A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is the power derived from the sun’s radiation, which is then converted into electricity or heat. It is harnessed using technologies like solar panels  that convert sunlight into electricity, or solar thermal systems that capture heat for various uses. As a clean and renewable resource, solar energy plays a key role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s widely used for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Importance

Solar energy is one of the most popular types of renewable energy used by many countries and companies worldwide today. It offers a lower-cost and more sustainable option compared to fossil fuels, which is why it’s being adopted in many different places. But that isn’t the only benefit that this energy source offers. Below are a few reasons why solar energy is important and how it can help organizations looking to shift towards more sustainable practices:

Sustainability

Solar energy is a renewable resource, which means organizations can rely on it indefinitely without depleting natural reserves. By investing in solar, companies support long-term environmental goals and reduce dependence on finite fossil fuels. This contributes to corporate social responsibility and strengthens an organization’s sustainability credentials.

Reduced Emissions

Solar energy systems produce electricity without burning fossil fuels, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Organizations that adopt solar power help combat climate change by lowering their carbon footprint. This shift to cleaner energy can improve public perception and meet regulatory requirements for environmental compliance.

Lower Costs

Another benefit of investing in solar energy infrastructure is its lower operational cost in the long run. While the initial cost of solar energy used to be very high, it has fallen by around 40% in recent years, making the technology more accessible for companies worldwide. On top of that, solar energy itself is significantly more affordable compared to other energy options, costing an average of $29 to $96 per megawatt hour (MWh). This makes it significantly lower than the $39–$101 per MWh for natural gas.

This is also why major countries like China, Germany, and Japan have made major investments in solar energy recently. Different companies around the world have also followed suit. An example of this is Schindler, who has also started shifting towards more sustainable and affordable energy sources, with solar energy taking the lead.

How Solar Energy Works

Solar energy works by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells typically made of semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites electrons, generating an electric current.

This generated electricity can then be used to power devices, stored in batteries, or fed into the electrical grid for later use. To harness solar power, all companies need are the panels with PV cells and the infrastructure to convert sunlight into electricity.

Challenges in Solar Energy

While solar energy offers various benefits to society and to companies that switch to solar as one of their main energy sources, there are still some challenges to fully adopting the technology. Here are some of the biggest challenges companies today face when it comes to solar energy:

Intermittency Issues

To start, solar energy is dependent on sunlight, which means power generation fluctuates based on weather conditions and time of day. On cloudy days or at night, solar panels produce little to no electricity. This intermittency creates challenges for maintaining a consistent energy supply without backup systems or storage solutions.

Initial Cost

Another reason companies may be hesitant about solar power is that upfront costs for installing solar panels, inverters, and other necessary equipment can be intimidating. Though the long-term savings are significant, the initial investment is often a barrier for organizations and individuals. Financing options and government incentives can help mitigate these costs, but theses aren’t always accessible for all companies.

Space Requirements

Solar panels require considerable surface area to generate large amounts of power, making them challenging for organizations with limited roof or land space. Large-scale installations, such as solar farms, can take up valuable land that could otherwise be used for agriculture or development. Integrating solar panels into building designs, like using solar roof tiles, helps address this issue, but is still not widely adopted.

How Technology Can Help with the Challenges of Solar Energy

Technology plays a crucial role in overcoming the challenging nature of solar energy. Advanced solar panel designs, such as bifacial panels, capture sunlight from both sides, improving energy output even on cloudy days. Additionally, cutting-edge energy storage systems, like lithium-ion batteries, allow excess solar power to be stored and used during nighttime or periods of low sunlight, ensuring a continuous energy supply.

Smart grid technology also addresses the challenge of integrating solar energy into existing power networks. These grids use real-time data and artificial intelligence to balance supply and demand, making solar power more reliable and stable. Moreover, technological innovations in solar tracking systems help optimize panel positioning to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, boosting efficiency.

Using digital asset tracking and management solutions also helps keep track of possible changes and issues in solar panel use. This type of technology ensures that all panels are properly maintained, problems are reported and addressed in a timely manner, and all quality standards of work and efficiency are met. A digital solution that comes with various checklists for everything from solar site surveys, all the way to maintenance checklists for solar panel maintenance, can also greatly improve operational efficiency, as it enables teams to consistently cover all bases when managing solar infrastructure.