What is solar energy?
What is solar energy? It is the energy that comes from the Sun and is one of the main energies that our planet feeds on. Directly we ourselves are the direct beneficiaries of this clean, renewable, reusable energy, and now available to all.
If there is one thing that we are certain of, it is that every morning when we wake up, the sun will rise out our window and begin a new day. The star in our system has been our main source of energy for billions of years, and will therefore continue to be so for much longer.
The Sun is closer than ever
This energy has positioned itself as the main source of inexhaustible renewable energy, and is on its way to becoming the main form of energy in the very near future.
In the last decade, the cost of solar installations has been reduced considerably, which has allowed many “individuals” to use this energy in their own homes and, consequently, save a significant amount of money on electricity bills.
Solar energy in Spain
Investing in solar energy in Spain is one of the best options in terms of efficiency and utility, but above all in terms of savings. We have to keep in mind that Spain is one of the countries where there is the most hours of sunlight on the European continent.
At the beginning of the century, Spain was one of the countries in the world that produced the most photovoltaic solar energy. Because of our geographical advantage in Europe, we can become the main source of energy supply in the entire continent.
The main types of solar energy
There are several types of energy depending on how you want to use it.
- Solar thermal energy: It consists of taking advantage of sunlight to produce heat and mainly to heat water. It is used for domestic consumption, domestic hot water, heating, etc.
- Photovoltaic solar energy: It is used from the sun and is captured through solar panels. It is used for various purposes, such as swimming pools, lights, heaters, etc.
- Solar wind energy: Transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.
- Concentrated solar thermal energy: It consists of the use of mirrors or lenses to be able to concentrate the maximum amount of light on a small surface and generate energy.
We are going to focus on the first two types of energy, which are those that can be produced through solar panels.
Solar Thermal Energy
As we have said before, energy from the sun is used to be able to heat water for domestic use, to produce mechanical energy and, through it, to produce electrical energy.
Did you know that it is also used to produce cold? It can power absorption cooling machines. These machines use heat instead of electricity to produce cold. It is used to condition the air in closed rooms.
There are three types of collectors: low, medium and high. Low-energy plates are flat, low-energy plates that are used to heat water. Medium-temperature collectors are also flat plates that are used to heat water or air for residential and commercial uses.
Photovoltaic Solar Energy
It is the most widespread energy for the production of electricity in the whole world. Its production through solar panels makes it possible for everyone to enjoy this energy, whether in private homes, or in large photovoltaic plants for industrial use.
Photovoltaic solar energy is produced with silicon photovoltaic cells found in solar panels. This energy is intended directly for consumption, can be stored in batteries or goes to the electricity grid.
At CuescaSolar we work with photovoltaic solar energy. We make all types of solar installations throughout the country. We carried out a preliminary study at the installation site in order to recommend the best solar kit for your installation.
