Newbie Handbook for DIY Solar Projects - Jesse Wilson - Bog

By "solar power," we imply the formation of electricity or thermal energy from the sun's beams. Solar energy, which utilizes the sun's rays to produce electricity or heat, is a pure and reliable source of energy. Solar power is generated using solar panels or solar thermal collectors to capture the sun's radiant energy.
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are installed to harness the energy of the sun. In these panels, semiconducting materials, such as silicon, absorb photons from the sun and release electrons to generate electricity. Solar panels can either provide immediate power to electronic devices or reserve excess energy in batteries for later use.
On the other hand, solar thermal systems can be utilized to heat a building or generate energy. The vast majority of solar thermal systems employ mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, which then uses the heat from the concentrated beams to power an electrical generator.
The heat can either be utilized directly to preheat water or a structure, or it can be converted into steam to power a turbine.
Due to the absence of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution during operation, solar power is considered a sustainable and pure energy source.
It is beneficial for reducing the use of fossil fuels, which helps reduce global warming. Rooftops, solar farms, and even space-based solar power stations are all viable locations for installing solar energy systems.