Solar energy is not a newly discovered energy source. In fact, the theory of solar energy has been around since 1839;  that’s 185 years of renewable energy, and little did Edmond Becquerel (the French physicist who discovered solar energy) know just how popular it would be in the 21st century.  

He was experimenting with an electrolytic cell when he noticed that when the cell was exposed to light, it generated a higher electric voltage, which managed to lay the groundwork for solar energy.  

Fast forward 115  years and the first solar cell is developed, paving the way for everyday electrical equipment being powered through solar energy.  

Here, we’ll take a look at some facts about solar panels and how they work, so that your understanding of solar energy expands, allowing you as a business owner to make more informed and sustainable decisions.  

Solar panel facts

But enough about the history of solar energy. All we want to know is how sustainable this practice is and if there’s really any chance of saving money. If you’re interested in facts about solar panels and how they work, you’re in the right place.  

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic cells, also known as PV cells. Silicone is used to create solar panels because it is naturally photosensitive. The PV cells then absorb the sunlight’s energy, which causes electrons in the silicon to be loosened, resulting in a flow of electrical current.  

Multiple cells need to be used because one cell will only produce a small amount of energy. Solar panels are then connected together to further boost their power-generating capacity. Direct Current (DC) is produced by solar panels and is then converted into alternating current (AC) using an inverter, which then allows it to be used in residential and commercial settings.  

This process allows solar panels to harness energy from the sun, providing a clean, renewable source of power without emitting any pollutants.  

Popularity

Solar energy is becoming more popular by the day, especially with the growing need for sustainable energy due to rising energy costs and the government’s Net Zero initiative. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global solar capacity will quadruple by the year 2030.  

Drop in prices

And, naturally, as the popularity of solar energy grows, the price drops. In the last decade, the cost of installing solar panels has dropped by 82%. This is making investing in solar energy a lot more accessible.  

Low maintenance

Keeping your business’s solar panels maintained is a lot easier than people think and to ensure that costs are kept low, there are a few things you can do, such as:  

• Service your panels once a year

• Clean your panels regularly

• Remove debris from your panels

• Ensure the inverters  are flashing green

• Keep panels out of the shade

Common myths about solar panels

By addressing certain myths about solar panels, you’ll be learning more, too! Let’s take a look at more solar facts below by addressing solar panel myths.  

Myth 1 - Solar panels only work in the direct sunlight

There are a few common myths about solar panels, one commonly being that they only generate energy in the sun. This is not the case; all solar panels need is daylight. They do, however, tend to generate more energy in direct sunlight, with the sunlight being the optimal weather for panels, but this is not necessary.

Myth 2 - Solar panels damage your roof

You might think that installing solar panels on your business’s roof will damage it due to the weight, but this is not the case. In actual fact, your business’s roof will be more protected from damage and leaks by the solar panels.  

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that if your business’s roof does need to be repaired for any reason, try and do this before you have solar panels installed.  

Myth 3 - ROI period is too long

Many people assume that the return on investment with solar panels takes as long as 25 years. This is not the case, however, and depending on the type of business you run, you could start seeing a return on investment instantly.  

The amount you spend on installing your solar panels and the amount of energy you generate will depend on how long the ROI period will take.  

Myth 4 -  You can only operate your business in a warm climate

Similar to the myth of sunlight, some people assume that you can only operate your business in warm climates to reap the benefits of solar energy. But, as with the previous myth, you can still operate your business in a cold climate and benefit from solar energy.

The best way to look at it is to remember that solar panels need the sun’s light to generate sustainable energy, not its warmth.  

Operating in colder climates will mean that you’ll be spending a lot more money on heating and electricity in general. By using solar panels to generate energy, you’ll automatically offset these high tariffs.  

Myth 5 - You won’t have energy at night

As you know by now, solar panels can only produce energy when there is sunlight. This results in many people assuming that they won’t have access to energy at night time. But solar systems will produce enough energy throughout the day to keep your facility running at night.  

Myth 6 - Manufacturing solar panels is  environmentally unfriendly

Many people assume that manufacturing solar panels is dangerous for the environment, putting businesses off from investing in commercial solar.  

However, a study completed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory proves that when it comes to energy consumption compared to producing solar panels, the payback period can be as little as 4 years. This is specifically for crystalline-silicon PV systems.  

So, you’re now familiar with a few facts about solar panels and how they work, and if you’re ready to learn more about how you can invest in solar panels for your commercial business, be sure to contact our team of experts on 0333 880 0891.  

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