Solar energy is revolutionary, dynamic and constantly evolving, however, knowing exactly how it works or how it has become the world’s fastest growing renewable energy source may not be common knowledge.
Continue reading, and we will provide you with a clearer understanding of the solar-coaster WIRSOL Energy rides, especially as the company continues to grow globally. Even those working in the industry might just learn something new about what our company provides.
Let’s start with the basics:
How do solar panels generate energy from sunlight?
Solar power is a renewable source that generates infinite energy. How? Well, no matter where in the world, sunlight will never deplete. Solar power eliminates the production of greenhouse gases and any harmful byproducts, meaning it is great for the sustainability and future of the environment.
Solar energy can power the following (to name a few);
- Hot water
- Lighting
- Heating
- Camper-vans
- Homes
- Businesses
Now, let’s talk about how solar panels actually work. We have four stages to generate energy from sunlight through our solar farms, to the energy powered directly to your home:
Solar Modules
Inverters
Transformers
Electricity networks
Stage 1:
These are made up of individual solar cells, which are connected together. A solar cell is a device that exhibits the photovoltaic effect, capturing light energy from the sun and converting it into electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) solar farms are expected to have a lifespan of 25-30 years.
Stage 2:
Here the solar modules generate electrical energy in direct current (DC), our solar farms use the latest inverter technology to convert this DC power into alternating current (AC), as used in the national electricity network (Distribution lines).
Stage 3:
The transformers are used to transfer the energy produced by the solar farm, into the national grid and local electricity networks. In order to transfer this power, a step-up transformer is required to increase the voltage. This step-up transformer is located in the solar farm substation which includes the electrical switch-gear and protection measures to ensure safe and reliable connection to the electricity network.
Still with us? Great, the final stage is the easiest to understand… It is simply connecting to the electricity network, this occurs once the clean, green renewable energy from the solar farm is exported to the electricity network. The sustainable energy will then be supplied to power local homes and businesses – where you will benefit from this clean energy warming up your home on a cold winters night, or brightening up your day with green powered lighting.
The benefits of the renewable energy being exported to your homes are endless, firstly, solar farms are considered to be one of the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable ways of generating power. They produce practically no waste or noise and require minimal maintenance. As well as this, at the end of their serviceable life the land can revert to its original use. A safer and cleaner environment will ensure a healthier future for generations to come!
We at WIRSOL have remained a major player in the large-scale renewable energy market since our UK operations were established in 2014 – time certainly does fly. We entered with a boom and over the last 4 years have achieved significant milestones. Over these years, we have grown to specialise in the development, construction and operation of PV solar projects across the UK, Europe and most recently we have expanded operations to Australia, also referred to as solar beach.
As cliché as it may sound, the main objective and drive behind our success is to achieve a clean energy future by contributing to the global combat of climate change. Hopefully this has given a little more information about how solar power works, and what we aim to provide here at WIRSOL. For a greater insight into our company, achievements and ethos, check out the rest of our website.
Thank you for reading, keep your eyes peeled for our next post and updates on how the solar-coaster continues.
