Solar Electricity: Applications, Advantages, Disadvantages, And More

Since the ancient period, society has looked for a dependable and environmentally beneficial energy source in contrast to fossil fuels to deliver the necessary electricity for daily activities. Hence, from the 7th century B.C., people started using solar energy to generate solar electricity. 

Since the sun offers enough power to meet the world’s energy requirements, many people have switched to installing a solar system for home electricity to meet their daily needs. 

Solar electricity is generated by converting sunlight or sun rays into usable energy. It is used in house heating, solar water heaters, charging electronic devices, and much more.  

How Is Solar Energy Converted Into Solar Electricity? 

The electricity initially generated is in the form of a direct current. Since the direct current cannot be directly used, it needs conversion into an alternating current for usage. 

Solar inverters are inserted into the solar system and placed on the house’s rooftop to make this conversion. 

Solar energy, also known as the sun’s energy, is captured in the photovoltaic cells. The photons within the sun’s rays trigger the electrons inside the cell to produce solar energy electricity. 

The inverter turns the direct current electricity into 120 volts of alternating current. The alternating current is then fed into the bi-directional meter. Following this, solar electricity is supplied to run all appliances in the house. The additional energy is exported to DISCOM and imported, later on, whenever (and if) needed.   

Applications Of Using Sun Electricity

Solar electricity is useful for residential, industrial, and commercial purposes. The eight significant applications of solar electricity are as follows:

1. It is utilised in industrial settings for powering T.V. stations, power radios, and even aeroplane caution lights.
2. The solar system for home electricity warms the water needed for the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.
3. In remote areas, it is used to power water pumps.
4. Buyers can use it in buses, trolleys, and light railways for transit.
5. Fans, lights, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and other devices are all charged using solar electricity.
6. It can charge batteries for various purposes. 
7. It is helpful for outdoor lighting.
8. It helps charge watches and calculators. 

Advantages Of Using Sun Electricity 

Solar electricity is a renewable source of energy and has many benefits. With solar energy systems emerging as a new technology, many households rely on solar electricity for their day-to-day tasks. 

Many homemakers are switching to a sustainable energy medium or solar energy. The following are the advantages of using a solar system to generate solar electricity:

• It does not cause pollution since the solar panels do not emit harmful gases.
• It does not require high maintenance.
• It can last for over 25 years.
• The sun’s electricity reduces the electricity bills.
• Solar energy can also be stored for later use.
• The solar system for home electricity is simple to install in buildings or on home rooftops. 
• It has a safe operation.
• It never depletes like fossil fuels.
• It is cost-effective as only a one-time installation is required.
• It is much more efficient than traditional electric current supplies. 
• It helps combat climate change.

Disadvantages Of Using Solar Electricity 

Solar electricity is not prevalent compared to fossil fuel usage because it has some drawbacks that need solutions. 

The disadvantages of using solar electricity are as follows:

• Although a solar system used for generating solar electricity needs to be installed only once, it has a high installation cost. 
• The solar energy system requires a lot of space to accommodate. The solar photovoltaic cells, the glass, frame, junction box, inverters, electric panel, electric metre, and various other components need ample space to fit and generate solar electricity.
• Users in remote areas might need to install batteries to store extra solar energy, resulting in more expenditure. 
• Since solar electricity results from the sun’s energy, it is weather dependent. If the panels do not receive adequate sunlight, they will not produce sufficient solar electricity. 

Future Of Solar Electricity 

With many households running on solar electricity already, the usage is expected to increase. Besides, the solar energy models will become more efficient, consume less space, and provide adequate energy for residential needs with technological advancement. 

The energy producers are working consistently to reduce the overall cost of solar systems and increase their power generation efficiency.

• One effective way to improve energy efficiency is by adding hardware that can absorb more sun electricity. 
• Another way to tackle the situation is by layering the photovoltaic cells with other light-capturing materials to extract more energy.  

Solar systems are expensive for an average user. Although the returns are significant, energy producers are still constantly working to find cost-effective solutions. A decrease in the overall cost will make solar systems and solar electricity more popular.  

Nevertheless, people are still switching to using solar electricity for home since, any day, it is still much, much cheaper than traditional fossil-fuel-based electricity.

Conclusion 

Undeniably, solar electricity has many advantages for daily activities. The future of solar electricity for homes is bright since it’s cheaper, green, and clean. 

FAQs 

Q1. Is it possible to use solar electricity 24 hours a day?

Yes, you can use solar electricity for 24 hours and more. It is safe to use and does not malfunction. Besides, it supplies power continuously and does not cause emissions. 

Q2. Does installing solar panels for electricity cause roof damage? 

No, solar panels for electricity do not damage the roof in any way when installed by a qualified professional. 

Q3. Can I get solar electricity from the solar panels during the monsoon?

Yes, you can get solar electricity from the solar panels during the monsoon. However, the efficiency might be less than it is on sunny days.