Solar energy is the process of converting sunlight into thermal or electrical energy. It is a renewable energy source that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

Each hour enough sunlight hits the Earth`s surface to provide global energy for a whole year. But how do we harness that energy?

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It`s free

Most companies that advertise free solar panels or no cost solar programs do so under the guise of solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). These programs enable the company to install solar panels on your roof for no upfront cost.

They then charge you a monthly fee for the electricity these panels produce. This is the same rate that you`d pay for electricity from your utility.

Despite the misleading marketing, there are still many incentives available that can make solar systems more affordable. For example, the 30% federal solar tax credit is a significant reduction in your taxes.

Many utility companies offer net metering. This allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back into the grid to receive energy credits for use in low-sunny periods. These programs can significantly reduce your total monthly energy costs, making solar an increasingly attractive investment for your home.

It`s clean

Solar power is one of the most environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. It decreases fossil fuel consumption and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

This technology converts sunlight to different forms of energy, such as heat or electricity. It`s a flexible renewable energy source that can be used in distributed generation (where it`s located at the point of use) or as a utility-scale solar + storage power plant.

Semiconducting silicon material in solar panel panels absorbs photons from the sun when it shines. Direct current (DC) electricity is created when the silicon atoms react with each other. This electricity is then sent to the inverter.

However, solar panels can contain complex chemicals such as copper indium selenide, cadmium gallium selenide, and hexafluoroethane, which can be hazardous to both humans and the environment. When the panels are disposed of in landfills, these compounds seep into the soil and water, potentially contaminating drinking water.

It`s renewable

One of the most sustainable sources of renewable energy on the planet is solar power. It doesn`t release greenhouse gases into the air or contaminate water, making it a clean alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power.

It is also very cost-effective and can be used on a hyperlocal level, such as at the home or business of an individual, without the need for large infrastructure like wind turbines.

Solar is also the most environmentally friendly form of energy, as it doesn`t emit carbon dioxide or other pollutants that can cause climate change. It also has the lowest water-consumption footprint of any type of renewable energy.

However, the value of solar energy in terms of avoided greenhouse gas emissions is often overlooked in studies commissioned by electric utilities. These studies typically only account for the value of generating energy that goes into the grid.

It is reliable

Solar power is an efficient and reliable source of electricity. It can help homeowners cut their electricity bills and even eliminate them altogether, especially when combined with energy storage.

Photovoltaic panels are the most popular way to harness solar energy. Each solar cell absorbs sunlight and can contain hundreds or even thousands of cells.

Each photon of sunlight knocks loose electrons, which are then directed to the metal contacts at the top and bottom of each cell. The circuit then becomes current-flowing due to the formation of a voltage between these layers.

An inverter converts this current into usable electricity. It`s important to choose a quality inverter to ensure the reliability of your system and to prevent issues down the line.

Solar power, unlike many other sources of energy such as fossil fuels, is 100% renewable and will not run out any time soon. It has no negative impact on the environment.