How Does Solar Work?

Ever wonder how does solar work? Curious to understand how you can save money and the environment by getting a solar panel installation? This article will answer “how does solar work” and why you should convert your home over to solar!

Let’s Start

One hour and a quarter of a day’s sunlight can provide enough energy to power the entire world for one year. Photovoltaic (PV), or mirrors that focus solar radiation, are two ways in which solar technologies convert sunlight to electrical energy. This energy can be used for electricity generation or stored in thermal storage or batteries.

Solar Energy 101

The sun emits solar radiation, also called electromagnetic radiation. Although every spot on Earth gets some sunlight each year, the amount that reaches each spot on the Earth’s surface can vary. This radiation is captured by solar technologies and converted into useful forms.

There are two main types of solar energy technologies–photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).

Photovoltaics Basics

Most people are familiar with PV, which is used in solar panels. The solar panels in Florida absorb the energy of the sun when it shines on them. This creates electric charges, which move in response to the internal electrical field of the cell. It causes electricity to flow.

Solar-Thermal Power Basics

Concentrating solar-thermal energy (CSP) systems make use of mirrors to reflect and focus sunlight onto receivers that capture solar energy. These receivers then convert the heat into electricity and store it for later use. It is used in large power plants.

Systems Integration Basics

The solar energy technology does not end with electricity generated by CSP or PV systems. These solar energy systems need to be integrated into existing electrical grids, homes, and businesses with different combinations of renewable and traditional energy sources.

Basics

Soft costs are a number of costs that don’t require hardware and can also have an impact on the price of solar energy. These include the costs of permitting, financing and installing solar. They also include the expenses that solar companies incur in order to acquire new customers and pay suppliers. Soft costs make up the largest portion of total costs for rooftop solar energy systems.

Going Solar Basics

Solar energy can reduce electricity costs, help create jobs, spur economic growth, provide backup power during nighttime or outages, and work at a similar efficiency on small and large scales.

Solar Industry Basics

There are many types of solar energy systems. Solar panels are being installed by businesses and homeowners across the United States. Utilities are also building large solar power plants in order to supply energy to all customers who are connected to the grid.

More Information

hopefully we’ve answered the question of “How does solar work” Looking for your personalized quote for your solar system in any of these counties?

Why You Should Choose Red Solar

At Red Solar we will help you navigate your options and help you choose the best option for you. With us, we handle it all and guide you through the process. We handle all aspects of design, engineering, permitting, construction, installation. Industry experts you can trust and rely on to get it done right. Red Solar is licensed and insured and has proudly installed solar systems for thousands of Florida homes and businesses for years. Contact us today via phone, email or book your free quote on your solar panel installation.

*Check out this simplified video of “how does solar work” below!