Photo by Ryan Osterling
Solar technologies have increasingly progressed over time. It’s not just about harnessing solar energy using panels. Discover what they are and how each plays a role in long-term conservation and renewable energy usage.
The emergence of solar technologies significantly improved our access to clean energy. Because the sun is an infinite ball of powerful resources, there’s so much we can utilize it. Residential, commercial, and industrial settings are beginning to tap into the efficiency of solar energy. Its appeal is mainly credited to its known benefits like low energy costs, sustainability, and potential for energy independence.
The good thing about the advancement of solar technologies is that companies like Axiom 360 offer the best solar battery backup installation in Santa Barbara. Our well-trained and certified installers are the most outstanding in their field, so that you wouldn’t settle for anything less. Nothing beats our 360 experience in making customers more aware and convinced of solar technologies’ benefits to each home and business establishment.
Talk with any of the Axiom 360 Team today to learn more about our fantastic services and how our new approach to renewable energy influences how we cater to customer needs.
Types of solar technologies
Because of our growing need for more ways to generate and store solar energy, further research and development were put to use in creating and improving certain solar technologies. Check these examples, how they function and what they entail for the future.
1 – Photovoltaic Energy
Also known as “PV Energy,” it’s one of those solar technologies that convert photons (light) into electricity, which is called the “photovoltaic effect.” It was initially discovered by scientists in 1954 and was eventually used to power space satellites, including small items like calculators and wristwatches. Today, photovoltaic energy is used on larger scales, like powering an electric grid.
Here are some devices that utilize photovoltaic energy:
- Silicon Solar Cells – This is the most widely used material for making solar cells, proven efficient and reasonably priced. They’re typically assembled in modules and installed on the roof of residential homes, commercial buildings, and ground-mounted racks.
- Thin-Film Solar Cells – Made from thin layers of semiconducting materials (cadmium telluride or copper indium gallium diselenide), thin-film solar cells are composed of layers that are micrometers thin. They’re also flexible and lightweight, making them portable and malleable.
2 – Passive Solar Energy
A building with integrated passive solar technologies collects heat from the sun, storing thermal mass in insulating materials. Passive solar heating also releases heat energy when the sun isn’t there, particularly at night. A notable trait of passive solar energy systems is that they must face a particular direction, depending on the location and weather conditions where the designs will be installed.
3 – Solar Water Heating
Today’s solar technologies involve electric supplication and heating water, which is crucial for homes and businesses. It’s compatible with any climate, effectively reducing electricity bills. The solar collector, insulated piping, and hot water tank make up the solar water heating system. The collection mode is also the same as photovoltaic energy systems, but they’re still different solar technologies.
4 – Solar Process Heating
This is one of those solar technologies used in commercial and industrial settings. Solar process heating systems are used primarily for space, water, ventilation, and heating. Space cooling is also part of the process. Let’s define their functions and how these solar technologies utilize the sun’s energy.
- Space Heating – Industrial buildings need to retain good indoor air quality, thus needing sufficient ventilation. In this case, solar energy preheats the air, saving many resources. Space Heating systems utilize a transpired collector, a thin black metal panel with small holes.
- Water Heating – This system mainly uses ample hot water for non-residential buildings. Solar collectors use a pump, heat exchanger, and varied storage tanks. An evacuated tube collector and linear concentrator also play a role in efficiently collecting solar energy and can still operate at extreme temperatures.
- Space Cooling – Thermally Activated Cooling Systems (TACS) operate using solar energy. However, TACS isn’t used much due to its expensive initial costs. It is also categorized into two subtypes, which are the following: solar absorption systems and solar desiccant systems. Solar absorption systems work with thermal energy, evaporating refrigerant liquid which helps cool the air. Solar desiccants use the same thermal energy but for renewing drying agents, which still achieves the same cooling results.
Solar technologies aren’t just limited to absorbing sunlight and converting them into energy that can light up a small bulb. It has become a plethora of innovative technologies that will vastly aid every home and industry, creating a sustainable future. And to make yours happen, Axiom 360 will gladly be with you every step of the way.
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