A Closer Look at Solar Energy and the Benefits of Community Solar
Solar power is everywhere, and solar panels on homes and in fields are no longer an uncommon sight. Despite its prevalence, many people still don’t understand how solar energy works. At Renewables Worldwide, we provide renewable energy through community solar programs, so you’ve come to the right place to learn more about this energy solution.
If you’re considering community solar for your business, it’s wise to understand how it all works. Here’s a closer look at this renewable energy resource.
What Is Solar Energy?
Let’s start with the basics. Solar energy is the most plentiful and accessible resource, with over 170,000 terawatts of energy hitting the Earth at any given time. While we may think of solar panels as a relatively new invention, they’ve actually been around for quite some time. Edmond Becquerel invented them in 1839 when he was just 19 years old! However, we have technically been harnessing the power of the sun since the 7th century B.C., when people discovered that you could light fires by focusing sunlight through a magnifying glass or a mirror. We’ve long known that we could make use of the power of the sun.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
It’s all about capturing energy. The sun releases photons that drop down 93 million miles, hitting the Earth’s surface in about eight to nine minutes. When those photons hit a solar cell, they shake off the electrons attached to them. Once conductors are connected to the positive and negative terminals of a cell, an electric current flows. The electrons from the photons race through the current, generating electricity. The more panels you connect to this circuit, the more power you can expect it to generate.
Weather and Solar Energy
Weather conditions do affect solar panels, but weather rarely makes them inoperable. Solar panels actually work better in colder temperatures because the system can run more efficiently and is less likely to overheat. Overcast days also don’t pose a problem for solar panels. There is always solar radiation, even when there’s cloud cover. Otherwise, it would be too dark to see on cloudy days! As long as there’s solar radiation, solar panels can turn it into electricity.
Community Solar with Renewables Worldwide
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how solar energy works, it’s time to look at the benefits of community solar for your business. Community solar programs allow small businesses to buy into solar power without the costs of setting up their own system. Participants in a community solar program also don’t need to worry about maintenance, troubleshooting, or repairs. You get all the benefits and none of the headaches.
