The human race has been blessed with the ability to harness the power of the sun. Although the process of harnessing solar energy and converting it into usable electricity is fairly straightforward, the complexity of the equipment and the time it takes to set up make the overall process fairly expensive. This is mainly why large-scale solar power stations are still a thing of the future. However, thanks to the advancement of technology, we are seeing small-scale solar power gaining popularity due to its many advantages.
All You Need Is Sunlight And Sand
All you need for a solar energy system is sunlight and sand. I know what you are thinking: what the heck is sand for? Consider that the sun is a massive star, and like our own sun, it contains vast quantities of energy. When photons (small bundles of sunshine) hit an atom of oxygen, they can cause this element to emit electrons which can then be collected and turned into electricity. The beauty of this process is that you literally do not need any other source of energy to run your solar cell farm. As long as the sun is shining, you can generate electricity.
Easy To Maintain
The fact that you do not need any other source of energy for your solar cells means that you do not have to worry about fluctuations in supply or demand. You can simply set your system up and forget about it, which makes it much easier to maintain in the long term. A big advantage of this approach is that you do not need to constantly keep checking the voltage levels or the output of your panels. Just make sure that there is always enough sunlight and that the temperature does not exceed a certain threshold and you will be good to go.
Higher Efficiency
In the quest for higher efficiency and lower costs, manufacturers have developed numerous technologies that allow for greater absorption of sunlight and better production of electricity per unit of solar energy. The flip side of this is that small-scale systems are more complex and thus more costly to purchase and maintain. However, all these costs can be justified given the energy savings that you make over the years. If you are looking to install a small system for your home or business, it is best to go for established and reputable brands that have proven themselves over many years of production.
Longer Lifespan
The lifespan of a solar cell directly correlates with its efficiency. High-efficiency solar cells can have a lifespan of up to 15 years, which makes them suitable for small-scale use. However, for commercial applications, you will usually need to get much more longevity out of your solar cells. The best way to do this is by using the proper storage system and good quality solar cells. With more people opting for solar power and more companies and governmental bodies supporting alternative energy sources, the future for solar energy is very exciting.