-voltaic cells in the solar panel absorb the sunlight and convert it into direct current electricity (DC). Then, a solar inverter converts DC power to AC power.

The cost depends on the quality and solar panel brand. The average price of solar panel is Rs. 32. However, the prices of solar change every year.

Photo-voltaic (PV – that converts sunlight into electricity) technology is best technology in solar power field.

For buying solar power systems, you can contact us. We have a complete range of quality solar products. You can also buy it from our online solar store.

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✍️ Written by: Akhil Sharma & Updated On: 07/04/2022 By: Bhanwar Chauhan

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