Solar energy is a resource that has now gone global. It has acceptance all around the world. Companies from all over the world are discovering the advantages and long-term cost-effectiveness of switching over to a partially or fully solar-powered electrical system. However, it is important to know what it is you’re dealing with and how they actually generate the electricity for your home or business. Many are not aware that solar energy is able to be broken down into two main categories. There is passive solar energy and active solar energy.
Passive Solar Energy
Passive solar energy is exactly as it sounds. It is the absorption of heat and light without the effect of an outside source. An example would be when the side of a house heats up from being in direct sunlight all day. All forms of solar energy systems are based on the idea of passive solar energy. The solar panels that you commonly see installed, make the most use of this passive energy. Where they are mounted, they consistently stay in the sunlight and absorb direct sun rays throughout the day without needing any outside actions from the owner. However, once you transmit this into an electrical system, then it would no longer be referred to as passive solar energy.
Active Solar Energy
Active solar energy is the procedure of transmitting passive solar energy into a system that will absorb and transform the energy into electricity or heat. Basically, this is the whole point of harnessing solar energy. Unlike passive solar energy, active solar energy is broken down into two main systems. They are photovoltaic and thermal.
Photovoltaics is the electrical component that will transmit power to the home. Most solar panels are made with photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV systems have become the cheapest source of electrical power in regions with high solar potential. Panel prices have dropped dramatically within the decade. However, the use of PV as a main source requires energy storage systems or global distribution by high-voltage direct-current power lines causing additional costs.
A photovoltaic system employs solar modules, each comprising a number of solar cells, which generate electrical power. PV installations may be ground-mounted, rooftop mounted, wall-mounted, or even floating.
Solar thermal is a form of energy and technology for harnessing solar energy to generate thermal energy for use in industry, and in the residential and commercial sectors. It involves transforming solar energy into an electrical force that will generate heat. This heat would then be used to keep a pool warm for example.
Two categories include Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) for fulfilling heat requirements in industries, and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) when the heat collected is used for power generation. CST and CSP are not replaceable in terms of application.
Net 0 Solar Energy
If you are looking for a team of professionals to install solar panels into your business or home, then contact Net 0 Energy today!
As the best solar company in South Florida, Net 0 Energy Homes employs a highly experienced team of expert solar panel installers of domestic and commercial solar panel (PV) systems across South Florida, including West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Florida Keys, and the Bahamas.
We also provide and install radiant barrier attack shield, quality insulation, solar water heaters, solar pool heaters, and a myriad of other amazing products to keep your home’s heating and cooling costs as low as modern science will allow. Contact now for a consult on how solar can work for you.
Net 0 Zero Energy solar electricity systems are made of high-quality US manufactured modules of top tier quality. While our solar water heating systems are manufactured by Solar Development Incorporated, Florida’s oldest solar manufacturer located in Palm Beach County since 1974.