How Does Solar Work?
How does Solar Energy Work?
Solar energy is the most abundant form of energy on the planet. At any given time, over 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the earth, which is more than 10,000 times the world's entire energy needs. Solar panels capture the sun's energy and use it to generate electricity. When sunlight strikes solar panels, it is absorbed by photovoltaic cells in the panels.
A solar panel's components aren't as complicated as it is believed. In the late 1800s, some of the first solar panels were constructed. The photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight are the most significant component of solar panels. Each photovoltaic cell is housed within a larger silicon cell that is protected from the elements by glass and metal. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the glass that covers the silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells to enable the panels to gather as much sunlight as possible and create the most electricity feasible.
Following are the steps that explain how solar energy works.
Sunlight Strikes the Solar Panels
As explained earlier that a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, and a glass casing wrapped by a specific coating and wiring make up each individual panel. The panels are joined together in "arrays" (an ordered series) and placed on rooftops or in big outdoor settings for maximum effect. During daylight hours, the solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, absorb sunlight.
Solar Panels Produce Electricity
A thin semiconductor wafer comprised of two layers of silicon is contained within each solar cell. An electric field is formed when one layer is positively charged and the other is negatively charged. When light energy from the sun strikes a photovoltaic solar cell, it energizes the cell and causes electrons to ‘come loose’ from atoms within the semiconductor wafer. The electric field surrounding the wafer causes those unbound electrons to move, resulting in an electrical current.
Conversion of Produced Electricity
As we all know, solar panels efficiently convert sunshine into electricity, but the electricity created is called direct current (DC) electricity, which is different from the alternating current (AC) electricity that lights most homes. Fortunately, a device known as an inverter can quickly convert DC current to AC electricity. These inverters can be arranged as a single inverter for the entire system or as separate micro-inverters installed behind the panels in newer solar systems.
Powering Home from Converted Electricity
After the solar energy is converted from DC to AC, it passes through an electrical panel and is dispersed throughout the house to power equipment. Nothing in the home needs to alter because it operates just like the electrical power generated by the electric utility company through the grid.
Installation of Net Solar Meter
Solar panels may not be able to capture enough sunlight to utilize for electricity on cloudy days or overnight; conversely, when no one is home during the day, they may collect surplus energy, more than we need to power our homes. That's why a meter is used to track the flow of power both to and from your home. Utility providers frequently offer credits for any excess power we return to the grid. This is referred to as net metering.
Why It Illinois Is A Good Place To Utilize Solar Energy?
Illinois is an excellent place for solar installation. Illinois is a growing solar market that has benefited from a strong renewable portfolio standard that requires the state to generate 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. Over the next five years, the amount of solar capacity installed in Illinois is expected to increase by more than 1,700%.
Net metering, the federal tax credit, and the solar renewable energy credit program all work together to make going solar a viable and appealing option for residents of Illinois.
After claiming the federal solar tax credit of 26%, the average cost of an installed residential solar system in Illinois is currently $11,397. This works out to $2.57 per watt. However, there is some variation in solar prices across the state.
Following given below are the Incentives, Tax Credits, and Solar Rebates in Illinois.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal tax credit of 26 percent is available for purchased home solar systems installed by December 31, 2022.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Compensation is provided per kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced by the home solar system.
Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Low-Income Community Solar Programs
In Illinois, eligible low-income homeowners can obtain solar panels for free.
