How does solar energy work and why is it environmentally friendly
Solar energy is widely regarded as an eco-friendly solution in the context of the energy transition. But is it really so? We will explore this question in this article.
Solar panels can directly convert sunlight into electricity. This form of energy generation is particularly interesting because it does not require engines or moving parts, unlike wind turbines. This has specific advantages, which we will discuss in later sections.
Solar panels work by directly interacting with sunlight on the photovoltaic cells. The semiconductor material in the cells releases electrons, which generate an electric current. These systems are low-maintenance, do not require environmentally harmful lubricants or other operating fluids, and can largely be recycled depending on the design.
We will discuss the basics of solar energy and how it works, as well as the process of energy conversion that turns sunlight into electricity. Next, we will examine the environmental benefits of solar energy, such as the reduction of greenhouse gases, and its sustainability. We will also address why solar energy is the best choice. Finally, we will present successful examples of eco-friendly solar energy applications. Join us as we delve into the world of solar energy.
Basics of Solar Energy: How Does It Work?
The photovoltaic effect is the foundation of solar energy. Light is directly converted into electrical current. Therefore, the question of how solar energy works is easy to answer. The benefit for the customer is that by purchasing solar panels, they have a product that is durable, relatively low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and provides significant cost savings.
The Energy Conversion Process: From Sunlight to Electricity
As mentioned earlier, the solar cell converts incoming sunlight into electricity. This electricity is direct current (DC), which we do not typically use in households. Therefore, solar systems include an inverter. This inverter can convert DC into alternating current (AC), which can then be used in the household or fed into the electrical grid.
A typical rooftop solar installation consists of several solar panels and an inverter. Particularly efficient systems have a micro-inverter attached to each solar panel. This has the advantage of better handling shading.
Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy: Reduction of Greenhouse Gases
The sustainability of solar energy in the field of renewable energies is indisputable. Compared to fossil fuels such as lignite, hard coal, and natural gas, CO2 emissions are very low and mainly associated with the production of the panels. Here is a comparison of CO2 emissions from different energy sources in grams per kWh (Source: Umweltbundesamt: Emissionsbilanz erneuerbare Energieträger 2021).
| Wind Energy (Offshore) | Wind Energy (Onshore) | Hydropower | Solar | Natural Gas | Hard Coal | Lignite | Nuclear Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.66 | 17.69 | 24.62 | 56.55 | 247.24 | 380.56 | 412.62 | 18.27 |
Sustainability and Renewable Energy: Why Solar Energy Is the Best Choice
Solar energy has many advantages compared to other energy generation options. Among other things, it is often the only way for private individuals to generate their own electricity. Sites for wind turbines are limited due to legal regulations, and the same applies to hydropower. Additionally, these installations come with very high costs that are unaffordable for private individuals. Since 2010, the price of solar panels has decreased by about 90%, making them affordable for everyone and allowing them to pay off within a few years due to high energy costs. The installation of solar panels is also made easy by the government, making small installations, such as so-called balcony power plants, worthwhile even for tenants.
Examples of Eco-Friendly Applications of Solar Energy
There are now countless examples of successful solar panel installations. The Neuhardenberg Solar Park, the largest solar park in Germany, produces about 175 MW of electricity. This amount is sufficient to power approximately 50,000 households.
However, not only large installations document the success of solar energy. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) runs support programs like the "Renewable Energy - Standard (270)" program, offering low-interest loans for solar installations. This includes small installations, such as balcony power plants, consisting of one or two panels with a total capacity of 800 watts. Since the inception of these programs, many thousands of such small systems have been installed, contributing significantly to environmental protection globally and providing users with a good way to reduce their energy costs.