Solar energy is a sustainable, clean energy source that can help save resources by reducing environmental impact and decreasing pollution. In the United States, where solar energy is considered a renewable power source, solar panels are estimated to add $5 billion to the economy each year. Unfortunately, the cost of these technologies has been prohibitive until recently, with an initial investment that can exceed $20,000. Fortunately, the price of solar panels has dropped significantly in the last few years, and the return on investment has been dramatically reduced.
A solar panel is made up of several photovoltaic cells, which are essentially one-way doors for electricity. These cells are called active when they are exposed to light and passive when they are not. The photovoltaic properties of silicon have been known for more than 100 years, but it wasn’t until 1952 that Bell Labs invented the first silicon semiconductor diode. These rectifying diodes were used in a solar panel to convert light into electricity, making it possible to take power from the sun to use in homes and businesses. Since then, the panels have only gotten more efficient.
Solar energy has many applications for businesses and homeowners to utilize. Solar energy has been used in various areas, from heating water and swimming pools to cooking food on camping trips. As the world’s reliance on technology increases, solar energy is attractive because it provides a cleaner and more sustainable way to power electrical devices.
Large industrial companies now use photovoltaic panels to convert solar radiation into electricity. The electricity can power everything from drills and elevators in mines to running water pumps in water treatment plants. It allows mines, factories and other businesses that rely heavily on industrial equipment to save money by not purchasing expensive diesel or electric generators for their facilities.
Diesel fuel is used in many mines because it is portable, but it can be expensive to transport large amounts of diesel to remote locations like mines. The initial installation cost for solar energy is often high, but once the panels are installed, the point that they produce can be used for free. It allows mines and businesses alike to save money on their utility bills by reducing the amount of electricity from the grid.
Solar panels are also handy in water treatment plants. The plants typically use several pumps that run off expensive and potentially hazardous fuels such as gasoline, propane or diesel. Instead of using these fuels, some plants use solar panels as an alternative power source.
Solar Energy in Mining Operations
In the mining industry, one of the first companies to use solar energy was the Rio Tinto Aluminum Mines Corporation in 2006. The mine installed a 1.2 MW photovoltaic system that could generate more than 47 million kilowatt hours of energy annually and save almost $45,000 annually on electricity.
Mining equipment also generates a significant amount of waste heat. One way to reduce this waste heat would be to install solar panels in abandoned areas within the mine – but this is not practical because these areas are often unstable and challenging to access, making them dangerous for anyone who does go inside. A new and more practical solution is to use solar panels to power mining equipment. One such application is a solar thermal power station that uses concentrated solar energy to produce steam for the mining industry.
Solar energy can also be used for other purposes within the mining industry. For example, using a solar array at an abandoned mine would reduce corrosion, contributing to less downtime from accidents and maintenance issues. Alternatively, using photovoltaic panels as roofing systems would increase energy efficiency and save on roofing material costs by using light from the sun to heat water that runs through pipes in the roof.
Homeowners also have numerous applications for photovoltaic panels within their homes. Since photovoltaics convert light energy into electricity, they can power everything from a television to an oven.
Homeowners have used solar energy for decades. While a solar-powered home requires an initial investment, its savings on utility bills may be more than enough to pay it off. For example, homeowners in sunny climates can use solar photovoltaic panels to generate their electricity needs. In California, the cost of using solar power is less than half that of using grid electricity.
Homeowners not living in sunny climates may also consider using a solar panel system. Even though it may not be possible to generate enough energy during the year to power the home, solar panels may still be helpful. Systems that use photovoltaic panels can also be used with other power sources, such as diesel generators.
Using solar panels is a great way to save money on utility bills and reduce the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Solar arrays are increasingly being used in homes and businesses worldwide, and they will become even more popular as their cost decreases.
Powering Equipment and Reducing Environmental Footprint
One of the significant benefits of solar power is that it can power various electrical devices, including lighting, appliances and small motors. It is essential in mines. During large-scale mining operations, miners use heavy machinery that can run on diesel or electric generators. However, mining equipment generates significant waste heat because it is powered by a three-phase alternating current (AC). These machines will also create a lot of noise when running, so it may be difficult for miners to use them in close proximity to other miners. To overcome this issue, the mine operators may consider installing solar panels as an energy source for their equipment and reduce or eliminate the use of diesel generators.
Mining equipment also generates a significant amount of waste heat. One way to reduce this waste heat would be to install solar panels in abandoned areas within the mine – but this is not practical because these areas are often unstable and challenging to access, making them dangerous for anyone who does go inside. A new and more practical solution is to use solar panels to power mining equipment. One such application is a solar thermal power station that uses concentrated solar energy to produce steam for the mining industry.
Solar energy can also be used for other purposes within the mining industry. For example, using a solar array at an abandoned mine would reduce corrosion, contributing to less downtime from accidents and maintenance issues.
Another drawback of these panels is that they are made from materials such as silicon, typically derived from non-renewable sources. That’s why solar power has never been viral in cloudy areas like Seattle, which are more expensive than sunny locations like Louisiana and New Mexico.
However, solar energy has several drawbacks that are being worked on by researchers worldwide. For example, researchers have developed solar cells that are more durable while also being cheaper to produce. Researchers are using photovoltaic technology to create a solar panel made of hybrid material to produce boards that have similar efficiency as standard silicon panels but at a much lower cost.
As more people become familiar with photovoltaic technology, they will begin to utilize it in ways that would not be possible using the technology today. For example, photovoltaic panels could power lights and small appliances around an office building or large factory. At first, these solar arrays will only be able to provide enough energy for critical systems such as fire safety and building security systems. However, once the cost of these systems falls below the price of using the grid, it will be possible for them to be used in a variety of applications.
Some advantages to solar power are not apparent at first glance. Solar power has several uses and can even produce energy for free on sunny days. These benefits make solar panels necessary within the home, office and industrial setting and in developing nations where people have few other options to use renewable energy sources.